Ginger for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
Although early studies were negative, Dr. Brent Bauer at the Mayo Clinic summarized 2 studies that support its use.
Here’s what we know.
- Participants took ginger by mouth for 3 days prior to starting chemotherapy.
- Ginger was taken in addition to a standard medication prescribed to reduce nausea and vomiting.
- A small number of participants reported side effects: heartburn, bruising, flushing, and rash.
- In another study, ginger root powder reduced the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea in children and young adults ages 8 to 21.
- Ginger in this study was also given along with standard anti-nausea medications.
The bottom line?
Dr. Bauer concluded, “Many prescription drugs have been proved effective at controlling nausea during and after chemotherapy. Ask your doctor if combining ginger and anti-nausea medications might be right for you.”
9/18/11 19:15 JR