Seventy percent of patients receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer experience the side-effects of nausea and vomiting. Evidence from a few studies suggests that ginger can be beneficial in reducing the severity and duration of nausea associated with chemotherapy. Standard drugs administered for the side effects of nausea and vomiting are more effective in controlling the symptom of vomiting than that of nausea. The use of ginger for post-chemotherapy nausea as well as anticipatory pre-chemotherapy nausea was recently tested in a clinical trial and demonstrated significant results in being effective in reducing the symptom of nausea. 644 study participants took ginger caps (1- 1.5 grams) for three days before and three days after chemotherapy. No side effects from ginger were noted, and side effects from chemotherapy were reduced.

Earlier studies on ginger found the root to be effective in the treatment of nausea related to seasickness, motion sickness, and morning sickness associated with pregnancy. Ginger has been traditionally used in the treatment of nausea in cultures all over the world and I know from my work as a naturopathic physician and midwife that this herbal medicine is an excellent anti-nausea agent. It can be used with young and old, during pregnancy, and in the breastfeeding period. The root of the ginger plant can be prepared as a tea, a dry powder, capsules, or as a liquid extract. A little trick I do with ginger for children who suffer from motion sickness is to mix 5mls of organic Ginger Root liquid extract into a one ounce dropper bottle filled with water. I suggest using 2-5 drops directly into the mouth, this dilution is pleasant tasting but not too pungent to be overwhelming.

Ginger is one of the most widely consumed aromatic spices in the world, used in cooking and as a main ingredient in many traditional medicines especially in India and China. Known for its warming, aromatic, spasmolytic, carminative qualities on the digestive system it has traditionally been used for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia and colic. The root is high in vitamins and minerals including, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium, can be stimulating to a sluggish digestion, and is known to help modulate a healthy inflammatory response.

Ginger and her cousin Turmeric are members of the zingiberaceae family and in combination act as anti-inflammatory agents and anti-oxidants. This combination can be beneficial in reducing inflammation, pain and discomfort in the digestive system, joints and connective tissues of the body. Together, ginger and turmeric are designed to encourage a healthy immune and inflammatory response while supplying the body with vast amounts of free-radical quenching anti-oxidants.

Given the safety of ginger, many people find it a welcome alternative to many conventional prescription and nonprescription medicines that decrease nausea but may also cause unwanted side effects, such as dry mouth and drowsiness.