Chemotherapy is a common treatment for many different types of cancers, but it can cause side effects that include nausea and vomiting. In fact, up to 70 percent of individuals receiving chemotherapy experience nausea and vomiting, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Anti-emetics -- drugs to prevent vomiting -- are usually prescribed, but taking ginger can help further reduce feelings of nausea for some people. Before using ginger before chemotherapy, talk with your treatment team to see if this is an appropriate and safe herb for you to try.
Step 1
Consume a ginger supplement three days before your chemotherapy and continue to take the supplement for three days after your treatment. According to a study done at the University of Rochester Medical Center, patients who took either 0.5 g, 1.0 g or 1.5 g along with anti-emetic drugs had less nausea than those who took a placebo -- in some cases, up to 40 percent less nausea.
Step 2
Take 2 to 4 g of fresh ginger root daily, or 0.25 to 1.0 g of powdered root, recommends the University of Maryland. This has shown to be effective in reducing nausea. You can also take 30 to 90 drops of ginger liquid extract daily.
Step 3
Swallow two ginger capsules three times daily to prevent vomiting, suggests the University of Maryland. This can also be taken as 1 g of powdered ginger, which is a 1/2 teaspoon, every four hours, not exceeding four doses daily. Chewing on a 1/4-oz. piece of ginger, if you can tolerate it, is another option to prevent vomiting.
Tips and Warnings
- Ginger ale can also help settle your stomach before, during and after chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society adds that eating a small snack at least an hour before chemotherapy may help reduce nausea, rather than getting treatments on an empty stomach. Take the anti-emetic drug that has been prescribed for you; this will help reduce vomiting.
- Before using ginger before chemotherapy, ask your oncologist if this is safe for you to use, and what dosage the doctor suggests. The University of Maryland states that more studies need to be done on ginger and nausea from chemotherapy to establish safety.
Member Comments