Several supplements, including some herbal supplements, appear to help get rid of nausea. However, not all of these have enough scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness. Nonetheless, supplements such as ginger and peppermint show enough observational evidence for nausea control to make them worth trying. Of course, you should ask your doctor about the right supplements for you before taking. In fact , some supplements such as iron tablets or fish oil capsule can even trigger nausea.
Ginger
Traditional and alternative medicine has long featured use of ginger in teas and treatments to combat nausea. The government's MedlinePlus website rates ginger and ginger supplements as possibly effective for motion sickness, dizziness and post-operative nausea. Pregnant women suffering morning sickness may also find that ginger supplements lessen their nausea. Always speak to your midwife or doctor before taking supplements when pregnant. Some evidence also points to ginger's effectiveness at reducing nausea symptoms triggered by chemotherapy. In 2009, scientists at the University of Rochester found that chemotherapy patients who took ginger reported 40 percent less nausea symptoms.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6 supplements may help alleviate feelings of morning sickness and general nausea in pregnant women. One 2003 report reviewing 28 different studies on nausea and sickness in pregnant women found that taking 30 mg of B6 daily appeared to lower morning sickness symptoms. However, according to Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D. at the University of Maryland Medical Center, other B-6 studies found no link to reduced nausea. Speak with your doctor before taking this type of supplement.
Peppermint and Chamomile
Though often taken in the form of herbal tea, peppermint and chamomile may help to soothe the gut and reduce nausea. Peppermint in particular appears to help in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, both of which often trigger nausea in sufferers. Health food stores may sell peppermint oil in small capsules. A type of chamomile called Roman chamomile may have some use as a supplement to lower nausea. However, according to MedlinePlus not enough scientific evidence exists as of June 2011 to confirm its effectiveness.
Considerations
People often react in different ways to different supplements. For example, you may not like the taste of ginger. In some people prone to stomach bleeding or ulcers ginger may cause discomfort. Similarly, peppermint may not work for everyone. Experiment with different supplements until you find the one that lowers your nausea most effectively. As with all supplements, if you have an existing gastro-intestinal problem, heart condition or any other medical issue, speak with your doctor before proceeding.
References
- MedlinePlus; Ginger; March 5, 2011
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Ginger Quells Cancer Patients' Nausea From Chemotherapy; May 15, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 18, 2009
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Interventions for Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy; D. Jewell; 2003
- MedlinePlus; Roman Chamomile; Nov. 19, 2010
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