Ginger, the fibrous rhizome of a tropical herb, has been used in China as a food and medicine for almost 2,500 years. It is native to China but is now cultivated elsewhere. Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to treat cancer. People who undergo chemotherapy often experience diarrhea. Studies have found that eating a little ginger can be helpful in reducing diarrhea caused by chemotherapy. If you want to use ginger, talk to your doctor first.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Ginger has been used for decades to treat nausea and vomiting. Ginger's anti-nausea effects are largely due to its high content of antiemetic compounds. People who undergo chemotherapy often experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Ginger has been touted for its ability to reduce diarrhea in people undergoing chemotherapy for a variety of cancers.
Ginger and Diarrhea
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs can cause serious side effects. Diarrhea is a principle side effect of chemotherapy. According to Julie L. Ryan, Ph.D., an assistant professor of dermatology and radiation oncology at Rochester's James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, ginger may be effectively used to treat post-chemotherapy diarrhea. More research is needed in this area.
Other Medicinal Uses
Ginger has been used for centuries in remedies to treat digestive problems. Scientists are looking at whether ginger can be a solution to relieve chronic pain of arthritis and allied conditions. Research indicates that ginger might be useful to block the formation of unwanted blood clots in the heart by inhibiting platelet aggregation, suggesting it could be used to fight heart disease.
Drug Interactions
Ginger interferes with the ability of platelets to stick together. This may prolong clotting time and increase the risk of harmful bleeding. Therefore, people who use blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin should not consume ginger in large doses.
References
- "Chemotherapy & Radiation (Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Survivor's Guide)"; Judith McKay and Nancee Hirano; Jan. 1998
- "University of Michigan Health System"; Ginger Causes Ovarian Cancer Cells to Die, U-M Researchers Find; Nicole Fawcett; April 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginger; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; November 2008
