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Nutrition and daily life

Ginger: warm support against nausea

Ginger is one of the most studied plants for nausea. During treatment a warm ginger infusion brings some people relief. This section covers its benefits and cautions.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Ginger, warm support
Figure 1.Ginger, warm support.

01Short answer

Ginger infusion is a warm, spicy, caffeine-free drink. Studies suggest ginger may slightly reduce chemotherapy-related nausea, but results are mixed and it does not replace anti-sickness medicines. High-dose capsules can affect blood clotting; if your platelets are low, talk to your doctor. Peel and rinse fresh root and brew it in boiling water.

02Simple explanation

Ginger has been studied for nausea.

It does not replace medicines.

Capsules carry a bleeding risk.

Peel and simmer the root.

03Scientific explanation

NCCIH: ginger may help chemotherapy nausea slightly, with mixed evidence; high doses may affect clotting.

NCI: there is no evidence that herbal infusions treat leukemia.

MSK: herbal products can affect how the liver breaks down medicines, so tell your oncologist.

04What happens in the body?

Nausea

Sip warm ginger infusion slowly, together with the medicines your doctor prescribed.

Ginger slices simmering in a small pot.
Figure 2.Ginger slices simmering.

Fresh root

Wash, peel and thinly slice the root and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Throw away root with mould or soft spots.

A cup of ginger beside a pill organiser.
Figure 3.With medicine, not instead of it.

Safe brewing

Sealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.

With medicines

1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

05Brewing: four steps

Sealed bag, swap market herbs, boiling water, drink hot.

Sealed bag — Factory-made.1Sealed bagFactory-made.
Not loose — A bag instead.2Not looseA bag instead.
Boiling water — Covered.3Boiling waterCovered.
Drink soon — Do not keep.4Drink soonDo not keep.
ComfortA warm drink.
FluidsThrough the day.
SafetyBoiling water.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
NauseaSip warm ginger infusion slowly, together with the medicines your doctor prescribed.
Fresh rootWash, peel and thinly slice the root and simmer for 5–10 minutes. Throw away root with mould or soft spots.
Safe brewingSealed bag, freshly boiled water, 5 minutes covered, drink hot. Do not drink an infusion that has stood for hours.
With medicines1–2 cups of a mild infusion a day usually cause no problems; capsules and extracts only with your doctor.

07Key terms

Gingerol
The compound that gives ginger its heat.
Platelets
Cells that help blood clot.
Infusion
A herb steeped in boiling water.
Extract
A concentrated plant substance.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Ginger may ease nausea.
  • It does not replace medicines.
  • No capsules if platelets are low.
  • Sealed bag and boiling water.
  • Capsules only with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I take ginger capsules?

Only with your doctor, especially with low platelets or blood thinners.

What if I have mouth sores?

The heat can hurt; choose a mild infusion.

Does this infusion treat leukemia?

No. It is a warm, pleasant drink, not a treatment.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I take ginger capsules?

  2. What if I have mouth sores?

  3. Does this infusion treat leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Ginger
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Herbs at a Glance
  3. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Diet Guidelines for Immunosuppressed Patients
  5. National Cancer Institute. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  6. MedlinePlus. Herbal Medicine
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Minerals
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Iron
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Potassium
  10. NHS. Vitamins and minerals: Iron
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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