Ginger has been prized for centuries for its ability to counteract nausea. A recent study in cancer patients shows that ginger’s anti-nausea activity goes beyond the status of old wives’ tale. More than 600 patients undergoing chemotherapy were given a standard anti-vomiting medication. They also took either ginger or placebo capsules for six days, starting three days before chemo. They rated the severity of nausea four times daily during treatment. The clinical investigators report that patients given ginger had 45 percent less nausea than in a previous round of chemotherapy with only standard medication. Those given the placebo did not have a significant difference in their ratings.
[Annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Orlando, FL, May 29, 2009]
