From the Guidelines
Ginger, taken as 1g bid, is the most effective CAM intervention for managing nausea, as it has been shown to improve nausea and vomiting in various studies, including those on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting 1.
CAM Interventions for Nausea
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for managing nausea has been evaluated in several studies.
- Ginger has been found to be beneficial in reducing nausea and vomiting, with a recommended dose of 1g bid 1.
- Acupressure and acupuncture have also been studied, but the evidence is less clear, with some studies showing benefit and others showing no significant effect 1.
- Other CAM interventions, such as peppermint aromatherapy and progressive muscle relaxation, may also be helpful in reducing nausea, but the evidence is limited.
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms of action of CAM interventions for nausea are varied and include:
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its effectiveness in reducing nausea 1.
- Stimulation of digestive enzymes: Ginger may also stimulate digestive enzymes, which can help to reduce nausea and vomiting 1.
- Nervous system modulation: Acupressure and acupuncture may modulate the nervous system, reducing nausea and vomiting 1.
Clinical Recommendations
Based on the available evidence, ginger, taken as 1g bid, is recommended as a CAM intervention for managing nausea.
- Acupressure and acupuncture may also be considered, but the evidence is less clear, and more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.
- Other CAM interventions, such as peppermint aromatherapy and progressive muscle relaxation, may be helpful, but the evidence is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2022, supports the use of ginger for nausea management 1.
From the Research
CAM Nausea Interventions
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions have been studied for their potential in managing nausea and vomiting in various contexts, including pregnancy and cancer treatment.
- A meta-analysis published in 2022 2 found that ginger supplementation can significantly relieve general nausea and vomiting symptoms and nausea compared to placebo, but has no significant effect on vomiting compared to vitamin B6.
- Another study published in 2020 3 discussed the benefits of ginger in controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, highlighting its low cost and easy access, but noting the lack of statistical confirmation of its effectiveness.
- Acupuncture plus vitamin B6 PC6 points injection has been shown to be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy 4.
- A review published in 2018 5 emphasized the importance of a complete assessment in managing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and discussed various antiemetic guidelines and interventions, including the potential effectiveness of olanzapine in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis.
- The use of vitamin B6 has been studied in various contexts, including pregnancy 2 and cancer treatment 4, with mixed results.
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting remain a significant problem for cancer patients, despite the widespread use of antiemetics, and current research suggests that management should focus on treating symptoms before they occur rather than after they develop 6.