NICEVIVA
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2026

Ginger (Nausea)

DIGESTIVE · Evidence Monograph

Ginger (Nausea) is an evidence-graded digestive monograph evaluated across 30 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (6 meta-analyses, 4 systematic reviews, and 8 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 8,378 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) High (4.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 30 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 6 Meta · 4 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 8 RCTs (4 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 8,378
Reported Trial Dosages 1 g · 1 g/day · 8 mg
Trial Duration Range 3 days · 7 days · 6 weeks
Reading Time ~15 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support (supported by 30 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE High).
  2. 02 Adults matching clinical trial dosing protocols (1 g · 1 g/day · 8 mg) over a structured 3 days evaluation window.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Clinically Standardized Formulation
Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary digestive clinical efficacy (30 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (18 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (8 RCTs · 4 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (6 meta-analyses · 4 reviews)
01

What Is Ginger (Nausea) & Why Does Form Matter?

Ginger (Nausea) is classified under DIGESTIVE and has been investigated across 30 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (1 g, 1 g/day, 8 mg).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Ginger (Nausea) frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (8 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Ginger (Nausea) acts on pathways governing targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Ginger (Nausea) an overall evidence rating of GRADE High (4.0 / 4.0) based on 30 PubMed studies: 6 meta-analyses, 4 systematic reviews, and 8 randomized controlled trials (4 double-blind, n = 8,378 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:38625733 (2025) — "Efficacy and Safety of Ginger on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials." (IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on our findings, we recommend initiating ginger supplements before chemotherapy, in conjunction with standard antiemetics, to reduce the severity of CINV.) • PMID:36501010 (2022) — "Effects of Ginger Intake on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials." (Ginger supplementation may reduce the incidence of acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting.) • PMID:32421208 (2020) — "Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants." (OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of oral galactagogues for increasing milk production in non-hospitalised breastfeeding mother-term infant pairs.)

Quantitative Clinical Effect-Size Distribution (Forest Plot)

Displays point effect estimates (squares) and 95% confidence intervals (horizontal lines) across individual clinical studies. Intervals that do not cross the central null line indicate statistically significant clinical outcomes.

Study (PMID · Year)OR Effect Size & 95% CI DistributionEstimate (95% CI)PMID 365010100.3 (0.12–0.79)PMID 319371537.47 (4.13–13.52)PMID 315194670.4 (0.17–0.81)0.2Null (1)5Metric: OR
05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Clinically Standardized Formulation. Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Published studies most commonly utilize 1 g · 1 g/day · 8 mg · 40 mg over 3 days · 7 days · 6 weeks · 5 days. Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch (Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

No major high-risk prescription contraindications are flagged in the primary index for Ginger (Nausea), but divalent minerals, fat-soluble compounds, and botanical extracts can still alter absorption or CYP450 metabolism of concurrent medications.

Always maintain a minimum 2-to-4 hour separation from narrow-therapeutic-index prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before combining with anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or chronic disease medications.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Stay within clinically studied daily dosages (1 g · 1 g/day · 8 mg) and re-evaluate efficacy after 3 days.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist if you take daily prescription medications for thyroid, cardiovascular, metabolic, or neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (30 Studies) · 18 Quantitative Analyses

01
META-ANALYSIS Cancer nursing (2025) PMID: 38625733 ↗
Efficacy and Safety of Ginger on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Meta-Analysis published in Cancer nursing; statistical significance reported at p = 0.001 (RR 0.47). Key conclusion: IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on our findings, we recommend initiating ginger supplements before chemotherapy, in conjunction with standard antiemetics, to reduce the severity of CINV.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a prevalent and distressing side effect. Historically, ginger has been explored as a potential remedy for various ailments, including its potential efficacy against CINV. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether taking ginger supplements can relieve CINV. METHOD: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Wanfang database. Randomized controlled trials meeting our inclusion criteria were analyzed. The primary outcomes were the incidence and severity of CINV. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO, and the number is CRD4202232104. RESULT: Of the 35 randomized controlled trials analyzed, 22 trials employed ginger capsules as the primary intervention, whereas 13 studies evaluated the prophylactic effects of ginger-partitioned moxibustion. The outcomes indicated that combining ginger capsules with standard antiemetic agents can significantly reduce the incidence of grade 3 acute nausea (Risk Ratio [RR], 0.19; P < .001) and the incidence of high-grade overall vomiting (RR, 0.47; P = .01). Moreover, ginger-partitioned moxibustion can significantly alleviate the incidence of both mild (RR, 0.56; P = .001) and severe (RR, 0.39; P < .00001) vomiting. Only 2.8% of patients experienced dizziness after ginger-partitioned moxibustion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that ginger capsules, when used alongside antiemetic drugs, enhance the management of severe CINV, particularly in highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Based on our findings, we recommend initiating ginger supplements before chemotherapy, in conjunction with standard antiemetics, to reduce the severity of CINV. The promising results warrant more rigorous clinical trials to firmly establish the role of ginger in CINV management.

02
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Nutrients (2022) PMID: 36501010 ↗
Effects of Ginger Intake on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2022 Meta-Analysis published in Nutrients; statistical significance reported at p = 0.53 (OR 0.3). Key conclusion: Ginger supplementation may reduce the incidence of acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects of chemotherapy. They must be managed because they can increase the risk of malnutrition in patients, which can adversely affect treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger supplementation as an adjuvant treatment for alleviating chemo We checked. therapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This study searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to ginger supplement intake for CINV in three electronic databases (i.e., Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Web of Science). The search period ranged from each database's first date of service to 5 November 2021. Two investigators independently performed abstract screenings, full-text screenings, data extraction, and risk of bias analyses (ROB). The Cochrane ROB tool was used for the assessment of ROB. This study systematically reviewed 23 RCTs. The effects of ginger supplementation were compared to those of placebo or antiemetic agents. This study conducted a meta-analysis after classifying the effects of ginger supplementation on acute and delayed CINV into subgroups due to the clinical heterogeneity between these RCTs. The results showed that the incidence of acute nausea (p = 0.53), the incidence of delayed nausea (p = 0.31), the incidence of acute vomiting (p = 0.09), and the incidence of delayed vomiting (p = 0.89) were not significantly different between the ginger supplement intake group and the control group. However, it was found that the ginger supplement intake group, which took not more than 1 g of ginger supplementation per day for above four days, had significantly less acute vomiting than the control group (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.79; p = 0.02; I2 = 36%). Ginger supplementation may reduce the incidence of acute chemotherapy-induced vomiting. However, this study could not confirm the effects of ginger supplementation on the incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and delayed vomiting. Therefore, it will be necessary to conduct additional studies with sufficient sample sizes using high-quality RCTs to evaluate the effects of ginger supplementations based on the results of this study.

03
CLINICAL STUDY The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) PMID: 32421208 ↗
Oral galactagogues (natural therapies or drugs) for increasing breast milk production in mothers of non-hospitalised term infants.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2020 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in The Cochrane database of systematic reviews involving n = 3,006 participants (MD 63.82). Key conclusion: OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of oral galactagogues for increasing milk production in non-hospitalised breastfeeding mother-term infant pairs.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Many women express concern about their ability to produce enough milk, and insufficient milk is frequently cited as the reason for supplementation and early termination of breastfeeding. When addressing this concern, it is important first to consider the influence of maternal and neonatal health, infant suck, proper latch, and feeding frequency on milk production, and that steps be taken to correct or compensate for any contributing issues. Oral galactagogues are substances that stimulate milk production. They may be pharmacological or non-pharmacological (natural). Natural galactagogues are usually botanical or other food agents. The choice between pharmacological or natural galactagogues is often influenced by familiarity and local customs. Evidence for the possible benefits and harms of galactagogues is important for making an informed decision on their use. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of oral galactagogues for increasing milk production in non-hospitalised breastfeeding mother-term infant pairs. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Health Research and Development Network - Phillippines (HERDIN), Natural Products Alert (Napralert), the personal reference collection of author LM, and reference lists of retrieved studies (4 November 2019). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs (including published abstracts) comparing oral galactagogues with placebo, no treatment, or another oral galactagogue in mothers breastfeeding healthy term infants. We also included cluster-randomised trials but excluded cross-over trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods for data collection and analysis. Two to four review authors independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias, extracted data for analysis and checked accuracy. Where necessary, we contacted the study authors for clarification. MAIN RESULTS: Forty-one RCTs involving 3005 mothers and 3006 infants from at least 17 countries met th

04
META-ANALYSIS The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine (2022) PMID: 31937153 ↗
Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy: a meta-analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2022 Meta-Analysis published in The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine involving n = 1,174 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.05 (OR 7.475). Key conclusion: Moreover, ginger is more effective than vitamin B6 in treating NVP, although, there were no significant differences.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

INTRODUCTION: Nausea and vomiting (NV) affect up to 85% of pregnant women, which has multiple effects on pregnancy outcome. The truth etiology of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is still unknown. Considering the potential teratogenic effect in fetus due to chemical drugs, ginger can be used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Reports have shown that ginger can reduce the severity of NV, however, these results are controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to explore the effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy compared with placebo and vitamin B6. METHODS: The randomized control trials (RCTs) on the association with ginger and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting were searched and identified in two databases Web of Science and PubMed (up to April 2019). Stata software was used to conduct meta-analysis. In addition, the source of heterogeneity explored by metaregression, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analyses, the publication bias were assessed by Egger's tests and Funnel plot, p < .05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 1174 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The result demonstrated that ginger intervention has significant effect in improving general symptom of NVP [OR = 7.475, 95% CI = (4.133, 13.520), I2 = 30.1%], relieving severity of nausea [SMD = 0.821, 95% CI = (0.585, 1.056), I2 = 38.9%], but not significant in reducing vomiting [SMD = 0.549, 95% CI = (-0.268, 1.365), I2 = 91.4%], compared with placebo. Besides, ginger intervention has no significant effect on improving general symptom of NVP [OR = 1.239, 95% CI = (0.495, 3.102), I2 = 57.3%], relieving severity of nausea [SMD = 0.199, 95% CI = (-0.102, 0.500), I2 = 65.7%], reducing vomiting [SMD = 0.331, 95% CI = (-0.145, 0.808), I2 = 85.9%], compared with vitamin B6. CONCLUSIONS: Ginger supplementation significantly relieve general NVP symptom and nausea compared with placebo, but no significant effect on vomiting. Moreover, ginger is more effective than vitamin B6 in treating NVP, although, there were no significant differences. Further, rigidly designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are needed to ve

05
META-ANALYSIS Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2019) PMID: 31519467 ↗
Efficacy of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Ameliorating Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting and Chemotherapy-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review Update and Meta-Analysis.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2019 Meta-Analysis published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics involving n = 301 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.01 (OR 0.4). Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Ginger supplementation might benefit chemotherapy-induced vomiting as well as fatigue.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Ginger has been proposed as an adjuvant treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review with meta-analyses is to evaluate, in adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, the effects of ginger supplementation dose and duration on the incidence, duration, and severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and outcomes related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (eg, quality of life and fatigue), compared with placebo or standard antiemetic medication. METHOD: Five electronic databases were searched from database inception to April 2018. The quality of evidence was appraised with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation level. Data were pooled using Revman software. RESULTS: Eighteen articles were analyzed. The likelihood of acute vomiting was reduced by 60% with ginger supplementation ≤1 g/day for duration >3 days, compared with control groups (odds ratio 0.4, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.81; P=0.01; n=3 studies; n=3 interventions; n=301 participants; I2=20%; Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation level: Moderate). The likelihood of fatigue was reduced by 80% with ginger supplementation of any dose for duration <3 days (odds ratio 0.2, 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.87; P=0.03; n=1 studies; n=2 interventions; n=219 participants; I2=0%; Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation level: Low). No statistically significant association was found between ginger and likelihood of overall or delayed vomiting, likelihood or severity of nausea, or other outcomes related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Ginger supplementation might benefit chemotherapy-induced vomiting as well as fatigue. Due to clinical heterogeneity, this systematic review update found no association between ginger and chemotherapy-induced nausea and other chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting-related outcomes. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis provide a rationale for further research with stronger study designs, adequate sample sizes, standardized ginger products, and validated outcome m

06
CLINICAL STUDY Phytotherapy research (2016) PMID: 26887532 ↗
A Critical Approach to Evaluating Clinical Efficacy, Adverse Events and Drug Interactions of Herbal Remedies.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2016 Systematic Review published in Phytotherapy research. Key conclusion: However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the uppermost ladders in the hierarchy of evidence. Systematic reviews/meta-analyses suggest preliminary or satisfactory clinical evidence for agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) for premenstrual complaints, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) for hypertension, feverfew (Tanacetum partenium) for migraine prevention, ginger (Zingiber officinalis) for pregnancy-induced nausea, ginseng (Panax ginseng) for improving fasting glucose levels as well as phytoestrogens and St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the relief of some symptoms in menopause. However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn. On the other hand, inconclusive evidence of efficacy or contradictory results have been reported for Aloe vera in the treatment of psoriasis, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in cystitis prevention, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) for tinnitus and intermittent claudication, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) for the prevention of common cold and pomegranate (Punica granatum) for the prevention/treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A critical evaluation of the clinical data regarding the adverse effects has shown that herbal remedies are generally better tolerated than synthetic medications. Nevertheless, potentially serious adverse events, including herb-drug interactions, have been described. This suggests the need to be vigilant when using herbal remedies, particularly in specific conditions, such as during pregnancy and in the paediatric population. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

07
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry (2026) PMID: 41114481 ↗
Jianpi Yiwei Granules for Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Reactions: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2026 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: The current findings contribute to the treatment of adverse reactions to tumor chemotherapy and are expected to improve the quality of life for chemotherapy patients.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal reactions are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Jianpi Yiwei granules (JPYW), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, can alleviate these symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 136 NSCLC patients scheduled for carboplatin-based chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (JPYW with standard antiemetic drugs) and the control group (placebo with standard antiemetic drugs). The complete control rate of nausea and vomiting was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and patient diaries. Control of anorexia, bloating, constipation, and quality of life was measured using the Functional Living Index-Emesis scale and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). RESULTS: The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of JPYW in alleviating non-vomiting digestive symptoms, such as nausea and anorexia, in NSCLC patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy. The secondary objective was to evaluate its effect on improving bloating, constipation, quality of life, and safety. DISCUSSION: Previous studies have shown that Chinese herbs, such as ginger, are effective in treating chemotherapy- induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). JPYW, a multi-component TCM formula, contains active compounds from Codonopsis pilosula and Atractylodes macrocephala. JPYW exerts anti-inflammatory and prokinetic effects that can synergistically regulate gastrointestinal functions. Preliminary observations confirmed the safety of JPYW combined with standard chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The current findings contribute to the treatment of adverse reactions to tumor chemotherapy and are expected to improve the quality of life for chemotherapy patients.

08
CLINICAL STUDY Journal of perianesthesia nursing (2025) PMID: 40856681 ↗
The Effect of Ginger and Mint on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Journal of perianesthesia nursing; statistical significance reported at p = 0.001. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: Results support that ginger and mint might have a positive effect if used to improve postoperative recovery quality.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

PURPOSE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a group of symptoms that develop in patients within 24 hours after surgical intervention and are undesirable outcomes complicating patients' postoperative recovery. The purpose of this study was to establish the impact of ginger and peppermint essential oil inhalation for PONV in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. DESIGN: Our study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. METHODS: Participants consisted of patients who underwent thyroidectomy surgery at Bezmialem Vakif University General Surgery Clinic between February 2021 and August 2022. The subjects were first divided randomly into three groups: a ginger group, a peppermint group, and a routine care group. Patients' pain, nausea, and vomiting severity were measured at 2, 6, and 24 hours. Patients' outcome was assessed using the visual analog scale and the Rhodes Nausea and Vomiting Index. FINDINGS: Significantly lower pain and nausea severity was found in the ginger group compared with the control group. Similarly, the peppermint group also showed significantly lower pain and nausea severity compared with the control group. Rhodes 1 item score was 0.48 ± 0.51 in the ginger group, 1.11 ± 0.64 in the peppermint group, and 1.37 ± 0.49 in the control group (P < .001). These findings suggest that both ginger and peppermint essential oils are effective in alleviating PONV symptoms, with each group showing significant improvement compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Results support that ginger and mint might have a positive effect if used to improve postoperative recovery quality. This nursing intervention is recommended to prevent and minimize the PONV occurrence and is made of ginger and mint.

09
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Complementary therapies in medicine (2025) PMID: 40154579 ↗
Effect of aromatherapy with peppermint, ginger, and lavender on postoperative nausea severity after oral surgery under general anaesthesia: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Complementary therapies in medicine involving n = 182 participants; statistical significance reported at p = 0.001. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that aromatherapy with peppermint, ginger, and lavender significantly improved patient satisfaction and severity of postoperative nausea after oral surgery under general anaesthesia.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine whether aromatherapy with peppermint (Mentha piperita Mitcham), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) reduces the severity of nausea in patients experiencing postoperative nausea after oral surgery under general anaesthesia. DESIGN: Single-centre, stratified (volatile inhaled anaesthetics used or not and sex, with balanced randomization), single-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in Japan. SETTING: Hokkaido University Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Totally, 182 patients were randomized into two groups of aromatherapy: aroma group comprising three essential oils-peppermint, ginger, and lavender-each diluted to 1 % (each dose as pure essential oil was 0.01 ml) and control group with purified water only. Of these, 32 patients in the aroma group and 25 in the control group complained of postoperative nausea and were treated with intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in nausea severity at the onset of postoperative nausea. RESULTS: Nausea severity before the intervention did not differ between groups. Aromatherapy significantly reduced nausea severity (p < 0.001). The percentages of antiemetics used were 30.77 % and 52.38 % in the aroma and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference. The aroma group showed significantly higher satisfaction (p < 0.001). No adverse events were observed during the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that aromatherapy with peppermint, ginger, and lavender significantly improved patient satisfaction and severity of postoperative nausea after oral surgery under general anaesthesia. Therefore, given the benefits of aromatherapy, it would be advantageous to consider a combination of measures that include aromatherapy, as one of the multimodal antiemetic measures. This trial was registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs: 01121002).

10
RANDOMIZED TRIAL (RCT) Complementary therapies in clinical practice (2025) PMID: 39644858 ↗
The effect of an aromatic solution applied after percutaneous nephrolithotomy on sore throat, thirst, and nausea-vomiting: A randomised controlled trial.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice involving n = 110 participants. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: This study found that the aromatic solution had beneficial effects on sore throat, thirst, and nausea-vomiting in the postoperative period.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Common postoperative symptoms are known to impede recovery, indicating the necessity for non-pharmacological alternatives to address these symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an aromatic solution prepared from lavender and ginger oil on sore throat, thirst, and nausea-vomiting after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trial used an experimental, double-blind randomised controlled group design with three arms. It was conducted between 2021 and 2023 in the urology department of a hospital, involving 110 patients (37 experimental, 37 placebo, 36 control) who underwent PNL. A personal information form, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for sore throat and thirst, and a verbal descriptive scale (VDS) for nausea and vomiting were used. The prepared aromatic solution was applied as a mouth spray at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h postoperatively. RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in sore throat scores was observed in the experimental group compared to the placebo and control groups following the intervention. Thirst levels decreased in both the placebo and experimental groups, with the experimental group showing lower thirst scores than the other groups. Additionally, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in nausea and vomiting scores compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: This study found that the aromatic solution had beneficial effects on sore throat, thirst, and nausea-vomiting in the postoperative period. To our knowledge, this is among the first studies exploring combined effects of lavender and ginger oils on postoperative symptoms after PNL surgery, potentially offering new insights to the literature. CLINICALTRIALS GOV ID: NCT05522023.

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