Ginger is a spice that has been used for thousands of years, both in cooking and as medicine. It is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, which also includes turmeric and cardamom.
According to Ayurveda, the ancient, holistic healing tradition from India, ginger is supportive of healthy digestion and the lungs, and is hot, sweet, and pungent. Depending on your dosha, or constitution, dry ginger might be more beneficial than fresh, for some people. For example, fresh root is more helpful for vata and pitta doshas, while someone with kapha dosha might benefit from the spice in dry powder form, which is much more warming and drying. A slice of fresh ginger with lemon is often used in Ayurveda to help support appetite.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ginger expels cold, wind, and dampness. It is helpful when digestion is slow after eating and if the hands and feet are always cold. According to TCM, because of its warming properties, ginger might not be recommended if you have signs of excess heat or yin deficiency. Ginger is definitely warming, as anyone who has tasted the fresh, spicy root can attest.
Ginger also is anti-inflammatory, increases circulation, and supports gastric emptying. Ginger has been shown to be a non-competitive antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors in our brains and in our gut. These are the serotonin receptors that are also targets for the anti-nausea medicines that are often prescribed during cancer treatment. Ginger can work nicely when taken side by side with those medicines.
The studies showing the benefit of ginger with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) have had mixed outcomes.
Is ginger for everybody? Maybe, maybe not, but it is inexpensive, easy to find, and can be pretty tasty. Ginger chews, tea, and cookies are some ways to try ginger. It just might be worth giving ginger a try!
Listen to Episode 7 of The Cancer Pod for more ways to reduce side effects from cancer treatments.
