Nausea & Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are among the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and some targeted therapies. They can affect appetite, hydration, and quality of life. These home remedies work alongside prescribed anti-nausea medications — never replace them without consulting your oncologist.
Herbs & Supplements — Safety Information
Herbal information is for educational purposes. Many herbs interact with chemotherapy and other medications — consult your oncologist before use.
When to Seek Medical Help Immediately
- •Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours or you cannot keep fluids down
- •Signs of dehydration — dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, no urination
- •Blood in vomit
- •Severe abdominal pain with vomiting
6 Natural Remedies
Fresh Ginger Tea
Best for: Chemo-induced nausea, morning nausea
Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols that block serotonin receptors in the gut — the same pathway targeted by many prescription anti-nausea drugs. Multiple clinical trials support ginger for chemo-induced nausea.
🧪 How to Prepare
Peel and thinly slice 1–2 inches of fresh ginger root. Simmer in 2 cups of water for 10–15 minutes. Strain, add a squeeze of lemon and a teaspoon of honey if desired. Drink warm or at room temperature.
⏰ When to Take
Sip slowly 30 minutes before chemotherapy and every 2–3 hours as needed. A total of 1–1.5g of ginger per day is the studied dose.
Active compound: Gingerols, Shogaols
Peppermint Aromatherapy
Best for: Mild to moderate nausea, anticipatory nausea before treatment
Inhaling peppermint essential oil activates cold receptors in the nasal passages and may reduce the sensation of nausea. Studies show it can reduce the need for anti-nausea medication in post-operative and chemo patients.
🧪 How to Prepare
Place 2–3 drops of pure peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue. Hold near (not touching) the nose and inhale slowly for 2–3 minutes. Alternatively, add 5 drops to a diffuser.
⏰ When to Take
At the onset of nausea, or before situations that typically trigger it. Can also apply diluted peppermint oil (1 drop in 1 tsp carrier oil) to temples and wrists.
Active compound: Menthol
Acupressure — P6 (Neiguan) Point
Best for: Chemo-induced nausea, during infusion nausea
The Neiguan point (P6) on the inner wrist has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for nausea for centuries. Multiple randomised trials and a Cochrane review confirm its effectiveness for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
🧪 How to Prepare
Locate the P6 point: place three fingers across the wrist from the crease, between the two central tendons. Press firmly with your thumb for 1–2 minutes, then repeat on the other wrist. Sea-Bands acupressure wristbands apply constant pressure automatically.
⏰ When to Take
Before and during chemotherapy, and whenever nausea arises. Sea-Bands can be worn continuously throughout treatment days.
Cold & Room Temperature Foods
Best for: Food-smell triggered nausea, post-chemo days
Hot foods have stronger odours that can trigger nausea in chemotherapy patients. Cold or room temperature foods have less aroma and are gentler on a sensitive stomach. This is one of the most consistently recommended dietary adjustments in oncology dietetics.
🧪 How to Prepare
Opt for cold sandwiches, yoghurt, cold fruit, smoothies, and chilled soups instead of hot meals. Eat small amounts every 2–3 hours rather than large meals. Avoid strong-smelling foods like eggs, fish, or heavily spiced dishes.
⏰ When to Take
During and for 2–3 days after chemotherapy. Ask someone else to cook if the smell of cooking triggers nausea.
Fennel Seed Tea
Best for: Nausea with bloating or cramping, after meals
Fennel seeds contain anethole, which has antispasmodic properties — it relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing cramping and nausea. Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for digestive complaints.
🧪 How to Prepare
Crush 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds lightly (in a mortar or with the back of a spoon). Steep in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and sip slowly. Alternatively, chew a small pinch of raw fennel seeds directly.
⏰ When to Take
After meals and at the onset of nausea. Up to 3 cups per day.
Active compound: Anethole, Fenchone
BRAT Diet
Best for: Nausea with diarrhoea, post-treatment recovery days
The BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) consists of bland, easily digestible foods that settle the stomach, replace lost nutrients, and firm stools if diarrhoea accompanies nausea. Widely recommended by oncology nurses.
🧪 How to Prepare
Plain white rice (no butter, salt minimal), ripe bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and plain white toast. Can expand to include boiled potatoes, plain crackers, clear broths, and cooked carrots.
⏰ When to Take
During and for 1–2 days after nausea episodes. Advance to a normal diet gradually as tolerated.
Evidence Level Guide