Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting, Sheng Jiang and Zhu Ru

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting is common following cancer treatment, and physicians estimate that up to 80 percent of people who undergo chemotherapy (or radiation therapy) will experience nausea or vomiting symptoms.

These symptoms can be distressing and may cause patients to get off of their treatment schedule and regimen. And while anti-nausea medications can help some patients, many need additional support to reduce the impact of any GI-related discomfort.

Chinese medicine practitioners are well-equipped to provide this support, as Chinese medicinal herbs and acupuncture have both been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in many people.

How Acupuncture Can Help Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting

When administered by a knowledgeable physician, acupuncture can reduce the severity of acute and delayed nausea associated with chemotherapy treatment. This finding has been reproduced several times in medical studies and is even recommended by major health-related agencies, including the Mayo Clinic and U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

However, it is important to administer acupuncture at the right time relative to chemotherapy treatment (at least 30 minutes before chemotherapy). Acupuncture can also improve nausea symptoms if administered within a day of chemo.

For many cancer patients, acupuncture can also improve anxiety, which can also offset the severity of any chemotherapy induced nausea or vomiting.

How Sheng Jiang and Zhu Ru Can Improve Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Chinese medicine practitioners also rely on various botanicals to improve chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Sheng Jiang and Zhu Ru are two particularly effective herbs used in combating GI distress.

Sheng Jiang is ginger, an herb that both Chinese and western physicians recognize as a potent, natural antiemetic. It’s a slightly warm herb that is also effective at dispelling cold and wind, both pathogenic states in Chinese medicine.

Zhu Ru is a complement to Sheng Jiang, with a slightly cool nature that can be used in conjunction with Sheng Jiang to deal with excess heat and vomiting resulting from excess heat.

Both herbs enter the stomach channel on administration, so they target the parts of the body most likely to be affected by chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.

However, as effective as these herbs and acupuncture are in reducing nausea and vomiting, they should only be administered and dosed by an experienced Chinese medicine physician. This will ensure you get the most effective and safe dose possible, so chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting can be resolved with minimal risk of side effects.