Ask an Aromatherapist: What Oils Can Help Ease Feelings of Nausea?
I've had several friends and family members face a cancer diagnosis.
And while cancer treatments have come a long way, nausea can still be an uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating side effect of chemotherapy.
So where does aromatherapy fit in?
Ginger and Nausea
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has a long history of use for digestive complaints, including nausea—and there is research to support its use.
In one randomized, double-blind clinical trial, researchers studied 576 people undergoing chemotherapy who were already receiving standard anti-nausea medication. They found that oral ginger supplementation—particularly 0.5 to 1 gram per day—helped reduce the severity of acute chemotherapy-related nausea.^1
But here's an important distinction:
Ginger root and ginger essential oil aren't the same thing.
The study above looked at an oral ginger preparation, not ginger essential oil.
There has been some research specifically looking at inhaled ginger essential oil, too. In a small study of 60 women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, inhaled ginger essential oil was associated with a decrease in acute nausea, but the overall evidence wasn't strong enough to conclude that ginger aromatherapy effectively treats chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.^2
That doesn't mean aromatherapy doesn't have a place.
It means we need to be thoughtful about what the research actually tells us.
Where I Use Aromatherapy
One of my favorite ways to use essential oils as a complementary comfort measure is with a personal aroma inhaler.
They're small, portable, easy to use, and don't fill an entire room with aroma—which is especially important in medical settings or around other people who may be sensitive to smells.
For a friend undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I created an aroma inhaler to provide a familiar, comforting aroma when she was feeling anxious.
When another friend asked about something her sister could try when she felt queasy after treatment, I suggested an inhaler containing ginger, peppermint, and sweet orange essential oils.
Why those three?
Ginger has that characteristic warm, spicy aroma and an interesting—although still limited—body of research surrounding inhalation and nausea.
Peppermint has a fresh, cooling aroma that many people associate with settling a queasy stomach.
And sweet orange adds a bright citrus note that softens the intensity of the ginger and peppermint and makes the blend much more pleasant to inhale. And sweet orange also has a reputation for helping with digestive health.
My Queasy-Tummy Aroma Inhaler
For one personal aroma inhaler:
5–6 drops Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil
5–6 drops Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) essential oil
5–6 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil
Add the essential oils to the cotton wick of an aroma inhaler, insert the wick into the inhaler, and cap tightly.
When needed, remove the cap and take a few gentle inhalations. There's no need to inhale deeply or continuously.
And remember: sometimes less is more. When you're already nauseated, an aroma you normally enjoy can suddenly feel overwhelming.
Aromatherapy Is Complementary Care
This is especially important when we're talking about cancer treatment.
An aroma inhaler isn't a replacement for prescribed anti-nausea medications, and someone undergoing cancer treatment should discuss complementary therapies—including herbs, supplements, and essential oils—with their healthcare team.
But aromatherapy can offer something else that I think is valuable: a simple, personal tool that someone can keep nearby and choose to use when an aroma feels comforting.
And sometimes those small comforts matter.
Have you ever reached for ginger, peppermint, citrus—or another natural approach when you're feeling queasy?
I'd love to hear what works for you.
Aromatic blessings,
Tricia
References
Ryan JL, Heckler CE, Roscoe JA, et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea: a URCC CCOP study of 576 patients. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2012;20(7):1479–1489. doi:10.1007/s00520-011-1236-3.
Lua PL, Salihah N, Mazlan N. Effects of inhaled ginger aromatherapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and health-related quality of life in women with breast cancer. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2015;23(3):396–404.
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