Ginger

Also known as: Zingiber officinale, ginger root.

Potential uses. Ginger is thought to relieve nausea and vomiting.

Usual dose. The recommended dose is less than 5 grams per day. Ginger is available as a pill supplement, fresh as a root, as a tea, in ginger ale, and as a candy.

Are there any risks? Consuming more than 5 grams per day may cause heartburn and rash.

What does the research show? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is currently recruiting people for a study looking at whether ginger taken with chemotherapy drugs can reduce nausea. Earlier studies have had mixed results.