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Read our storyAs someone who witnessed loved ones struggle with the dual challenges of nausea and fatigue, I created Anti-na because I believe wellness shouldn't come with side effects.
Our small team is dedicated to your comfort and vitality—without the corporate jargon or false promises.
You're standing in the hospital pharmacy, gripping the shelf because you're too dizzy to stand unsupported. The fluorescent lights pound in your head. Your oncologist said "try ginger" twenty minutes ago, and now you're staring at fifteen different products, each one claiming to help.
You're exhausted. You're nauseous. And you don't have the energy to figure out which one actually works.
So you grab the ginger ale because it's familiar. Because your grandmother gave it to you when you were sick as a kid. Because you need this decision to be over so you can go home and lie down.
Two hours later, you're more nauseous than before. And you're out $12 for a six-pack of what's essentially Sprite.
Here's what nobody tells you: most ginger products won't work for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Some contain ginger flavoring instead of actual ginger. Others have doses so low they're clinically meaningless. And when you're fighting cancer, you don't have energy to waste on products that don't deliver.
Chemotherapy nausea is different from morning sickness or motion sickness. It's more intense, lasts longer, and often comes with fatigue that makes everything harder. You need ginger products that are formulated for the unique challenges of cancer treatment.
Full disclosure: I'm not a doctor. I'm not an oncologist. I'm someone who watched cancer treatment nearly break my mother—and then spent two years researching why the "ginger" she was told to try didn't help. This article is what I wish someone had handed her in that pharmacy aisle.
Let's break down what actually works during chemo—and what's just taking up space in that hospital gift shop.
Why Ginger Works for Chemotherapy Nausea (When It's the Right Kind)
Here's what's happening in your body: chemotherapy triggers your brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ)—essentially your body's nausea control center. It also floods your system with serotonin, which sounds good but actually makes you feel sick.
This is where real ginger comes in.
Ginger's active compounds—gingerols and shogaols—block those serotonin receptors. Clinical studies show ginger can reduce acute chemotherapy-induced nausea by an average of 30% when combined with your prescribed anti-nausea medications, with some patients experiencing up to 40% reduction.
The University of Rochester Cancer Center studied 576 patients receiving chemotherapy. Those who took ginger supplements alongside their standard anti-emetics experienced significantly less nausea on Day 1 of treatment—the worst day for most people.
But here's the critical part: The study used standardized ginger extract at specific doses. Not ginger ale. Not ginger candy. Therapeutic doses of actual ginger compounds.
That matters when you're going through treatment.
Your Chemo Nausea Game Plan: What to Use When
Before we dive into each product, here's your roadmap
For acute nausea (Days 1-2 post-chemo):
For delayed nausea (Days 3-5):
For mild, between-cycle nausea:
Don't waste your time on:
Now, let's break down each option and why this roadmap works:
The Ginger Products That Work During Chemo (And the Ones That Fail When You Need Them Most)
1. Fresh Ginger Tea: Gentle, But Is It Enough?
The reality for chemo patients: A soothing ritual and mild relief for early-cycle nausea.
Steep fresh ginger root (about an inch, sliced thin) in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The warmth can be comforting, and you're getting real ginger compounds.
Best for:
The challenge: Fresh ginger tea is lovely, but it's hard to control the dose. Some days you'll get enough active compounds; other days you won't. When you're in the thick of treatment and nausea is severe, the inconsistency is frustrating.
Also, making tea requires energy you might not have on your worst days.
Bottom line: A nice complementary option, but probably not enough as your primary tool during acute nausea phases.
2. Ginger Ale: The Hospital Gift Shop Lie
Here's the truth: False hope and a sugar crash.
Let's address this directly: ginger ale doesn't work for chemotherapy nausea. Full stop.
Most brands contain zero actual ginger—just "natural ginger flavor" (a chemical compound with no therapeutic benefit). The high sugar content can spike your blood sugar, then crash it, making nausea worse. The carbonation can increase bloating and make you feel more uncomfortable.
Why hospitals still sell it: Tradition and profit margins. Not science.
What chemo patients report:
"I drank ginger ale like my nurse suggested and threw up 20 minutes later. Turns out it's basically Sprite with coloring."
Bottom line: Skip it entirely. You deserve better than a placebo that costs $3 a can.
3. Crystallized Ginger: Too Much Sugar, Too Little Consistency
What you're getting: Unpredictable relief covered in sugar you probably can't tolerate.
Crystallized ginger does contain real ginger, which puts it ahead of ginger ale. But it's coated in sugar, and the ginger content varies wildly from piece to piece.
The chemo-specific problem: Your blood sugar is already unstable from treatment. Adding sugar bombs makes it worse. Plus, when your mouth is sore from mucositis (a common chemo side effect), crystallized ginger can irritate those sores.
Bottom line: Not formulated for cancer patients. There are better options that won't aggravate other treatment side effects.
4. Ginger Capsules: Clinical Strength for Severe Nausea
What makes this clinical-grade: Consistent, measurable doses used in actual cancer research.
This is where ginger gets serious for chemo patients. Standardized ginger capsules deliver the same doses used in clinical trials with cancer patients.
The research dose: Studies show 250-500mg of standardized ginger extract, 2-4 times daily, taken alongside your prescribed anti-emetics (Zofran, Compazine, etc.) significantly reduces nausea severity.
Best for:
What to look for:
The challenge: If you have trouble swallowing pills (common with throat irritation from chemo), or if you're already taking 12 other pills a day, adding more capsules feels overwhelming.
Bottom line: Clinically proven for chemo nausea, but not the most convenient form for everyone.
5. Ginger Chews: Portable Relief Between Treatments
The portability advantage: Convenient relief you can take anywhere—treatment center, car, work.
Quality ginger chews can be lifesavers for chemo patients who need relief on the go. The key word is quality—most chews are just candy.
What makes them work for chemo: Real ginger chews—like Anti-Na Chews—deliver therapeutic ginger in a form that doesn't require water or swallowing large pills, fits in your pocket or treatment bag, and works quickly (you can feel relief starting in 15-20 minutes).
Best for:
What to look for:
The chemo patient advantage: You can keep them everywhere—purse, car, bedside table, treatment bag. When nausea hits unexpectedly (which it does), you have immediate access to relief.
Bottom line: Excellent for on-demand relief and supplementing your primary nausea management strategy.
6. Ginger Drink Mixes (SIPS): Designed for the Chemo Reality
Why this was designed for treatment: Specifically formulated for what chemo patients actually face—nausea AND crushing fatigue, often with dehydration.
Here's what most ginger products miss: chemotherapy doesn't just make you nauseous. It depletes your energy at a cellular level.
You're nauseous, so you can't eat. You can't keep water down, so you're dehydrated. You're exhausted because your body is fighting on multiple fronts. Traditional ginger products address nausea but ignore the fatigue and dehydration that make everything worse.
This is why Anti-Na SIPS exists.
What's inside (and why it matters):
✅ 2 grams of standardized D-SOLV® ginger extract (3% gingerols = 60mg active compounds per serving)
✅ 5 grams of Bioenergy Ribose® per serving
✅ Lemon-honey flavor
✅ Hydration support
What SIPS feels like during treatment: That first sip when your stomach settles just enough to try drinking more. The moment you realize you can actually finish a glass of water without gagging. And over the next few days, noticing you have enough energy to shower without needing a two-hour nap afterward.
Not cured. Not perfect. But functional enough to keep showing up.
When chemo patients use SIPS:
Best for:
Bottom line: Specifically engineered for chemotherapy patients. Addresses nausea, fatigue, and hydration in one clinically-dosed formulation. This is what ginger looks like when it's designed for cancer treatment, not just general queasiness.
What Chemo Patients Tell Us:
"I started SIPS the day before my third cycle. Days 2-3 weren't bedridden like before. I made it to my daughter's soccer game on Day 4—just the first half, but I was there. That's everything."
— Patricia M., 54, colon cancer (Stage III)
"Anti-Na chews stay in my treatment bag, my purse, and my car console. On the drive home from the hospital when nausea hits, they're the only thing that works fast enough."
— David K., 47, lymphoma patient
Is Ginger Safe During Chemotherapy?
The good news: Multiple studies confirm ginger is safe to use alongside chemotherapy and standard anti-nausea medications.
Important considerations:
Always tell your oncology team: Yes, even about supplements. Your team needs to know everything you're taking to watch for interactions.
Check about blood thinners: If you're on anticoagulants (common during cancer treatment), ask your oncologist before starting ginger supplements. Ginger can have mild blood-thinning effects.
Recommended doses for chemo patients:
What to avoid:
Signs to call your oncology team:
The Truth About Ginger During Chemo
Let's be honest: ginger won't eliminate chemotherapy nausea completely. Nothing will.
But research shows it can reduce nausea severity by an average of 30% when combined with your prescribed medications, with some patients experiencing up to 40% reduction. That difference matters.
What 30% less nausea means:
That's the difference between missing your daughter's game and being there for the first half. Between lying in bed while life happens around you and sitting on the couch being part of it. Thirty percent is everything.
Some days, "Life, Uninterrupted" during chemo means making it to the living room instead of being stuck in bed. That's still living. That still counts.
You're not weak for needing help. You're strategic for using every evidence-based tool available.
Important note about the research: The 30-40% reduction data comes from clinical trials using standardized ginger extract. Anti-Na SIPS uses the same standardized extract at the same clinical doses. However, SIPS as a complete formulation has not been independently tested in clinical trials. Our product is based on published research, and individual results may vary.
Stop Wasting Money on Ginger That Doesn't Work
Look, I get it. You're probably skeptical. You've tried things that didn't work. You've wasted money on products that promised relief and delivered nothing. I would be skeptical too.
That's why everything in this article is backed by published research—and why we offer a complete refund if SIPS doesn't help. I'm not asking you to trust me blindly. I'm asking you to trust the research and give it one try.
You're dealing with cancer. You're going through chemotherapy. You're exhausted, nauseous, and probably overwhelmed.
You deserve ginger products that actually work—not hospital gift shop placebos.
Try Anti-Na Chews or SIPS risk-free. If they don't help reduce your chemo nausea within the first week, we'll refund you completely. No questions asked.
Because when you're fighting cancer, you shouldn't have to fight with your nausea relief too.
P.S. — At $2.50 per serving, SIPS costs less than that hospital ginger ale—except it actually works. Anti-Na isn't sold in hospital gift shops or pharmacy chains. We don't cut corners to hit retail price points. Every ingredient is selected for efficacy, not cost. That's why we can stand behind it with a complete money-back guarantee.
Life, Uninterrupted. Even during treatment.
Questions Chemo Patients Ask Us
Q: Can I take ginger with Zofran/Compazine/Aloxi or other anti-nausea meds?
A: Yes! Research shows ginger works alongside prescription anti-emetics, not instead of them. Always take your prescribed medications as directed. Ginger supplements like SIPS provide additional support to reduce breakthrough nausea. Let your oncology team know you're using ginger so they can note it in your chart.
Q: When should I start taking ginger—before or after my chemo session? A: Research suggests starting 30-60 minutes before your treatment provides the best results. SIPS can be taken pre-treatment to help prevent nausea from starting, then continued through your acute nausea phase (Days 1-5 typically). Many patients keep it going through their full cycle for ongoing support.
Q: Will ginger interfere with my chemotherapy drugs?
A: Multiple studies confirm ginger doesn't interfere with chemotherapy effectiveness. However, if you're on blood thinners or certain other medications, check with your oncologist first. We always recommend informing your full oncology team about any supplements you're taking.
Q: I have mouth sores from chemo. Can I still use ginger?
A: Fresh ginger or crystallized ginger can irritate mouth sores. SIPS is specifically designed to be gentle—the lemon-honey flavor doesn't burn like some ginger products. Many patients with mucositis find it easier to tolerate than other options. Start with small sips to test your tolerance.
Q: How much of each ingredient is actually in one serving?
A: Each SIPS stick pack contains exactly 2g of standardized D-SOLV® ginger extract (3% gingerols = 60mg active compounds per serving) plus 5g of Bioenergy Ribose®. These are the same doses used in published clinical research with cancer patients.
Q: How is SIPS different from just taking ginger capsules?
A: SIPS does three things at once: (1) delivers clinical-dose ginger for nausea, (2) includes Bioenergy Ribose for cellular energy support, and (3) helps with hydration when you're struggling to keep fluids down. If you're only dealing with nausea, capsules might be enough. If you're battling nausea AND fatigue AND dehydration—which describes most chemo patients—SIPS addresses all three. It's also easier to tolerate when you can't swallow pills.
Q: What if I'm throwing up everything?
A: If you can't keep anything down for 24+ hours, call your oncology team immediately. You may need IV fluids or stronger anti-emetics. SIPS works for moderate nausea and prevention, but severe, persistent vomiting requires medical intervention. Always err on the side of calling your team—they'd rather hear from you than have you become dangerously dehydrated.
A Note From Our Founder
Summer 2018, halfway up Mt. Whitney, altitude sickness stopped me cold—crushing nausea, nothing worked. That moment connected with something deeper: watching my friend Toni go to chemo Tuesday and force herself to work Wednesday—standing on her feet cutting hair while pale and shaking—because as a self-employed hairstylist, missing work meant no rent money. The medications her oncologist prescribed cost hundreds and caused migraines so severe she chose nausea instead. When I learned cancer survivors experience nausea for up to ten years post-treatment, I knew this wasn't a short-term problem. This was a quality-of-life crisis.
In 2019, I invested $5,000 (micro-grant plus personal savings) to create Anti-Na CHEWS. When I delivered the pilot batch to Toni, she texted: "I made it through my entire work day on my feet without leaving early. First time in three months." That became five years of R&D—finding pharmaceutical-grade manufacturers, sourcing clinical-dose ingredients, reformulating into SIPS. Today, Anti-Na honors that promise: no one should choose between their health and living fully. Not Toni working the day after chemo. Not you standing in that hospital pharmacy wondering which "ginger" actually contains real ginger.
Life, Uninterrupted means having the right tools to keep showing up when it matters most.
— Kristen D, Founder of Anti-Na
References:
Chemotherapy-Specific Ginger Research:
D-Ribose for Cancer-Related Fatigue: 4. PMC: Understanding D-Ribose and Mitochondrial Function: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5959283/ 5. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine - Ribose in CFS: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6687467_The_Use_of_D-Ribose_in_Chronic_Fatigue_Syndrome_and_Fibromyalgia_A_Pilot_Study
General Ginger Research: 6. PMC: Ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4818021/ 7. Johns Hopkins: Ginger Benefits: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits 8. Harvard Health: Health benefits of ginger: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/health-benefits-of-ginger-and-simple-ways-to-incorporate-this-zesty-root-into-your-diet
Disclaimer: This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your oncology team before starting any new supplement during cancer treatment. Anti-Na was created to support you alongside your medical care, not replace it. Ginger supplements work best when combined with your prescribed anti-nausea medications, not instead of them.
Life, Uninterrupted.
NOTE: This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions.
We're nausea and energy experts, not doctors—though we definitely share their commitment to helping you feel better. We've spent years researching natural solutions because we believe nobody should have to choose between feeling nauseated or dealing with medication side effects.
Our mission is simple: create effective, natural products that help you get back to living your life. While we're confident in our formulations featuring Bioenergy Ribose® and other research-backed ingredients, everyone's body is unique.
© 2025, Anti-na. All rights reserved
Legal Disclaimer
All customer testimonials and product reviews featured are authentic experiences from verified Anti-na customers. Original documentation is maintained and available for legal inspection upon request. Individual results may vary, and experiences shared reflect outcomes within the typical range of customer feedback.
The information and statements presented on this website are provided for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content shared by Anti-na should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider.
Anti-na does not provide medical advice, prescribe medications, or diagnose medical conditions. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking medications, please consult your healthcare provider before using our products. If you experience severe symptoms or have health concerns, seek immediate medical attention.
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Anti-na does not adopt or endorse medical claims that may appear in third-party references or studies. Where we have control over such communications, we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy and appropriate context.
Our Commitment
At Anti-na, we're committed to transparency and helping you make informed decisions about natural nausea relief. Our mission is to help you "conquer your daily mountain" through evidence-based, carefully formulated products designed to support your quality of life during challenging times.
