What are the natural alternatives to Zofran? (3+ tips)

The article will answer the natural alternatives to Zofran. Zofran is used to treat nausea and vomiting associated with various reasons. We will talk about the use of Zofran, where you can avoid using Zofran and choose to use an alternative. 

What are the natural alternatives to Zofran? 

Lemon, citron, quince, cardamom, spearmint, mint, nutmeg, mastic pomegranate, apple and ginger are the natural alternatives to Zofran. Zofran is an antiemetic medication which helps to treat nausea and vomiting associated with disease conditions, pregnancy and cancer treatment. (1, 2)

However, the effect of natural alternatives to treat nausea and vomiting may differ among patients. Some may benefit by using the alternative, whereas some individuals may need drug therapy to control nausea and vomiting. If you are on Zofran and want to stop using it, make sure you consult a physician and then discontinue the drug to avoid any discomfort or worsening of your condition. 

What does the research suggest? 

Abdolhosseini et al. studied the effect of herbal medicines on treating nausea and vomiting and they found 10 plants which can be used to treat nausea and vomiting effectively, which included lemon, citron, quince, cardamom, spearmint, mint, nutmeg, mastic, pomegranate and apple. (1)

There are many reasons which can lead to nausea and vomiting in individuals, such as the accumulation of inappropriate substances in the stomach, a weak stomach, chemotherapeutic drugs, disease conditions, etc. The authors believe that lifestyle modification,  nutrition and medicinal herbs can have positive effects in treating nausea and vomiting. (1) 

Ginger is a spice popularly known to treat ingestion, nausea and vomiting. Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which act on the cholinergic and serotonergic receptors and help minimise the effect of nausea and vomiting. A study done by Marx et al. reported that ginger has a positive and effective role in treating nausea and vomiting. (3,4)

How do the natural alternatives to Zofarn work? 

There are many natural remedies which can help control nausea and vomiting. (1)

What are the factors contributing to nausea and vomiting (NV)? 

Nausea and vomiting are often associated with a variety of factors, such as:

• Gastrointestinal issues: GI problems such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, IBD, etc. irritates the lining of the stomach, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. 
• Motion sickness: For some individuals travelling can trigger the receptors in the brain which can lead to nausea and vomiting. 
• Pregnancy: Nausea and vomiting in pregnant women are often seen in the 1st and 2nd trimesters, which can range from moderate to severe. 

• Medications: Some medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system, can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects. Many drugs have a common side effect of inducing nausea and vomiting, which can vary among individuals.

• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy: Cancer drugs are potent and can cause many side effects including migraines, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc. Sometimes cancer treatments are associated with an increased frequency of NV and drug therapy is necessary in extreme cases.

• Medical conditions: Conditions such as migraine, infections, liver disease, etc can stimulate the stomach and cause discomfort, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
• Psychological factors: Extreme distress, stress and anxiety can contribute to nausea and vomiting.
• Ingestion of toxins or poisons: Ingesting harmful substances can irritate the stomach, which can lead to nausea and vomiting as the body’s natural response to expel toxins.
• Overconsumption of alcohol: Consuming large amounts of food or alcohol can overwhelm the digestive system and lead to nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Zofran as it can lead to adverse effects. 

 In my experience

As per my knowledge, nausea and vomiting can be treated with some natural alternatives, such as lemon, ginger, mint, etc. in contrast to Zofran and other pharmaceutical drugs. However, in situations where nausea and vomiting are severe, therapeutic intervention is necessary. It is important to seek medical help if the intensity of nausea and vomiting is severe, especially during pregnancy. 

References