Ginger is both effective and safe in treating vomiting in children with acute gastroenteritis, according to a new study presented at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Annual Meeting.

The study assessed children between the ages of one and 10 with acute gastroenteritis and compared the effectiveness of ginger with a placebo in treating vomiting. Results showed that the number of vomiting episodes was 20 per cent less in the group treated with ginger and the number of children missing school for at least one day was also 28 per cent less in this group. Lead researcher Dr Roberto Berni Canani said: “We anticipate that the results will have a great impact on future clinical practice and the advice given to parents in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis and could potentially save lives.”