What Hot Drinks Are Good for Chemo Patients? Soothing & Nourishing Options

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of people undergoing chemotherapy experience nausea and other side effects that make eating and drinking a challenge, emphasizing the importance of palatable fluids. This reality leads many to question, 'What hot drinks are good for chemo patients?' as warm beverages can provide significant comfort and help maintain hydration during treatment.

Quick Summary

Chemotherapy side effects, including nausea, taste changes, and mouth sores, can interfere with adequate nutrition. Soothing hot drinks such as ginger tea, bone broth, and fortified milk beverages can significantly improve hydration and nutritional intake. Understanding preparation methods and potential interactions is key for comfort during treatment.

Key Points

Combat Nausea: Ginger and peppermint teas are natural antiemetics that can calm the stomach during chemotherapy.
Soothe Mouth Sores: Chamomile tea, used as a warm rinse or beverage, can help reduce the severity of mouth sores (mucositis) caused by treatment.
Boost Nutrition: Fortified milk-based drinks and nutrient-dense bone broths can increase calorie and protein intake when appetite is low.
Prioritize Hydration: Warm beverages like broth and herbal teas are often more palatable than water, helping to prevent dehydration caused by chemotherapy side effects.
Avoid Certain Drinks: Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, acidic juices (if mouth sores are present), and grapefruit juice, as they can worsen side effects or interact with medications.
Temperature Matters: Sip beverages at a warm, not scalding, temperature to prevent irritation, especially if you have a sore mouth or throat.

The Importance of Hydration and Comfort During Chemotherapy

Staying hydrated is a cornerstone of supportive care during chemotherapy. Vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms and deplete energy. While plain water is essential, it can develop an unpleasant taste during treatment. Warm beverages offer a comforting and often more palatable alternative, with different options targeting specific side effects and nutritional needs.

Hot Drinks for Nausea and Digestive Discomfort

Nausea and stomach upset are among the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Certain hot beverages can provide gentle relief by calming the digestive system. It's best to sip these drinks slowly and in small amounts throughout the day.

Soothing Herbal Teas

Ginger Tea: Ginger is a well-researched antiemetic, meaning it helps to prevent and alleviate nausea. A simple homemade ginger tea can be made by boiling fresh, peeled ginger slices in water for 15 minutes.
Peppermint Tea: Peppermint is known for its ability to soothe upset stomachs and aid digestion, which can help with bloating and indigestion. Sucking on mints can also provide relief.
Chamomile Tea: Beyond its calming effects that can reduce anxiety, chamomile has been shown to be effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders and may help with vomiting. Its soothing properties also make it beneficial for a dry or sore mouth.

Broths and Electrolyte-Rich Drinks

For patients with taste changes or low appetite, a savory option can be more appealing than sweet teas. Bone broth provides not only hydration but also protein, collagen, and minerals that support healing.

Nutrient-Dense Broth: Simmering animal bones and vegetables for an extended period creates a nutrient-rich and easy-to-digest liquid. Adding pureed vegetables or unflavored protein powder can boost its nutritional value.
Miso Soup: A warm cup of miso soup provides electrolytes and a gentle, savory flavor. Ensure the miso is low-sodium if dietary restrictions apply.

Hot Drinks for Increasing Calories and Nutrition

When appetite is low, focusing on nutrient-dense beverages can help prevent weight loss. Incorporating full-fat and protein-rich ingredients into warm drinks can provide essential calories and energy.

Fortified Hot Beverages

Fortified Hot Chocolate: Making hot chocolate with full-fat milk or a plant-based alternative and adding a scoop of unflavored protein powder or milk powder can significantly increase calories and protein.
Turmeric Golden Milk Latte: This anti-inflammatory beverage combines turmeric, ginger, and other spices with a warm milk base. It can be made with milk or a plant-based alternative and a touch of honey.
Nut Butter Hot Drink: Blending a spoonful of almond or cashew butter with warm milk and a dash of vanilla extract creates a creamy, calorie-dense drink rich in healthy fats.

Comparison of Hot Drinks for Chemo Patients


Beverage Type	Best For	Flavor Profile	Nutritional Perks	Notes
Ginger Tea	Nausea, upset stomach	Mildly spicy, warming	Natural antiemetic properties	Avoid large doses if on blood thinners
Peppermint Tea	Nausea, bloating, indigestion	Cooling, fresh	Soothes digestive system	Can worsen heartburn for some
Chamomile Tea	Anxiety, sleep, mouth sores	Floral, gentle	Anti-inflammatory, reduces mucositis	Generally safe, can be used as a mouth rinse
Bone Broth	Low appetite, hydration	Savory, salty	Protein, collagen, minerals	Sodium content varies; consider homemade low-sodium
Fortified Hot Chocolate	Low appetite, energy boost	Rich, sweet	High-calorie, high-protein	Use milk powder for extra protein and calories
Turmeric Golden Milk	Inflammation, nausea	Earthy, spicy, sweet	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory	Tastes can be sensitive; adjust spices to preference

What to Avoid and Other Considerations

While warm drinks can be beneficial, some should be limited or avoided during chemotherapy to prevent worsening symptoms or interfering with treatment.

Caffeine: Regular tea and coffee contain caffeine, which is dehydrating and can increase stomach irritation. Opt for decaffeinated versions or herbal teas instead.
Acidic Drinks: If mouth sores or a sore throat are present, acidic drinks like hot water with lemon or certain fruit juices can cause irritation. Warm, milky beverages or broths are often better tolerated.
Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain chemotherapy drugs, making them less effective or potentially toxic. Always avoid it during treatment.
Alcohol: Both chemotherapy and alcohol are processed by the liver, and their combination can cause additional strain. It's best to avoid alcohol entirely during chemo.

Remember to adjust beverage temperatures to a warm (not scalding hot) level, especially if experiencing mouth or throat sensitivity. Using a straw can also help bypass sensitive areas in the mouth. For recipes and additional tips, a reliable resource is the Cancer Nutrition Consortium.

Conclusion

Selecting the right hot drinks can be a simple yet effective strategy for managing chemotherapy side effects and maintaining comfort. From the anti-nausea properties of ginger and peppermint teas to the nourishing boost of fortified milk and bone broth, there are many warm beverages to explore. Patients can tailor their choices based on individual symptoms and taste preferences, always ensuring they prioritize hydration and nutritional needs. Always consult with your oncology team or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, as individual needs and treatment plans can vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Regular tea and coffee contain caffeine, which can be dehydrating and potentially worsen stomach upset. Decaffeinated versions are a better option, or switch to herbal teas that have added soothing benefits.

Most common herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile are considered safe and beneficial. However, it's always best to check with your oncology team before trying any new herbal supplement, as some can interfere with medications.

To add extra calories and protein, you can fortify hot drinks. For example, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder or milk powder to warm milk or broth. Blending in nut butter is another high-calorie option.

Warm (not hot) chamomile tea is excellent for soothing mouth sores and discomfort. Mild broths and fortified hot chocolate can also be gentle on the throat. Avoid acidic drinks that could cause irritation.

Taste changes are common during chemo. If water tastes metallic or unpleasant, try adding a splash of fruit juice to hot water, or opt for mild-flavored broths and herbal teas to stay hydrated.

Listen to your body. Some people find warm drinks more soothing, while others prefer cold or room-temperature beverages, especially with certain side effects like cold sensitivity. Both can help maintain hydration.

Bone broth provides nourishing elements like amino acids and minerals, which can support overall well-being. However, while some amino acids in bone broth have immune-supporting properties, the broth itself has not been clinically proven to significantly strengthen the immune system in cancer patients.