Ginger prevents nausea after operations

A gram of ginger has proved to be effective in preventing nausea and vomiting that affects patients after surgery. Ginger has been used as a traditional medicine in China and India to treat nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In the last decade, several studies have evaluated the effects of ginger in preventing nausea and vomiting after surgery, which affects about 43 percent of patients. To evaluate its effectiveness in nausea, researchers from the Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, Thailand, analysed data from five clinical trials that involved a total of 363 patients. Compared with placebo, ginger cut the risk of nausea and vomiting in the 24 hours after surgery by 31 percent. However, 35 percent of patients in the ginger group still had postoperative nausea and vomiting. The only apparent side effect seen with ginger was abdominal discomfort. Ginger is an effective therapeutic option in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Due to its widespread availability, low cost, and great tolerability profile, ginger may be an attractive option especially in countries in which cost of care is a major issue.