Planning Surgery? Consider Asking
About Ginger

Nausea and vomiting are common problems after surgery. Ginger may ease these symptoms, suggests a recent report that analyzed five studies. Most participants were women having gynecological procedures. Before surgery, they took either a placebo or ginger. In one study, patients took another dose of ginger or placebo after surgery. Researchers concluded that ginger may lower the risk for postsurgical nausea and vomiting by 31%.

Ginger also is being tested as a treatment for morning sickness. Ask your doctor before taking ginger or any other herb while pregnant or after surgery. Some other ways to aid nausea and vomiting: Avoid solid foods and sip water or juice.