Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affect 30 to 50% of patients after general anesthesia. Ginger is the most studied natural antiemetic in this context—with results comparable to reference drugs.
Meta-analysis: ginger vs. placebo in surgery
A Cochrane meta-analysis including 18 randomized clinical trials and 2166 patients (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018) concludes that ginger:
- Reduces the incidence of postoperative nausea by 30% (RR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57-0.86)
- Reduces postoperative vomiting by 24%
- Is as effective as metoclopramide for moderate PONV
- Has an excellent safety profile, with no interaction with anesthetics
How ginger acts on PONV
Anesthesia triggers PONV via three pathways that ginger simultaneously blocks:
- 5-HT3 receptors: shogaols block these serotonergic receptors in the vomiting center (like ondansetron/Zofran®)
- NK1 receptors: acts on substance P, reducing emetic signaling
- Gastric motility: anesthesia slows down the stomach (postoperative gastroparesis)—ginger accelerates gastric emptying
Pre/post-surgery protocol
Before the operation
- Day -3 to Day -1: 2 INTI shots per day (morning and evening) to saturate antiemetic receptors
- Day 0 (day of surgery): 1 INTI shot 2 hours before anesthesia (if authorized by the surgeon—ginger does not significantly affect coagulation at dietary doses)
After the operation
- As soon as liquids are resumed: 1 INTI shot diluted in warm water, every 4-6 hours
- Day +1 to Day +7: 2-3 INTI shots per day—reduces postoperative inflammation and accelerates athletic recovery
Post-surgical recovery
Beyond nausea, ginger accelerates overall recovery:
- anti-inflammatory-science-utilisation">ginger anti-inflammatory: reduces postoperative edema and pain (studies in orthopedic surgery: -25% analgesic consumption)
- Antioxidant: protects tissues against oxidative ginger stress from anesthesia and surgery
- Pro-healing: gingerol stimulates fibroblast proliferation and turmeric-rides-peau-naturel-2026">collagen synthesis
INTI's turmeric enhances this effect with complementary anti-inflammatory action (COX-2 and NF-κB pathways).
Why INTI is ideal perioperatively
Post-surgery, diet is often restricted. INTI offers:
- A concentrated liquid format that is easy to ingest
- Zero added sugar (1.19 g/100 ml)—important because glycemic peaks worsen PONV
- A double action of ginger + turmeric in a single shot
Note: always consult your surgeon before taking ginger during the perioperative period.
Conclusion
Ginger is a natural antiemetic validated by 18 clinical trials for postoperative nausea. INTI Drink—concentrated Belgian organic ginger, turmeric, sugar-free—is the ideal companion for a serene surgery and accelerated recovery.