One of the worst parts of having surgery is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). PONV is common in typically 30-70% of patients that undergo anesthesia. Recent studies have shown that aromatherapy can help with post-surgery nausea.
Aromatherapy consists of essential oils being infused into the air or being paired with a carrier oil and applied to the skin. Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquid from plants gathered through distillation that contain different chemical compounds to focus on different aspects of the body.
Using essential oils can be a quick, easy remedy that has little to no side effects. Some of the most common essential oils that are affiliated with curing nausea are: lavender, ginger, peppermint, spearmint, cardamom, and fennel.
Although aromatherapy is widely used, it is important to know it is not observed by the FDA, so it is recommended to contact a certified aromatherapist to find the best brands and quality of oils to purchase. There are safe ways to apply essential oils to your skin and infuse them into the air. Make sure to do your research and ensure you are taking the correct precautions and approach to curing your nausea with aromatherapy.