Irregularity is a common but uncomfortable condition. Around three million people in the U.S. suffer from constipation, according to a 1996 National Health Survey.

An article on CNN.com suggests that those looking for health resources to deal with infrequent bowel movements may want to try adding a bit of ginger to their daily diet.

Gwynne Berry of Waterbury, Vermont told the news provider that she treats constipation by adding slices of peeled fresh ginger to hot water along with some honey, letting it steep, then drinking it like tea.

“It tastes great and works like a charm,” she said, adding that the natural remedy takes around three hours to produce results.

In addition to being effective, Berry reported that her ginger drink does not produce the undesirable diarrhea that many laxatives do.

Ginger root – fresh, dried, powdered or in the form of an herbal supplement – may also be used to calm stomach upset, prevent nausea and vomiting and treat motion sickness.

And some studies have also suggested that it can be effective in lowering cholesterol, promoting heart health and preventing cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.