Nausea is a queasy sensation, often observed as an urge to throw up. Nausea generally happens with a feeling of unease and discomfort in the chest, upper abdomen, or back of the throat. Usually, it lasts a few hours or maybe a couple of days. It is not a dangerous problem.
The condition never seems pleasant and can arise during pregnancy or while traveling. People prefer anti-nausea medication to avoid any form of awkwardness or feel uncomfortable during a session due to nausea. Though, the use of such medications can have temporary side effects on health such as drowsiness.
Stress, Food poisoning, Motion sickness, Vertigo, Dizziness, Migraine or Severe headaches, Depression or Anxiety disorders, Too much alcohol intake, eating too much or too little, Constipation, Overexertion, Morning sickness in pregnancy, Gastrointestinal disorders, Intense or unpleasant smells, Inflammation of the inner ear, Vision and sinus problems, Taking pills on an empty stomach, A side-effect of medication including Chemotherapy can be some common causes of Nausea.
In this blog, we have listed some 17 home remedies that will help you get rid of nausea without exercising any form of medication.
Natural Home Remedies to Control or Relieve Nausea
At times it’s unclear why nausea strikes. To make it go away, we look up for appointments, search easy DIY methods, and follow up traditional techniques of aged people.
1. Ginger
As a belief, compounds in ginger, Gingerol work similar to anti-nausea medications. These compounds carry anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties helpful in fighting infection and other diseases. Using raw ginger in cooking, chewing a piece of ginger candy, or a cup of ginger tea may relieve the signs of nausea.
Nausea is common during pregnancy, after surgery or chemotherapy. Intake of Ginger in a small amount, such as 1-1.5 grams can be quite effective (1, 2)
Studies and Research have depicted the use of Ginger helps in digestion, fight flu and the common cold, reduce muscle pain and soreness, lower blood sugars, improve heart disease risk factors, Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia), Reduce Menstrual Pain (dysmenorrhea), help With Osteoarthritis, lower Cholesterol Levels, improve Brain Function, and more.
Moreover, it is natural and safe but people prone to low BP/low blood sugar or those taking blood thinners should carefully limit their ginger intake.
2. Herbal Tea
Tea prepared by herbs like Chamomile, peppermint, catnip, basil, fennel, ginger, and marjoram taken together aids digestion (as it contains carminative herbs) as well as reduces muscle spasms (due to its antispasmodic herbs). Hence, it provides relief in nausea.
Nausea creates an urge to vomit. Some of the above listed herbal tea can overcome this discomfort.
Ginger Tea – The root of Ginger has been widely used as a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. Use peeled ginger and steep it in boiling water for 10–20 minutes. Later strain the ginger and add a bit of honey, cinnamon, or lemon to enhance its taste.
Chamomile Tea – Chamomile is best for the digestive problem and treats morning sickness. Earlier a study stated, intake of 500 mg of chamomile extract twice daily was significantly effective for an Iranian Women with Breast Cancer in reducing the frequency of vomiting. (3)
However, consult your doctor before practicing any tactic in your pregnancy period.
Peppermint Tea – The most common way to relax your stomach muscles and breakdown fat. In a study, those who were exposed to peppermint or practiced peppermint aromatherapy felt quite relaxed. One can also drink peppermint tea during nausea or vomiting.
3. Essential Oils
Inhaling the smell of some essential oils such as peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, spearmint, etc. at the onset of nausea might benefit reducing the symptom, but those who have discomfort with intense smell need to be careful.
4. Baking Soda
Dissolving 1/2 tsp of Sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda) in water and drinking it may help with nausea. This remedy changes the pH of the acids in the stomach. Though, it provides immediate relief, however, should be used as a temporary measure only.
5. Vitamin B6 Supplements
For those who observe morning sickness (especially pregnant women), Vitamin B6 supplement is a good option. It can break down the hormones believed to be a part of the cause of nausea.
6. Homeopathic Medicines
Homeopathic medicines such as Colchicum, Arsenicum, Nux Vomica, Ipecac, Phosphorus, Sepia, Pulsatilla, etc. are quite relieving in case of nausea. Consume them individually or in combination depending on the symptoms. Eating or drinking 15 minutes before or after a dose should be prohibited.
7. Wrist-Band Pressure
Acupressure is a naturopathy technique that aims to stimulate the pressure points on the body. Nerve fibres that transmit the signals to the brain help lessen nausea. Wrist bands make it easier but the same benefit can be availed by pressing the thumb of one hand against the inside of the wrist of the other. The pressure point lies just below the crease and between the tendons (known as P6 or inner frontier gate point). Working on both hands simultaneously provides quick relief.
8. Earphones
People prone to motion sickness may benefit by sitting in the front seat of a moving vehicle. Furthermore, using earphones allows the eyes to suppress signals from your inner ear (a major issue that leads to nausea due to motion sickness).
9. Relaxing muscles
Relaxing muscles by massaging them or through PMR technique (tensing and relaxing muscles in a sequence to achieve relaxation physically as well as mentally) helps relieve nausea.
10. Deep breathing
Breathing in slowly through the nose, holding the breath a while, and finally exhaling through the mouth helps relieve nausea. Moreover, it is cost-free as well as effective.
Additional Tips to Reduce or Get Rid of Nausea Naturally
- Protein-rich meals fight nausea better than high fat or carb meals.
- Smaller and more frequent meals are beneficial than large ones.
- Spicy and fatty foods might trigger the feeling of nausea thus should be avoided. Instead, opt for bland foods such as bananas, rice, toast, baked potatoes, etc.
- Strong smells worsen nausea, especially during pregnancy.
- If nausea is accompanied by vomiting, the lost fluids should be replaced by plenty of fluid intakes. Sports drink/electrolyte-rich fluids are a better option as they balance the body salts too.
- Certain spices such as fennel seeds, cinnamon as well as cumin help in getting rid of indigestion. Furthermore, helps release the gas accumulated in the stomach. Also, Fennel seeds help in nausea due to menstruation.
- Abstain from eating heavy meals before or during travel. Avoid too many fluids too.
- Keep yourself sidetracked with music or TV but don’t indulge in something that needs an exerting mind.
Preventive Measures
- Wash hands regularly.
- Keep the house clean by regular disinfection.
- Shun overeating and go in for small frequent meals.
- Avoid foods or exposure to strong smells that make you feel queasy.
Note
These easily available and cost-effective home remedies might help reduce or overcome the feeling of nausea. In case, the nauseated feeling persists or is accompanied by unusual symptoms, it is time to seek advice from your doctor or healthcare practitioner.