Nausea Relief: Discover 15 Natural Home Remedies

Nausea relief can be quickly achieved with natural remedies. Nausea is an uncomfortable, unsettling sensation in the stomach that can lead to the urge to vomit. We’ve all been there—whether it’s after a long car ride, a stomach bug, or even due to stress, nausea can strike at any time and often when we least expect it. But what exactly causes nausea, and how can we manage it without resorting to medication? In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of nausea and dive into natural remedies that can help you feel better.

What is Nausea?

Nausea is not an illness itself but rather a symptom of various conditions. It’s that queasy, uneasy feeling that something isn’t right in your stomach like constipation, often accompanied by an urge to vomit. Nausea can be short-lived or prolonged, depending on the underlying cause.

Common symptoms that often accompany nausea include:

A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the stomach
Sweating
Dizziness
Increased salivation
Weakness

While nausea is typically harmless, it can be quite distressing and can interfere with daily activities. To better understand how to manage nausea, let’s first look at some of the most common causes.

What Causes Nausea?

Nausea can be triggered by a wide range of factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

Motion Sickness: Whether it’s from riding in a car, boat, or airplane, motion sickness is a frequent cause of nausea. It occurs when the inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves send conflicting signals to the brain.
Gastrointestinal Infections: Stomach viruses or food poisoning can lead to nausea as your body tries to rid itself of harmful pathogens.
Pregnancy: Morning sickness, a common experience during the first trimester of pregnancy, is characterized by nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Medications: Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, pain relievers, and antibiotics, can cause nausea as a side effect.
Overeating: Eating too much, especially rich, fatty foods, can overwhelm your digestive system and lead to nausea.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can also manifest physically, with nausea being a common symptom.
Migraines: Many people who suffer from migraines also experience nausea, often due to the intense pain and sensory overload.
Dehydration: Lack of adequate hydration can lead to nausea, particularly if you’ve been sweating excessively or have been ill.
Acid Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, leading to nausea.
Food Intolerances: Consuming foods that your body is intolerant to, such as lactose or gluten, can cause digestive upset and nausea.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While nausea is usually not serious, there are times when it’s important to seek medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with nausea, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional:

Severe abdominal pain
Chest pain
High fever
Persistent vomiting (lasting more than 24 hours)
Blood in vomit
Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urine output
Confusion or severe headache

If nausea is a frequent occurrence for you or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment. However, for those occasional bouts of nausea, there are several natural remedies you can try at home.

Natural Remedies for Nausea relief

Many natural remedies can help alleviate nausea without the need for medication. These remedies are often easy to find and simple to use, making them a convenient option when you need quick relief.

1. Ginger

Ginger is perhaps the most well-known natural remedy for nausea. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various digestive issues, including nausea. The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, are believed to have anti-nausea effects by speeding up stomach emptying and soothing the digestive tract.

How to Use Ginger for Nausea relief:

Ginger Tea: Steep a few slices of fresh ginger in hot water for about 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon if desired, and sip slowly.
Ginger Candies or Chews: These are convenient for on-the-go relief and can be found in most health food stores.
Ginger Supplements: If you’re not a fan of the taste, ginger supplements in capsule form are also available.

Note: Ginger is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or have any underlying health conditions.

2. Peppermint

Peppermint is another herb that has been traditionally used to ease digestive discomfort. The menthol in peppermint can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, making it effective in relievi

How to Use Peppermint for Nausea relief:

Peppermint Tea: Brew peppermint tea by steeping fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink it slowly to calm your stomach.
Peppermint Oil: Inhaling peppermint oil or applying it to your temples and wrists can also provide relief. Be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin.
Peppermint Lozenges: These can be a quick and easy way to combat nausea when you’re on the go.

3. Lemon

The refreshing scent of lemon can help reduce feelings of nausea. The acidity of lemon also stimulates the production of saliva, which can be soothing for an upset stomach.

How to Use Lemon for Nausea relief:

Lemon Water: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of water and sip it slowly. You can add a little honey for sweetness if needed.
Lemon Aromatherapy: Simply sniffing a cut lemon or using lemon essential oil can help reduce nausea symptoms.
Lemon Candies: Sucking on a lemon-flavored candy or lozenge can also provide relief.

4. Acupressure

Acupressure, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve symptoms, including nausea. The pressure point known as P6, or Neiguan, is particularly effective for nausea relief

How to Use Acupressure for Nausea:

Finding the P6 Point: It’s located on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths down from the base of your palm.
Applying Pressure: Use your thumb to press down firmly on the P6 point for a few minutes while taking deep breaths.

You can also find acupressure wristbands designed specifically for nausea relief, which are often used for motion sickness or morning sickness.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another popular home remedy for nausea. Although it’s acidic, ACV can help balance your stomach’s pH levels and improve digestion.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Nausea relief:

Diluted ACV: Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink it slowly to ease nausea.
ACV and Honey: For added flavor and benefits, mix ACV with honey in warm water.

Note: Always dilute apple cider vinegar before consuming it to avoid irritating your throat and stomach.

6. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are known for their ability to relieve bloating and digestive discomfort, making them a great option for nausea. They contain anethole, a compound that can help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract.

How to Use Fennel Seeds for Nausea relief:

Fennel Tea: Crush a teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep them in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea to soothe your stomach.
Chewing Fennel Seeds: Simply chewing on a teaspoon of fennel seeds after a meal can help prevent nausea.

7. Chamomile for nausea relief:

Chamomile is well-known for its calming effects, which can extend to the digestive system. It’s often used to relieve nausea, especially when it’s linked to stress or anxiety.

How to Use Chamomile for Nausea:

Chamomile Tea: Brew chamomile tea by steeping a tea bag or dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Sip slowly to ease nausea and promote relaxation.
Chamomile Essential Oil: Inhaling the scent of chamomile essential oil can also help reduce feelings of nausea.

8. Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial when you’re feeling nauseous, especially if vomiting has occurred. Sipping on clear liquids like water, herbal teas, or clear broths can help keep you hydrated and prevent nausea from worsening.

How to Stay Hydrated:

How to Stay Hydrated:

Small Sips: Take small sips of water or herbal tea throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once, which can exacerbate nausea.
Electrolyte Solutions: If you’ve been vomiting, consider sipping on an electrolyte solution to replenish lost minerals.

9. Bananas

When solid food seems unappealing, bananas are a gentle option that can help settle your stomach. They are easy to digest and can provide a quick source of energy when you’re feeling nauseous.

How to Use Bananas for Nausea relief:

Plain Banana: Simply eat a ripe banana, which is less likely to irritate your stomach and can provide the potassium you might have lost if you’ve been vomiting.
Banana Smoothie: Blend a banana with some plain yogurt and a bit of honey for a soothing smoothie that’s easy on the stomach.

10. Crackers and Toast

Sometimes, the simplest remedies are the most effective. Plain crackers or dry toast can help absorb stomach acid and provide a bit of sustenance without overwhelming your digestive system.

How to Use Crackers and Toast for Nausea:

Saltine Crackers: Keep a pack of saltine crackers on hand to nibble on when nausea strikes. Their mild flavor and dryness can help settle your stomach.
Dry Toast: A slice of plain, dry toast can also help absorb excess stomach acid and give your body something easy to digest.

11. Cloves for nausea relief

Why It Helps: Cloves contain compounds that help improve digestion and reduce nausea and vomiting, particularly when related to pregnancy or digestive issues.
How to Use: Chew on a few cloves, or make clove tea by steeping them in hot water for 10 minutes. You can also add ground cloves to a small amount of honey and take it slowly.

12. Yogurt

Why It Helps: Probiotic-rich yogurt can help balance the good bacteria in your gut, which can reduce nausea caused by digestive issues.
How to Use: Eat a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt to help settle your stomach. You can also blend it into a smoothie with banana and ginger for a soothing, nutritious snack.

13. Mint Leaves

Why It Helps: Mint leaves can calm your stomach and help reduce nausea, particularly when it’s caused by motion sickness or indigestion.
How to Use: Chew on fresh mint leaves, make mint tea, or inhale the scent of mint essential oil for quick relief.

14. Coriander Seeds

Why It Helps: Coriander seeds have digestive properties that can help reduce nausea and improve overall digestion.
How to Use: Steep coriander seeds in hot water for 10 minutes to make tea. You can also chew on the seeds after meals to prevent nausea.

15. Activated Charcoal

Why It Helps: Activated charcoal can help absorb toxins in the stomach, making it useful for nausea caused by food poisoning or gastrointestinal distress.
How to Use: Take activated charcoal tablets as directed on the packaging. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using activated charcoal, especially if you’re taking other medications.

By incorporating these natural remedies into your routine, you can effectively manage and prevent nausea in a gentle and holistic way. Remember to always listen to your body and seek medical advice if nausea persists or is accompanied by severe symptoms.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Nausea

Avoiding nausea often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and awareness of potential triggers. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent nausea.

1. Avoid Trigger Foods

Why It Helps: Certain foods are more likely to cause nausea, particularly those that are spicy, greasy, or overly rich. Foods with strong odors can also be triggers for some people.
Tip: Keep a food diary to track what you eat and identify any foods that seem to trigger your nausea. Common triggers include spicy dishes, fried foods, and foods high in fat.

2. Stay Hydrated

Why It Helps: Dehydration can lead to nausea, especially if you’ve been sweating excessively, exercising, or recovering from an illness. Sipping water throughout the day can help maintain your body’s fluid balance and prevent nausea.
Tip: Drink small amounts of water regularly, rather than large amounts at once, to avoid overwhelming your stomach. Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint tea can also be soothing.

3. Avoid Strong Odours

Why It Helps: Strong smells, whether from food, perfume, or cleaning products, can trigger nausea, especially in individuals who are particularly sensitive.
Tip: If you’re prone to nausea, avoid areas with strong odors or keep a window open to allow for fresh air circulation. You can also try inhaling a calming scent like lemon or peppermint if you feel nauseous.

4. Take Care with Medications

Why It Helps: Some medications can cause nausea as a side effect. Taking certain medications on an empty stomach or too close to bedtime can increase the likelihood of nausea.
Tip: Always take medications as directed by your healthcare provider. If you find that a medication causes nausea, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about possible alternatives or ways to mitigate this side effect, such as taking it with food.

5. Avoid Lying Down Immediately After Eating

Why It Helps: Lying down right after eating can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, leading to acid reflux and nausea.
Tip: Try to stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. If you need to lie down, elevate your head with pillows to reduce the risk of acid reflux.

6. Wear Loose Clothing

Why It Helps: Tight clothing, especially around the waist, can put pressure on your stomach and exacerbate nausea.
Tip: Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, particularly after meals or when you’re feeling bloated.

7. Avoid Motion Sickness

Why It Helps: Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting signals from your inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves. This is common during travel by car, boat, or airplane.
Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, try sitting in the front seat of a car, looking at the horizon, or keeping your eyes closed during travel. Avoid reading or using screens, and try to get some fresh air. Over-the-counter remedies like motion sickness bands or medications can also help.

8. Practice Acupressure

Why It Helps: Acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate symptoms like nausea. The P6 (Neiguan) point on the wrist is particularly effective for preventing and treating nausea.
Tip: To locate the P6 point, measure about three finger-widths down from the base of your palm, on the inside of your wrist. Apply gentle pressure to this point using your thumb for a few minutes.

Conclusion: Embracing Natural Remedies for Nausea Relief

Nausea is a common and often uncomfortable sensation that can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from motion sickness to stress.

Remember, while natural remedies can be very effective, it’s important to listen to your body. If your nausea is persistent or accompanied by more serious symptoms, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that, the information provided on this website is for informational purpose only and is not intended as a substitute for professional, medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. Read more here.