Nausea is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy, motion sickness, viral or bacterial infections, reactions to medicine, and digestive issues. While there are medications that can help relieve nausea, there are also several natural remedies that may be effective. If you have been suffering from nausea, here are a few things to can try to relieve the discomfort:
1. Ginger
Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea. It can be consumed in several forms, including ginger tea, ginger ale, and ginger capsules. Some people also use candied ginger when they are feeling sick. Pregnant women have used this remedy to help combat morning sickness for centuries, and some people suffering from motion sickness have also used it. If you try ginger, make sure to experiment to see which form helps you feel the best.
2. Cannabis
Many people swear by the anti-nausea powers of cannabis. People have been using this product to treat stomach problems for many years, and recently researchers have found that the use of cannabis to relieve nausea can be significantly helpful. The best results came from flowers and concentrates and relief happened quickly. If you live where it is legal, consider talking to your doctor about using a cannabis substance, such as Delta 9 THC, to see if it helps you.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach and has been said to help relieve nausea. Many people enjoy soothing peppermint tea as a drink, either cold or warm. It is also consumed as peppermint tea, or by inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil. For many people, simply smelling peppermint is sufficient. If you cannot hold down any liquids, peppermint oil may be one thing that can help you feel better.
4. Lemon
Lemon has a refreshing scent and taste that can help relieve nausea. Sucking on a lemon or adding lemon juice to water or tea can help. For people who have been vomiting or have a stomach virus, the acidic juice may not sit well on an empty stomach, so try a little at a time until you see how you tolerate it.
5. Acupressure
Applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the wrist, can help relieve nausea. This technique is called acupressure and can be done by using wristbands designed for this purpose or by applying pressure with your fingers. This is helpful if you are suffering from nausea for long time periods, such as with morning sickness, chemotherapy, or motion sickness. It’s also helpful if you can’t tolerate any food or medicine by mouth.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile is a soothing herb that can help calm the stomach and relieve nausea. You can usually find chamomile tea in grocery stores where hot drinks and coffee are sold. Some versions of chamomile tea are flavored with mint, which can add to the benefit. Consider using this tea cautiously and sipping it slowly over a long time period if you have been vomiting. The sudden addition of any liquid to an upset stomach can be harmful.
7. Aromatherapy
Certain essential oils, such as lavender and lemon, can help relieve nausea when inhaled. Simply add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle. These methods can be beneficial when the nausea is causing vomiting because you can’t rely on your stomach to keep something down long enough for it to help. If you do try essential oils, consider using only a small amount at a time. They can be overpowering in large doses and your sense of smell can be more sensitive than normal when you are feeling ill. This is especially true if your nausea is caused by pregnancy or a stomach virus.
8. Hydration
Depending on the cause of your nausea, staying hydrated can help relieve nausea, especially if it is caused by dehydration. Sipping water, clear broth, or electrolyte drinks can help. If drinking makes you feel worse, try to sip your drink very slowly so that only a swallow or two are in your stomach at once. This will help keep the liquid from triggering a vomiting episode.
9. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a product that has been used in the medical community for years to help absorb poisons. If your nausea is caused by a stomach virus or food poisoning, you can try taking activated charcoal capsules to see if it helps. Some people say that they started feeling better soon after taking charcoal, however, studies are inconclusive. If you do try this, be aware that any vomit may be a very concerning color as charcoal will temporarily color your stomach contents black.
10. Rest
Depending on the cause of your nausea, resting in a comfortable position, such as lying down with your head elevated, can help you feel better. Taking deep breaths or practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also be helpful. If you are fighting a stomach virus, rest is one of the most important things you can do to help support your immune system and recover. If you are suffering from motion sickness, a change in your location or position may help.
11. Small, Frequent Meals
Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea by keeping the stomach from becoming too full or too empty. Foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers or toast, can also help. Remember the BRAT diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are usually gentle on the stomach and nibbling on them can help relieve nausea while keeping your body nourished. Snacking can be especially helpful for motion sickness.
Conclusion
Make sure that you are consulting with a medical professional if you are experiencing ongoing nausea for any reason. If you can’t keep food and water down for several days, you can start experiencing dehydration and exhaustion which may require medical intervention. If you are still feeling poorly after several days and these techniques aren’t helping, consider calling your healthcare provider right away.
