None of us are strangers to the queasy uncomfortable feeling that is nausea – a sensation of discomfort that often comes before one vomits. One can also suffer from nausea without actually vomiting, for example sea-sickness or car-sickness. It is also the symptom of numerous conditions, and the medicines used to combat this feeling come under the umbrella term, antiemetics – for example, promethazine and metoclopramide. But what is the point of taking strong medicine that weakens your body for as common a symptom as nausea. Instead, you can try out home remedies for nausea which act fast and help you get rid of nausea. Also, have you ever wondered how to get rid of morning sickness naturally? Yes, home remedies will help you with that as well!
Possible Causes for Nausea
- Sunstroke
- Stress
- Vertigo
- Motion sickness
- Migraine
- Dizziness
- Food poisoning
- Fainting
- Gastroenteritis
- Chemotherapy
- Pregnancy
- Appendicitis
Symptoms
- Uneasy feeling in upper stomach
- Dry heaves
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Stomach ache
Home Remedies for Nausea
1. Ginger
Ideal in any form, ginger can get rid of nausea quickly. You can directly chew a little piece of ginger, or make a tea with 2 inches of ginger root, some honey and water. Even ginger ale will help. Make sure you don’t give infants younger than 2 years any ginger. In fact, ginger has been the go-to remedy to overcome pregnancy nausea for ages. Make ginger ale at home and sip it away to keep morning nausea at bay during pregnancy.
2. Milk Toast
Don’t have anything spicy or greasy when you are feeling nauseous. Milk toast is an ideal choice – the milk adds a protective layer on the stomach while the bread absorbs excess acid. Heat up a bowl of milk and toast a piece of bread. Crumble the bread into the milk. Caution: this recipe is not for lactose intolerant people or those with gastroenteritis.
3. Lemon
The fresh stringent smell of lemons will cut through the nausea and help you feel better. Simply cut open a lemon, and hold a half of it close to your nose. Inhale and exhale deeply. You can also make a mixture of the juice of one lemon with salted water, and sip on it throughout the day. Another option is to suck a lemon wedge directly. Trust, this remedy to make your travel nausea (motion sickness) disappears.
4. Cool Compress
A cool compress during bouts of nausea can help the situation greatly. You can use an ice bag or a washcloth dipped in cold water – make sure it is not ice cold. Lie down and put it under your neck, or place it on the back of your neck if you are sitting.
5. Baking Soda
This humble kitchen ingredient has numerous uses around the house, and one of its many uses is as a natural remedy against nausea. Take about a spoon and half of baking soda mix it in warm water and drink the mixture. However, it is imperative that pregnant women do NOT drink this.
6. Frozen Fruit or Ice
Apart from smelling lemons or drinking lemon water, you can also freeze wedges of lime or lemons in the ice cube tray and suck on them when you are feeling nauseous. You can also try swallowing small ice cubes as they are said to help against nausea. Ice chips or popsicles may help as well.
7. Aniseed
Aniseed is yet another ingredient from your kitchen shelf that can help you get rid of that morning sickness. Steep 1/4 teaspoon of aniseed in half a cup of water and drink the strained liquid once a day. Aniseed is known for cooling down the stomach. You can also sprinkle aniseed over your carrots, pumpkins, pears or apples.
8. Rice Water
The cloudy water that remains after cooking and draining rice is surprisingly a great natural homemade remedy for nausea. Simply drink the leftover rice water, after you have boiled some rice for 10-20 minutes – it is one of the easiest and best natural cures for nausea.
9. Mint
This fresh-smelling herb can help you in the battle against nausea. Steep about a tablespoon of dried mint leaves in a pint of hot water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink this mint tea. As boiled mint leaves are also helpful against nausea, you can chew on the steeped leaves as well.
10. Non-carbonated syrup
Here is another simple homemade recipe made with the simplest of kitchen ingredients that will help you get rid of nausea. Make a simple syrup of sugar and water, with a little salt, and drink it to stay hydrated all day – ideally you should have it every 30 minutes. You can drink other sweet fluids as well; just make sure they are non-carbonated.
11. Peppermint
This fresh ingredient will cut through the haze of nausea and will help you feel better in no time at all. You can suck on peppermint flavored candy. Alternatively, take some peppermint oil and dip small cotton pads in it. Apply it directly on your gums.
12. BRAT
Banana, rice, applesauce, toast. This is the golden recipe for those who are suffering from nausea induced by stomach flu or food poisoning. This light and healthy combination of food nourishes you as well as stabilizes your stomach. You can also add potatoes and pasta with a little oil, to the list.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another natural arrow in your quiver to get rid of nausea. You can use this commonly available kitchen ingredient especially to get rid of morning sickness. All you have to do is make a mixture of apple cider vinegar and 8 ounces of water and drink it in small quantities.
14. Chamomile Tea
Anxiety and stress can often lead to nausea. For those who suffer from this kind of nausea, chamomile tea may prove to be extremely beneficial. Steep some chamomile leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes and drink the tea. Chamomile has a soothing effect as well as reduces stomach cramps.
15. Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is an excellent way of reducing stress, getting enough sleep, improving concentration and circulation – all of which can indirectly benefit conditions that bring on nausea. Treating the causes of nausea is sometimes the best way to deal with it. Inhaling essential oils like peppermint oil, dandelion oil, spearmint oil and lavender oil can help in getting rid of nausea directly.
16. Raspberries
These delicious berries can be your armor against morning sickness – the tannins in the fruit are responsible for this. Grab a bowlful of fresh raspberries and have them for breakfast to get rid of nausea. Alternatively, you can steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes and drink the infusion.
Preventive Measures
- Try to reduce your alcohol intake
- Drink cold water to soothe your stomach
- Avoid the combination of greasy spicy food with dairy products and meat
- Sometimes prolonged hunger can lead to nausea – eat something light.
- Drink less coffee
- Get exercise and plenty of rest
- Always eat your food slowly and in small portions
- Don’t drink and fluid while you are eating
- Suck on hard candies