How can nausea be effectively managed without medications? Explore 17 natural remedies that can help eliminate nausea, including ginger, peppermint, acupressure, and citrus scents.

Ginger: A Potent Natural Anti-Nausea Remedy

Ginger is a widely recognized natural solution for nausea. Multiple studies have found ginger to be effective in reducing nausea in various situations, including during pregnancy and after chemotherapy or surgery. The exact mechanism by which ginger alleviates nausea is not entirely clear, but experts believe ginger compounds may work similarly to anti-nausea medications. Most studies have provided participants with 0.5 to 1.5 grams of dried ginger root per day, which appears to be a safe and effective dosage. However, individuals prone to low blood pressure, low blood sugar, or taking blood thinners may need to limit their ginger intake. Additionally, some experts question the safety of consuming dried ginger during pregnancy, though studies involving healthy pregnant individuals report a low risk of side effects.

Peppermint Aromatherapy: A Soothing Approach to Nausea

Peppermint aromatherapy has also shown promise in reducing nausea. Studies have found that exposure to peppermint scents can significantly lower the perception of nausea, particularly in women who have recently undergone a C-section. One study reported a 57% reduction in nausea, and another found that using a peppermint oil inhaler at the onset of nausea relieved symptoms within two minutes in 79% of cases. While sipping peppermint tea may have similar effects, there is currently no scientific evidence to support its efficacy. The use of peppermint oil in pill form has yielded mixed results, and more research is needed to fully explore its potential benefits and safety.

Acupuncture and Acupressure: Traditional Chinese Techniques for Nausea Relief

Acupuncture and acupressure, two techniques commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, have been shown to be effective in reducing nausea. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, while acupressure uses pressure instead of needles to stimulate the same points. These techniques are believed to work by transmitting signals to the brain and spinal cord, which can help decrease nausea. A recent review found that acupuncture reduced the risk of developing nausea after an operation by 75%, and other studies have reported that acupressure can lower the severity and risk of nausea after chemotherapy. The Neiguan acupuncture point, also known as the P6 or inner frontier gate point, is a commonly targeted area for nausea relief, and it can be stimulated by placing your thumb 2-3 finger widths down from your inner wrist, between the two prominent tendons.

Citrus Scents: A Refreshing Approach to Nausea in Pregnancy

Citrusy smells, such as those from freshly sliced lemon, have been found to be helpful in reducing nausea during pregnancy. In one study, pregnant individuals who inhaled lemon essential oil experienced up to a 9% reduction in nausea compared to those who were given a placebo of almond oil. Slicing a lemon or scratching its peel can help release the essential oils into the air, providing a natural and refreshing way to potentially alleviate nausea.

Other Natural Remedies for Nausea

In addition to the above-mentioned techniques, there are several other natural remedies that may help with nausea, such as:

• Sipping on clear, cold beverages like ginger ale or peppermint tea
• Consuming small, frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach
• Avoiding spicy, greasy, or acidic foods that may exacerbate nausea
• Getting plenty of rest and avoiding stressful situations
• Using aromatherapy with other essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile
• Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation

Selecting the Best Natural Remedy for Your Nausea

When dealing with nausea, it’s important to experiment with different natural remedies to find the one that works best for you. Consider factors like the cause of your nausea, your personal preferences, and any potential side effects or interactions. It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if your nausea is severe or persistent, to ensure you’re addressing the underlying issue effectively.

Conclusion

Nausea can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, but there are numerous natural remedies available that can provide relief without the potential side effects of medication. From ginger and peppermint to acupressure and citrus scents, these 17 natural approaches offer a wide range of options to help you find the most effective solution for your individual needs. By incorporating these natural strategies, you can take control of your nausea and improve your overall well-being.

17 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nausea

Anti-nausea medications can help with nausea symptoms. However, they often have side effects, such as drowsiness. Some people may prefer to explore natural remedies for nausea.

Nausea is something most people are familiar with. It is never pleasant and can arise in various situations, including pregnancy and travel.

Here are 17 home remedies that help you eliminate nausea without using medications.

Ginger is a popular natural remedy for nausea.

It is not clear how ginger specifically treats nausea. However, experts believe ginger compounds may work similarly to anti-nausea medications. In fact, several studies agree that ginger is effective at reducing nausea in various situations.

For instance, consuming ginger may effectively reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Ginger may reduce the nausea people commonly experience after chemotherapy treatment or an operation.

Some studies even report ginger as effective as some prescription medications, with fewer negative side effects.

There is no consensus regarding the most effective dosage, but most studies above provided participants with 0.5 to 1.5 grams of dried ginger root per day. Ginger use is safe for most people. However, you may need to limit your ginger intake if you’re prone to low blood pressure or low blood sugar, or if you’re taking blood thinners.

Some experts also question the safety of eating dried ginger during pregnancy.

While there are only a small number of studies on ginger, those involving healthy pregnant people report a low risk of side effects. Thus, most experts consider ginger a safe, effective remedy during pregnancy.

Summary:

A daily dose of ginger may be an effective alternative to anti-nausea medications in a variety of situations, including during pregnancy and after chemotherapy or an operation.

Peppermint aromatherapy is another alternative likely to help reduce nausea.

One study assessed its effects in women who had just given birth by C-section.

Those exposed to a peppermint smell rated their level of nausea significantly lower than those given anti-nausea medications or a placebo.

In another study, peppermint aromatherapy reduced nausea in 57% of cases.

In a third study, using an inhaler containing peppermint oil at the onset of nausea reduced symptoms — within two minutes of treatment — in 79% of cases.

Some propose that sipping peppermint tea may have similar anti-nausea effects. Yet while you have little to lose by giving peppermint tea a try, there are currently no studies that confirm its effectiveness.

Peppermint oil taken in pill form has shown mixed results. Some studies show benefits, while others find no effects.

What’s more, little information exists on the safety of ingesting peppermint oil.

For this reason, more studies on peppermint pills are necessary to fully explore peppermint’s efficacy.

Summary:

Smelling peppermint oil at the onset of nausea may help reduce your symptoms.

Acupuncture and acupressure are two techniques commonly used in traditional Chinese medication for nausea and vomiting.

During acupuncture, a therapist inserts thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupressure aims to stimulate the same points of the body but uses pressure instead of needles to do so.

Both techniques stimulate nerve fibers, which transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord. Some believe these signals can decrease nausea.

For instance, a recent review reported that acupuncture reduced the risk of developing nausea after an operation by 75%.

Similarly, other reviews report that acupressure lowers the severity of nausea and the risk of developing it after chemotherapy.

There is also some evidence that acupuncture may reduce nausea during pregnancy. However, research in this area is inconclusive.

Most studies that report a benefit stimulated the Neiguan acupuncture point, also known as the P6 or inner frontier gate point.

You can stimulate this nerve on your own simply by placing your thumb 2–3 finger widths down from your inner wrist, between the two prominent tendons.

Here is an illustration showing how you can find this point yourself.

Illustration by Diego Sabogal

Once you’ve located it, press down with your thumb for about one minute before repeating the same procedure on your other arm. Repeat if needed.

Summary:

Acupuncture and acupressure are two scientifically proven techniques to reduce nausea.

Citrusy smells, such as those from freshly sliced lemon, may help reduce nausea in pregnancy.

In one study, 100 pregnant people inhaled either lemon essential oil or almond oil as soon as they felt nausea.

At the end of the 4-day study, those in the lemon group rated their nausea up to 9% lower than those given the almond oil placebo.

Slicing a lemon or scratching its peel may work because it helps release its essential oils into the air. A vial of lemon essential oil may be a practical alternative when you’re away from home.

Summary:

Citrusy smells, whether from a freshly cut lemon or from store-bought essential oils, may help reduce pregnancy-related nausea.

Taking slow, deep breaths can also help reduce nausea.

In one study, researchers attempted to determine which aromatherapy scent was most effective at reducing nausea following surgery.

They instructed participants to breathe slowly through the nose and exhale through the mouth three times while exposed to various scents.

All participants, including those in the placebo group, reported a decrease in nausea. This made the researchers suspect that the controlled breathing may have provided relief.

In a second study, researchers confirmed that aromatherapy and controlled breathing both independently relieve nausea. In this study, controlled breathing reduced it in 62% of cases.

The breathing pattern used in this last study required participants to inhale through their nose to a count of three, hold their breath to a count of three, then exhale to a count of three.

Summary:

Specific controlled breathing techniques are a free and effective home remedy for nausea.

Several spices are popular home remedies often recommended to combat nausea.

Most of these spices are supported solely by anecdotal evidence. However, some evidence affirms the nausea-fighting power of these three spices.

• Fennel powder: May reduce menstrual symptoms, including nausea, and help women experience shorter periods.
• Cinnamon: May reduce the severity of nausea that women experience during menstruation.
• Cumin extract: May help improve symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea in individuals living with IBS.

Although these three spices may help relieve nausea in certain individuals, very few studies examining the direct impact of the spices exist.

It’s also worth noting that the studies above used doses ranging from 180–420 mg per day. These mega-doses are difficult to achieve through the everyday use of these spices.

SUMMARY:

Certain spices may successfully reduce the frequency or severity of nausea. However, large doses may be required and more studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Relaxing your muscles may help relieve nausea.

One technique people have used to achieve this effect is known as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). It requires individuals to tense and relax their muscles in a continuous sequence as a way to achieve physical and mental relaxation.

One recent review found that PMR is an effective way to reduce the severity of nausea resulting from chemotherapy.

Another way to relieve muscle tension is through massage.

In one study, a group of chemotherapy patients received a 20-minute lower arm or lower leg massage during their treatment.

Compared to those given no massage, the massaged participants were about 24% less likely to get nauseous afterward.

Summary:

Relaxing your muscles, whether through massage or PMR techniques, may help relieve nausea.

Vitamin B6 is an alternative treatment for pregnant people preferring to avoid anti-nausea medications.

Several studies report that supplements of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, successfully reduce nausea during pregnancy.

For this reason, several experts suggest taking vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy as a first-line treatment against mild nausea.

Vitamin B6 doses of up to 200 mg daily are generally considered safe during pregnancy and produce virtually no side effects. Therefore, this alternative therapy may be worth a try.

Nevertheless, there haven’t been many studies on this topic, and some report no effects.

Summary:

For pregnant women who are experiencing nausea, vitamin B6 is a safe and potentially effective alternative to anti-nausea medications.

In addition to the tips above, a few other recommendations may decrease the likelihood of nausea or help relieve its symptoms. The most common include:

1. Avoid spicy or fatty foods: A blander diet made up of foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, or baked potatoes may relieve nausea and decrease the likelihood of an upset stomach.
2. Add protein to your meals: Protein-rich meals may fight nausea better than meals high in fat or carbs.
3. Avoid large meals: Opting for smaller, more frequent meals when feeling nauseated may help reduce your symptoms.
4. Stay upright after you eat: Some people are more likely to experience reflux or become nauseous if they lie down within 30 to 60 minutes following a meal.
5. Avoid drinking with meals: Drinking any liquids with meals may increase feelings of fullness, which may worsen nausea in some individuals.
6. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea. If you experience nausea with vomiting, replace your lost fluids with electrolyte-rich fluids such as flat mineral water, vegetable broth, or a sports drink.
7. Avoid strong smells: These may worsen nausea, especially during pregnancy.
8. Avoid iron supplements: Pregnant women with normal iron levels should avoid taking iron supplements during the first trimester because they may worsen feelings of nausea.
9. Exercise: Aerobic exercise and yoga may be helpful ways to reduce nausea in some individuals.

It’s worth noting that most of these last tips are anecdotal. That said, they pose little risk and may be worth trying.

SUMMARY:

The tips above may prevent or relieve nausea, according to anecdotal evidence. Most of these treatments haven’t been studied.

Nausea can happen in many situations and often makes you feel terrible.

The natural tips above can help reduce nausea without using medications.

That said, if your nausea persists, you should seek additional advice from your healthcare practitioner.

Read this article in Spanish.

17 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nausea

Anti-nausea medications can help with nausea symptoms. However, they often have side effects, such as drowsiness. Some people may prefer to explore natural remedies for nausea.

Nausea is something most people are familiar with. It is never pleasant and can arise in various situations, including pregnancy and travel.

Here are 17 home remedies that help you eliminate nausea without using medications.

Ginger is a popular natural remedy for nausea.

It is not clear how ginger specifically treats nausea. However, experts believe ginger compounds may work similarly to anti-nausea medications. In fact, several studies agree that ginger is effective at reducing nausea in various situations.

For instance, consuming ginger may effectively reduce nausea during pregnancy.

Ginger may reduce the nausea people commonly experience after chemotherapy treatment or an operation.

Some studies even report ginger as effective as some prescription medications, with fewer negative side effects.

There is no consensus regarding the most effective dosage, but most studies above provided participants with 0.5 to 1.5 grams of dried ginger root per day. Ginger use is safe for most people. However, you may need to limit your ginger intake if you’re prone to low blood pressure or low blood sugar, or if you’re taking blood thinners.

Some experts also question the safety of eating dried ginger during pregnancy.

While there are only a small number of studies on ginger, those involving healthy pregnant people report a low risk of side effects. Thus, most experts consider ginger a safe, effective remedy during pregnancy.

Summary:

A daily dose of ginger may be an effective alternative to anti-nausea medications in a variety of situations, including during pregnancy and after chemotherapy or an operation.

Peppermint aromatherapy is another alternative likely to help reduce nausea.

One study assessed its effects in women who had just given birth by C-section.

Those exposed to a peppermint smell rated their level of nausea significantly lower than those given anti-nausea medications or a placebo.

In another study, peppermint aromatherapy reduced nausea in 57% of cases.

In a third study, using an inhaler containing peppermint oil at the onset of nausea reduced symptoms — within two minutes of treatment — in 79% of cases.

Some propose that sipping peppermint tea may have similar anti-nausea effects. Yet while you have little to lose by giving peppermint tea a try, there are currently no studies that confirm its effectiveness.

Peppermint oil taken in pill form has shown mixed results. Some studies show benefits, while others find no effects.

What’s more, little information exists on the safety of ingesting peppermint oil.

For this reason, more studies on peppermint pills are necessary to fully explore peppermint’s efficacy.

Summary:

Smelling peppermint oil at the onset of nausea may help reduce your symptoms.

Acupuncture and acupressure are two techniques commonly used in traditional Chinese medication for nausea and vomiting.

During acupuncture, a therapist inserts thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupressure aims to stimulate the same points of the body but uses pressure instead of needles to do so.

Both techniques stimulate nerve fibers, which transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord. Some believe these signals can decrease nausea.

For instance, a recent review reported that acupuncture reduced the risk of developing nausea after an operation by 75%.

Similarly, other reviews report that acupressure lowers the severity of nausea and the risk of developing it after chemotherapy.

There is also some evidence that acupuncture may reduce nausea during pregnancy. However, research in this area is inconclusive.

Most studies that report a benefit stimulated the Neiguan acupuncture point, also known as the P6 or inner frontier gate point.

You can stimulate this nerve on your own simply by placing your thumb 2–3 finger widths down from your inner wrist, between the two prominent tendons.

Here is an illustration showing how you can find this point yourself.

Illustration by Diego Sabogal

Once you’ve located it, press down with your thumb for about one minute before repeating the same procedure on your other arm. Repeat if needed.

Summary:

Acupuncture and acupressure are two scientifically proven techniques to reduce nausea.

Citrusy smells, such as those from freshly sliced lemon, may help reduce nausea in pregnancy.

In one study, 100 pregnant people inhaled either lemon essential oil or almond oil as soon as they felt nausea.

At the end of the 4-day study, those in the lemon group rated their nausea up to 9% lower than those given the almond oil placebo.

Slicing a lemon or scratching its peel may work because it helps release its essential oils into the air. A vial of lemon essential oil may be a practical alternative when you’re away from home.

Summary:

Citrusy smells, whether from a freshly cut lemon or from store-bought essential oils, may help reduce pregnancy-related nausea.

Taking slow, deep breaths can also help reduce nausea.

In one study, researchers attempted to determine which aromatherapy scent was most effective at reducing nausea following surgery.

They instructed participants to breathe slowly through the nose and exhale through the mouth three times while exposed to various scents.

All participants, including those in the placebo group, reported a decrease in nausea. This made the researchers suspect that the controlled breathing may have provided relief.

In a second study, researchers confirmed that aromatherapy and controlled breathing both independently relieve nausea. In this study, controlled breathing reduced it in 62% of cases.

The breathing pattern used in this last study required participants to inhale through their nose to a count of three, hold their breath to a count of three, then exhale to a count of three.

Summary:

Specific controlled breathing techniques are a free and effective home remedy for nausea.

Several spices are popular home remedies often recommended to combat nausea.

Most of these spices are supported solely by anecdotal evidence. However, some evidence affirms the nausea-fighting power of these three spices.

• Fennel powder: May reduce menstrual symptoms, including nausea, and help women experience shorter periods.
• Cinnamon: May reduce the severity of nausea that women experience during menstruation.
• Cumin extract: May help improve symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea in individuals living with IBS.

Although these three spices may help relieve nausea in certain individuals, very few studies examining the direct impact of the spices exist.

It’s also worth noting that the studies above used doses ranging from 180–420 mg per day. These mega-doses are difficult to achieve through the everyday use of these spices.

SUMMARY:

Certain spices may successfully reduce the frequency or severity of nausea. However, large doses may be required and more studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Relaxing your muscles may help relieve nausea.

One technique people have used to achieve this effect is known as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). It requires individuals to tense and relax their muscles in a continuous sequence as a way to achieve physical and mental relaxation.

One recent review found that PMR is an effective way to reduce the severity of nausea resulting from chemotherapy.

Another way to relieve muscle tension is through massage.

In one study, a group of chemotherapy patients received a 20-minute lower arm or lower leg massage during their treatment.

Compared to those given no massage, the massaged participants were about 24% less likely to get nauseous afterward.

Summary:

Relaxing your muscles, whether through massage or PMR techniques, may help relieve nausea.

Vitamin B6 is an alternative treatment for pregnant people preferring to avoid anti-nausea medications.

Several studies report that supplements of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, successfully reduce nausea during pregnancy.

For this reason, several experts suggest taking vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy as a first-line treatment against mild nausea.

Vitamin B6 doses of up to 200 mg daily are generally considered safe during pregnancy and produce virtually no side effects. Therefore, this alternative therapy may be worth a try.

Nevertheless, there haven’t been many studies on this topic, and some report no effects.

Summary:

For pregnant women who are experiencing nausea, vitamin B6 is a safe and potentially effective alternative to anti-nausea medications.

In addition to the tips above, a few other recommendations may decrease the likelihood of nausea or help relieve its symptoms. The most common include:

1. Avoid spicy or fatty foods: A blander diet made up of foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, crackers, or baked potatoes may relieve nausea and decrease the likelihood of an upset stomach.
2. Add protein to your meals: Protein-rich meals may fight nausea better than meals high in fat or carbs.
3. Avoid large meals: Opting for smaller, more frequent meals when feeling nauseated may help reduce your symptoms.
4. Stay upright after you eat: Some people are more likely to experience reflux or become nauseous if they lie down within 30 to 60 minutes following a meal.
5. Avoid drinking with meals: Drinking any liquids with meals may increase feelings of fullness, which may worsen nausea in some individuals.
6. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea. If you experience nausea with vomiting, replace your lost fluids with electrolyte-rich fluids such as flat mineral water, vegetable broth, or a sports drink.
7. Avoid strong smells: These may worsen nausea, especially during pregnancy.
8. Avoid iron supplements: Pregnant women with normal iron levels should avoid taking iron supplements during the first trimester because they may worsen feelings of nausea.
9. Exercise: Aerobic exercise and yoga may be helpful ways to reduce nausea in some individuals.

It’s worth noting that most of these last tips are anecdotal. That said, they pose little risk and may be worth trying.

SUMMARY:

The tips above may prevent or relieve nausea, according to anecdotal evidence. Most of these treatments haven’t been studied.

Nausea can happen in many situations and often makes you feel terrible.

The natural tips above can help reduce nausea without using medications.

That said, if your nausea persists, you should seek additional advice from your healthcare practitioner.

Read this article in Spanish.

TOP-12 best remedies for nausea and vomiting

How to choose a remedy for nausea and vomiting

If nausea can still be experienced, then vomiting causes a lot of discomfort. With a single attack, taking medication is not advisable, but with repeated urges, it is better to take a pill. To determine the choice of the optimal drug, we recommend paying attention to the following criteria:

• Reason. The most important criterion. In case of poisoning, enterosorbents and herbal remedies are suitable. With increased secretion of the stomach – Omeprazole and its analogues. With vomiting caused by a concussion, centrally acting drugs are suitable – for example, cerucal. With vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy – Zofran. If the symptom is caused by stress, you can take a complex remedy (antiemetic + sedative).
• Age. Many drugs have an age limit – this is due to the characteristics of the active ingredients in the composition and their effect on the child’s body. This limitation is always indicated in the instructions.
• Release form. For children and patients with swallowing problems, liquid or rectal formulations are suitable. In the postoperative period, rectal or injectable forms are more often prescribed. Adult healthy people are allowed to take all dosage forms.
• Frequency of seizures. If the intervals between attacks are more than 30 minutes, then you can take a pill or capsule inside. With more frequent urges, rectal forms are suitable. But if vomiting is constant, indomitable, then you need to seek help from a doctor and, if you have the appropriate knowledge or recommendations, perform an intravenous injection.

The list of the best remedies for nausea and vomiting includes not only the most popular medicines, but also herbal medicines. We have selected the safest medicines.

Helpful Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I not take medicine for nausea and vomiting?

The following conditions require urgent medical attention:

• The presence of blood impurities in the vomit, coffee grounds-colored vomit.
• Constant, indomitable vomiting, vomiting “fountain”.
• Vomiting without relief.
• Presence of severe girdle or other pain.
• Accompanying severe headache, inability to bring the chin to the chest, arms and legs bent at the joints.
• Previous head trauma with loss of consciousness.

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Rating of the best remedies for nausea and vomiting

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