Just like anything in life, there is no magic, cure-all solution to immediately fix feelings of nausea. Your first course of action is to determine the cause of the problem. That can make it easier to choose the right natural remedy. Even if you don’t fully know why your stomach is upset, the natural remedies in this article may still provide relief. A few common causes of nausea are detailed below.
Motion Sickness
Some people are very susceptible to motion sickness, no matter the mode of transportation. If you are traveling by car, get out for some fresh air to help relieve nausea. You can’t necessarily roll down the window on a plane or train, though. Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, brain, and eyes receive mixed signals and cannot properly communicate with each other. You experience nausea as a result.
Pregnancy Nausea
It’s likely that you cannot wait to meet your bun in the oven, but that cute baby can cause some serious nausea. Pregnant women may experience morning sickness during the first trimester. It usually goes away after the early stages of pregnancy, but some women can experience it throughout all three trimesters.
Cancer Drugs
Patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and conventional cancer treatments tend to get nauseous. These drugs are very hard on the body and can affect certain parts of the brain that control vomiting. Experts state that chemo drugs may irritate the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Nearly 80% of chemo patients experience nausea.
Food Poisoning
Sometimes, you just know when food poisoning is gonna hit. Something you ate was off, but it can also creep up out of nowhere. Suffice to say that food poisoning is no fun and it can cause serious nausea, indigestion, and vomiting. It occurs when you ingest harmful microbes, viruses, bacteria, or certain chemicals.
Once you know the cause of your nausea, you can have an easier time choosing the right remedy. Below, you’ll find five natural remedies to relieve nausea.
Essential Oils
There are various essential oils that may help relieve nausea. Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular oils for nausea relief, but lemon is also helpful, especially during pregnancy. These oils have antimicrobial properties that work to fight harmful pathogens when you inhale their aromas. A 2021 study involved cancer patients who applied peppermint oil below their noses for nausea relief. A separate controlled group only used anti-nausea medication. The peppermint group experienced less nausea and vomiting than the other group.
Ginger
Whether you have a sore throat, nausea, or upset stomach, ginger may be the right natural remedy for the job. Ginger tea, ginger chews, and fresh ginger all work well at relieving various types of nausea, including pregnancy nausea. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends ginger as a safe alternative to nausea drugs in pregnancy. Some studies have found that ginger is more effective at relieving nausea than dimenhydrinate, an antiemetic drug.
Move It (If You Can)
If you experience nausea from a stomach ache or overeating, exercise may help. A gentle workout, such as yoga or walking, increases circulation to your muscles and organs, including the ones that aid digestion. That boost of circulation may help improve digestion, which can then help relieve nausea. Just make sure to avoid bending over, as that will not feel good.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture and acupressure work their magic by activating energy meridians in the body. During an acupuncture appointment, the acupuncturist administers thin needles to specific points in the body. One of the most popular nausea pressure points is on the hand, between the thumb and index finger. If you do not want to engage in acupuncture, you can apply pressure in this area for three to four minutes per side and repeat as needed. Sea Bands may also work to relieve nausea, as they are bracelets that apply pressure to an anti-nausea point on the inside of the wrist.
Peppermint Tea
Similar to peppermint essential oil, peppermint tea may help ease nausea. It is safe to drink, even for children, and may also help relieve digestive problems, such as gas, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome. If you have acid reflux, try not to consume a lot of mint, though, as it can relax the esophageal sphincter and worsen symptoms.
