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Nausea may be triggered by a virus, a digestive condition, pregnancy, or even an unpleasant odor. Many nausea remedies don’t necessarily cure the condition, but they may help you cope better.
Nausea is that uncomfortable, queasy feeling you get in your stomach that makes you feel like you’re going to vomit. Many times, it’s unclear why nausea strikes. Whatever the reason, when it hits, you’ll do almost anything to make it go away.
Here are 18 tips to help you get rid of nausea.
If a parent ever told you not to lie down after eating, they were on to something. When you lie flat, gastric juices may rise and increase feelings of nausea and overall discomfort, especially if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Crunching your stomach may also worsen nausea since it compresses the area and makes you less comfortable in general. When you have nausea, try reclining with your upper body elevated, and move around as little as possible.
If you have motion sickness, you may notice you feel better if you open a window.
Fresh air may ease nausea symptoms in many people, although it’s not clear why. It may get rid of sickening odors, or it may simply help you focus on something other than the nausea.
Try sitting in front of a fan or window at the first sign of nausea, especially if you’re overheated.
A soothing, cool compress placed on the back of the neck could help ease nausea. This is because when nausea occurs, we sometimes seek out remedies that
Placing a cool compress on the back of your neck for several minutes can be soothing. It also helps decrease your body temperature, which, if high, may cause nausea.
Acupressure is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific areas on the body to ease different issues.
One review of 23 studies suggested that acupressure may have been effective for managing nausea in
A key pressure point for nausea is called Nei Guan, or P6. It is on your inner wrist, about 2.5 inches (6.4 centimeters) down, in between two large tendons. There’s general agreement that pressing on this pressure point for a few minutes may provide some nausea relief.
For more information, see our dedicated article on 7 pressure points for nausea.
Sea bands work by applying pressure to the P6 pressure point. But, rather than pressing on the point, you wear the band for as long as you need.
Some
Meditation, the practice of focusing and calming the mind, may help relieve nausea.
One 2015 study looked at 86 pregnant females experiencing moderate nausea and vomiting. The researchers found that adding 3 weeks of meditation to their therapeutic plan significantly improved outcomes during and 1 month after treatment.
More studies are needed to confirm if meditation can help manage nausea. But, this approach does not appear to do any harm and could have other health benefits.
Deep breathing is a meditation technique. You can also do it on your own to quell stress-related nausea. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, and slowly breathe out. Repeat several times until your nausea subsides.
Find out how deep breathing can help manage anxiety-related nausea.
Sometimes, coping with nausea is simply mind over matter. The more you dwell on your nausea, the more nauseous you’re likely to feel.
The next time nausea comes on, distract yourself by reading a book or watching television. If motion doesn’t make you feel worse, do some light housework or go for a slow walk — anything to get your mind off how you feel.
While this remedy is often recommended, it currently doesn’t have many scientific studies behind it, so it shouldn’t be used in cases of extreme nausea.
If you can’t eat or drink due to nausea, dehydration may occur. Conversely, nausea is also a symptom of dehydration.
When you feel queasy, if possible, sip fluids throughout the day. If straight water turns your stomach, try drinking decaf tea or water with fresh fruit slices.
Chamomile tea is a popular home remedy for nausea. It has a sedative effect that may help you sleep when you’re nauseous. It may also help ease anxiety.
While some research has looked at the role chamomile may play in easing nausea, much more research is currently needed to understand how it may provide relief.
Chamomile tea bags are available at most grocery stores, natural health stores, and online. Make your own chamomile tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of dried or fresh chamomile flowers. Steep for at least 5 minutes, and strain.
Lemons contain citric acid, a naturally occurring compound thought to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Try adding freshly-squeezed lemon juice to water and sip throughout the day.
If nausea is due to constipation, drinking warm water with lemon juice may stimulate your bowels. Go easy, though. Ingesting too much lemon juice in a brief period may make nausea worse.
The scent of lemons may also ease nausea, although more studies are needed to confirm this. According to a
A 2020 study even suggested that a lollipop with lemon aroma could significantly ease feelings of nausea during pregnancy.
If you don’t have lemon essential oil on hand, simply cut a fresh lemon in half and breathe the scent in.
Ginger is arguably the most popular home remedy for nausea, and it is suitable for children.
According to a 2020 scientific review, ginger may help manage mild to moderate nausea, although more research is still needed.
To help nausea, eat a small piece of fresh or candied ginger. You can also drink ginger tea, which you’ll find in grocery stores, natural health stores, and online.
Make your own ginger tea by pouring 1 cup (237 milliliters) boiling water over a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) piece of peeled, fresh, ginger root. Steep for at least 5 minutes, strain if you want, and enjoy.
A recent
Look for peppermint tea at grocery and natural health stores or online. Or make your own by pouring one cup boiling water over a heaping teaspoon of fresh peppermint leaves. Steep for at least 5 minutes, and strain to preference.
Inhaling peppermint essential oil may also ease nausea post-operation and after anesthesia according to a
Learn how peppermint and other oils can help you cope with nausea.
There’s an old wives’ tale that drinking carbonated beverages such as ginger ale or cola helps tame tummy troubles. The opposite is often true.
Carbonated drinks may cause bloating and worsen acid reflux and GERD, all of which may cause nausea. However, the relationship between carbonated beverages and worsening nausea has not been well established by research. In addition, most fizzy beverages may be
If you must drink a fizzy drink, let it go flat or dilute it with water before drinking.
Following a bland diet may help prevent nausea from worsening or stop vomiting. The most commonly recommended diet for recovering from nausea is the BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
You can also eat small amounts of:
- saltines
- plain pasta or noodles
- plain baked or mashed potatoes
- scrambled eggs
- hard-boiled eggs
Avoid fried foods, dairy products like cheese and milk, meat, and foods high in fiber until nausea subsides.
While the BRAT diet is often recommended, it doesn’t have very many scientific studies behind it. Talk with a healthcare professional for more information on the BRAT diet.
Nausea medications are called antiemetics. When nausea is severe, you may need an OTC medication to help calm and soothe the stomach.
Some options are:
- Emetrol
- Nauzene
- Dramamine
- Pepto-Bismol
- Gravol
If you’re pregnant, don’t take any OTC medications without consulting your doctor first.
In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration
Vitamin B6 on its own has had mixed results for treating nausea according to a 2019 review comparing it against ginger or no treatment at all during pregnancy. The typical dose is 30–100 mg daily in one to three divided doses for up to 3 weeks.
Too much vitamin B6 may
- abnormal heart rhythm
- tingling
- decreased muscle tone
For this reason, only take Diclegis or vitamin B6 for nausea under your doctor’s supervision.
It’s always important to discuss all medications with your doctor while pregnant to avoid those that may interact negatively with you or your child.
Your doctor may recommend other approaches first, as most nausea in pregnancy subsides by the fourth month, or second trimester.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil comes from an active compound in cannabis. CBD oil doesn’t contain THC, the main cannabinoid in cannabis that alters mental state.
While more research is needed, some studies have shown promising results.
CBD oil is available in many forms, including:
- liquids
- pastes
- capsules
- vapes
- edibles
- sprays
Dosing isn’t regulated and recommendations vary, so read the instructions on the package carefully and check with a medical professional before use. Only use medical-grade CBD oil to treat nausea.
CBD oil isn’t legal in every state, so be sure to check your state’s laws before purchasing or using it, and buy from a reputable source. Some states may allow CBD only with a doctor’s prescription.
Get some more tips here on how to get rid of nausea naturally.
Nausea with other symptoms can be a sign of a serious condition that needs medical attention.
For instance, nausea with chest pain is a classic sign of a heart attack. Nausea with a severe headache or severe dizziness may indicate a neurological issue.
See your doctor if episodes of nausea last more than a month, or if you have nausea and unexplained weight loss.
Get emergency help if you have nausea and:
- severe abdominal pain or cramping
- chest pain
- blurred vision
- high fever and stiff neck
- confusion
- severe headache
Dehydration and nausea often go together. Get prompt medical attention if you have nausea and other symptoms of dehydration such as:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- excessive thirst
- weakness
- dark urine
- infrequent urination
Should I make myself throw up to stop nausea?
A person may vomit when they have nausea, but this doesn’t always happen. A person with nausea may feel as if they are going to vomit, but they may not do so. Making yourself throw up probably won’t ease nausea. The remedies listed above may be more helpful when it comes to providing relief.
What sleeping position is best for nausea?
There’s no best sleeping position to stop nausea, but reclining with the upper body raised may help manage symptoms. Talk with your healthcare team if you start to feel like nausea is significantly impacting your sleep.
What helps COVID-19 nausea?
Many of the remedies listed above may help relieve nausea that occurs with COVID-19.
What relieves nausea fast?
It’s not always possible to get rid of nausea quickly, although lying down with the upper body raised and staying still may help. Other options that may provide relief include taking ginger, drinking fluids, or taking over-the-counter medications.
Which is the best home remedy for nausea?
The best option will depend on the individual and the cause, but ginger is a popular home remedy.
Most nausea is temporary and not serious. Home remedies and OTC medications may help, but sometimes nausea may still lead to vomiting. Vomiting often reduces nausea or makes it go away. However, vomiting and nausea can lead to dehydration.
Children who have nausea and vomiting can get dehydrated much more quickly than adults. Take a child to see a doctor if they’re vomiting for more than 12 hours.
Many prescription medications can also cause nausea. If you regularly have nausea after taking a medication, talk to your doctor to see if another medication is available.
