Nausea is usually caused by a number of factors. It can also be triggered by food poisoning, gastroenteritis, dizziness, migraine and many other conditions [2, 3].
However, nausea is one of the most common symptoms that occurs during the early stage of pregnancy. It is called morning sickness [2].
Nausea shouldn’t persist for long. It is because it may cause negative long-term effects on the body. If it does, then it’s necessary to consult your doctor to find out what’s causing the problem and get immediate treatment for that.
However, if nausea is something that happens once in a while, you may alleviate your condition without using any type of medications.
It is because there are many natural antiemetics that you can use to instantly feel better.
Experts suggest that these ingredients are effective and good home remedies for nausea.
In the following article, we have listed some home remedies to get rid of nausea naturally.
12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nausea
1. Ginger
A plant that belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom, ginger is equally prized for its potent medicinal value [4].
Two of the many issues it can resolve are nausea and vomiting.
It works by inhibiting the serotonin receptors, exerting antiemetic effects in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal system [4].
A study conducted in 1990 confirmed that ginger successfully reduced nausea and vomiting in 60 women who underwent surgery [5].
It appears to have the same efficacy as the popular antiemetic drug called metoclopramide [5].
German scientists, meanwhile, conducted a comprehensive analysis of 100 published studies (24 of which are randomized controlled clinical trials) involving 1,073 patients with nausea [6].
Majority of the patients reported significant improvement after being treated with ginger [6].
It was also well-tolerated by users. In fact, only 3.3 percent of the participants in the studies suffered from minor side effects, which included sleepiness and gastrointestinal disturbance [6].
For pregnant women, ginger was also highly effective.
More than 130 patients treated with ginger during the first trimester did not experience any complications [6].
However, there was one report of abortion that took place during the 12th week of gestation [6].
Researchers recommend daily doses not exceeding six grams to keep it safe [6].
Ginger’s antiemetic properties also work in cases of nausea due to motion sickness, sea sickness, and chemotherapy [7, 8, 9, 10].
2. Clove
Eugenol and other active compounds in clove contribute to its diverse array of pharmacological benefits [11].
Commonly cultivated in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Madagascar, clove is known for its analgesic, anesthetic and antiseptic properties [11].
It’s also a reliable natural remedy for nausea, relieving motion sickness and vomiting [12].
Not only would you love the unique flavor and aroma of clove tea, but you’d also be thankful for the immediate relief it can provide whenever you’re feeling nauseous.
This is probably due to the ability of clove to resolve digestion-related issues.
When you’re not able to digest your food properly, bloating and flatulence occurs.
When this is so, there’s the urge to throw up what you’ve just eaten. This can be avoided or relieved when you use clove oil that helps treat indigestion.
Just be careful not to drink too much in a day as it can trigger heartburn especially when you drink it on an empty stomach [12].
3. Peppermint
Aromatherapy with peppermint has been proven to be an effective way to relieve post-operative nausea, as disclosed in a 2004 study [13].
Out of the 33 patients who have just undergone surgery, and were experiencing nausea, those who were exposed to the aroma of peppermint oil had a great reduction in feelings of nausea [13].
Another study performed at the Liverpool University in England yielded the same results, recommending peppermint oil as an alternative to traditional antiemetics [14].
Studies have shown that this herbal remedy also works on nausea experienced after cesarean delivery and chemotherapy treatment [15, 16].
A total of 35 women who have just given birth via C-section were either made to inhale peppermint oil or a placebo for three to five minutes whenever they felt nauseous [15].
According to the findings, nausea levels dropped in the group of participants that used peppermint oil [15].
In short, inhalation of peppermint oil significantly reduced nauseous feelings and almost instantly made patients feel better [16].
Indeed, there’s no shortage of clinical evidence that will support the folkloric use of peppermint oil for nausea and other related issues.
Also Read: 8 Reasons to Use Peppermint Oil for Hair
4. Chamomile
An ancient therapeutic herb that has been used in Greece, Rome, and Egypt for thousands of years, chamomile is referred to as the “star among medicinal species” [17].
Chamomile is prepared in various ways, but it’s most popular in tea form, which can treat numerous ailments including hay fever, insomnia, inflammation, menstrual pain and muscle spasm [18].
It is also an important part of palliative care in hospitals for nausea relief [19].
Moreover, Iranian researchers discover that it’s even more effective than Mefenamic acid in alleviating pre-menstrual symptoms such as pain and nausea [20].
They arrived at this conclusion after conducting a comparative analysis of the two treatment methods [20].
The trial involved 90 female students suffering from nausea due to pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) who were required to take either chamomile capsule or Mefenamic aid [20].
Surprisingly, alleviation of symptoms was more apparent in the group that made use of chamomile [20].
It worked not only for nausea but also for other symptoms that are related to PMS [20].
Also Read: 14 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)
5. Cumin
Nausea is one of the common symptoms of dyspepsia, along with abdominal pain, vomiting, and feeling of fullness [21].
Cumin, a multi-therapeutic annual plant grown in China, India, Middle East and Mediterranean countries, can treat nausea caused by this condition [21, 22].
Findings from a clinical trial published in the International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences shows that the use of cumin helped patients with dyspepsia recover more quickly [21].
In this study, patients with functional dyspepsia were divided into two groups [21].
The first group was asked to take cumin, and the second one was given metoclopramide [21].
It was reported that those who received cumin as treatment experienced a reduction in symptoms more quickly than those who took the other medication [21].
Most of the cumin’s pharmacological actions can be attributed to its compounds such as phenols, terpenes, and flavonoids [22].
This goes to show that consuming cumin won’t only make you feel better, but will also benefit your health and help keep diseases at bay.
6. Fennel
Folk healers in East Asia relied on fennel as a treatment for various ailments [23].
Its curative purposes are attributable to its active constituents such as limonene, estragole, and anethole, among others [23].
A team of American scientists performed a case study assessing the effects of aromatherapy treatment in 25 hospital patients with nausea [19].
These patients were instructed to use an aromatherapy blend that included fennel oil as one of the key ingredients [19].
Most of the patients who used the blend reported relief from nausea and other unpleasant symptoms [19].
Other studies revealed that regular intake of fennel dramatically reduced nausea and other symptoms related to dysmenorrhea [24, 25].
In one of these trials, half of the 80 female students with dysmenorrhea were given fennel capsule every four hours three days before their menstruation for three months while the other half did not receive any medication [24].
The outcome shows that the intensity of nausea was decreased after three months among those who used fennel [24].
Considering the safety of herbal medicines, this drug can use to relieve dysmenorrheal signs and menstrual duration.
Also Read: 10 Effective Essential Oils for Nausea
7. Anise
When combined with water, anise fruit or its powdered form can be used as an antiseptic, carminative, and diuretic [26].
Not only does it promote digestion and alleviate flatulence, it can also get rid of that urge that makes you want to vomit [26].
Its oil extract is also a good remedy for nausea, relieving this symptom effectively with as little as one milliliter of anise oil [27].
It’s also one of the oils that are used in resolving nausea among hospital patients [19].
Anise is a simple yet effective way of feeling better when nauseous feelings set in.
As there have been very few reports of adverse side effects, it’s considered a safe remedy as long as you carefully follow instructions for preparing and using it.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of anise
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Add anise to water, and boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Let it steep for five minutes before straining.
- Drink whenever you’re feeling nauseous.
Also Read: 12 Health Benefits of Anise Oil (Backed by Evidence)
8. Lemon
Lemons have always been a reliable remedy for all sorts of medical issues.
Researchers from Iran took a close look at the efficacy of lemon oil inhalation for nausea relief during pregnancy [28].
Among the 100 women who participated in the study, half were instructed to inhale lemon oil while the other half were made to use a placebo whenever they felt nauseous [28].
After four days of treatment, levels of nausea, vomiting, and retching were evaluated [28].
Scores were much lower in the group that made use of lemon oil [28].
It was concluded that inhalation of lemon oil resulted in less frequent and less intense episodes of nausea and vomiting among pregnant women [28].
In a separate study, it was also found that oral intake of a lemon solution reduced the severity of nausea during chemotherapy [29].
That’s because lemon worked as a “taste masking agent”, decreasing the anticipatory symptoms related to the cancer treatment [29].
Also Read: Lemon Juice for Acne : 8 Simple Home Remedies
9. Spearmint
Interest in spearmint’s medicinal value has increased dramatically over the years [30].
A popular flavoring agent and herbal remedy for various ailments, spearmint has been found to be a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent [30].
Its antiemetic properties were highlighted in a 2013 study [31].
In this clinical trial, patients undergoing chemotherapy were made to take either spearmint, peppermint or a placebo [31].
Over 20 hours of chemotherapy, there was a significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of nausea among the patients who used spearmint and peppermint [31].
There were also no adverse reactions that were reported during the course of treatment [31].
Since it also reduced the treatment costs, researchers conclude that spearmint is a safe and cost-effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea [31].
10. Cardamom
Cardamom has been called many times as the “queen of spices” [32, 33].
This important medicinal herb, which can be found in India, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and many other parts of the world, is highly valued for its carminative, digestive and antiemetic properties [32].
Its seeds can be chewed to prevent nausea and vomiting, as well as to treat indigestion [33].
Inhalation of cardamom oil along with other essential oils, meanwhile, has been established as an efficient way to relieve nausea in patients who have just undergone surgery [34].
Results from both randomized and controlled clinical trials proving the efficacy of aromatherapy of various essential oils as an antiemetic was analyzed [34].
It was found that severity and duration of nausea due to surgery were reduced after aromatherapy treatment [34].
It was also reported that the aromatherapy treatment did not cause any harmful effects on the patients [34].
11. Warm Compress
A quick and simple way to relieve nausea due to indigestion is using a warm compress.
Healthline recommends the method of applying a heating pad or warm towel on your stomach to relax muscles and promote digestion.
It can also help distract you from the pain, cramping, and discomfort that make you want to throw up.
The ability of heat therapy to bring pain relief was confirmed in a 2002 study that was published in Spine Journal [35].
Its analgesic effects were similar to ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both of which are popular pain relievers commonly prescribed by doctors [35].
Although warm compress is relatively safe, just make sure that you don’t use it too long as it can cause skin injury.
12. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice commonly used in cooking and a must-have ingredient for all the kitchens.
This spice contains many medicinal benefits that are of great use for your health.
Some studies showed that cinnamon can make a significant difference if you are feeling nauseous. It is especially good for nausea that is a part of menstrual symptoms.
A good cup of spice tea containing cinnamon can calm down your mind and body both at the same time. It will provide you relief from the feeling of nausea.
It is better to avoid this cinnamon for nausea remedy during pregnancy.
Also Read: How to Use Honey and Cinnamon for Cold
Causes of Nausea
Nausea or the feeling of vomiting is caused by many reasons. They are as follows:
- Overeating food
- After drinking too much water
- Alcohol abuse
- Pregnancy
- Stomach flu or gastroenteritis, often caused by virus or bacteria
- Motion sickness due to traveling by car, boat or plane
- Food poisoning
- Emotional stresses like anxiety or fear
- An intense pain in any certain part of the body
- Certain medication
- Chemotherapy for cancer patients
- Any certain type of food allergies
When to See a Doctor
Nausea is a very common condition during pregnancy. It is called “morning sickness” as women who are gestating feel nauseous in the morning. However, it can occur at any time of the day. It is not harmful for the developing baby to say the least but it can hamper your daily life.
The most severe form of nausea is hyperemesis gravidarum. It is the worst during pregnancy and its effects can be deadly. Extreme vomiting can leave a person to be extremely dehydrated.
You should contact the doctor immediately if you believe that you are vomiting and feeling nauseous due to poisoning. If you are then you will see blood or any dark colored substance in your vomit. Also, please contact a medical professional if you have the following symptoms:
- If vomiting has continued for more than twenty-four hours
- If you are unable to keep fluids down for twelve hours or more
- You have not urinated for eight hours or more
- You have a headache and a stiff neck
- You have vomited for more than three times in a single day
Bottom Line
Nausea occurs as a result of the trigger sent to the brain which initiates you to vomit.
Some people may be nauseous at certain times of the day while others can feel it more. In severe cases, the feeling lasts for more than several hours and vomiting occurs more frequently during this time.
Nausea is often accompanied by other symptoms as well including dizziness, headache etc.
There are proven and natural ways to get rid of nausea apart from the OTC medications. You should also try to make lifestyle changes along with trying these home remedies for nausea for best results.
Read Next: Nausea After Eating: Reasons And Remedies
