10 Natural Remedies to Relieve Nausea

Nausea is a common complaint, with more than half of adults reporting at least one episode of nausea in the previous 12 months. The reasons you may experience nausea are many, with anything from viral illness to anxiousness to pregnancy. Often, nausea may occur with no apparent cause.

The unpleasant sensation of nausea can occur due to a change in psychological state, the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, gastric dysrhythmias (abnormal stomach rhythms), and the endocrine system, which regulates hormones.

Fortunately, there are natural home remedies that can help get rid of nausea. Here's what you need to know.

Causes of Nausea

Nausea isn't a disease—rather, it's a symptom of lots of different conditions. Possible causes of nausea include:

• Seasickness
• Motion sickness, perhaps caused by a roller coaster or road trip
• Early pregnancy
• Cancer treatment
• Exposure to chemical toxins
• Stress
• Food poisoning
• Indigestion
• Certain smells or odors
• Gallbladder disease

Natural and Home Remedies for Nausea

While severe nausea (often resulting in vomiting) may require a trip to the doctor's office, milder cases can often be treated with a natural home remedy.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries to prevent nausea and vomiting, says Nicole Stefanow, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in the greater New York City area. Experts believe that the active components, such as gingerol, directly affect the gastrointestinal system and central nervous system.

In fact, research suggests ginger functions similarly to anti-nausea medications. It can be particularly helpful for chemotherapy patients and during pregnancy.

A 2012 study conducted by the University of Rochester found that ginger supplement use effectively decreased post-chemotherapy nausea by 40 percent. The most effective dosage was between 500 and 1,000 milligrams (mg).

According to a study published in Nutrition Journal, pregnant women who consumed ginger experienced "significantly improved" nausea symptoms compared to those in a placebo group.

Try having 0.5 to 1.5 grams of dried ginger root when you're feeling nauseous. Or, add fresh or dried ginger to tea for an additional nutritious kick.

One of the ways ginger soothes the digestive tract is by releasing pressure from gas and speeding up digestion, Stefanow says. She suggests sipping ginger tea after a big meal to relieve the uncomfortable bloating that can lead to nausea.

Peppermint

Peppermint is an ancient remedy for nausea that works by relaxing the digestive system, Stefanow says. That's true for both its leaves and its oil.

Peppermint relaxes the digestive system by reducing spasms in the stomach and relieving discomfort. If you have irritable bowel syndrome-induced nausea, peppermint could be helpful for you.

The theory is that the benefits come from menthol, the main ingredient in peppermint. According to a small study published in the Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing, even the scent of peppermint oil can alleviate nausea.

If you're feeling nauseous, try having a cup of peppermint tea; peppermint is also available in capsule form. Or, try some peppermint oil aromatherapy.

However, if your nausea is accompanied by heartburn, you may want to pass on the peppermint. Stefanow explains that the same properties that help relax your gut can also relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, causing stomach acid to creep up and lead to acid reflux.

Dietary Changes

If you experience nausea after eating or find consuming food difficult when you're nauseous, there are some dietary changes you can make that might help:

• Consume smaller meals: Smaller food portions move faster through the gastrointestinal tract and are typically tolerated better. Eating a large amount of food at once can also lead to nausea.
• Avoid sugary foods: Avoid sweets, but add salty foods if you are nauseous, as this may help. As well, if you've been vomiting, salt will help replace lost electrolytes.
• Sip clear beverages: Stay hydrated and drink clear, cool drinks (not too hot or cold) and liquid foods that are easier to keep down, such as soups or broths, electrolyte drinks, popsicles, flat ginger ale, and gelatin.
• Avoid liquids while eating: Sometimes, drinking liquids while eating can cause nausea. Avoid beverages during meals and instead drink them 30 to 60 minutes before or after meals.
• Stay elevated: Do not lie down after eating, which can induce nausea.
• Eat slowly: Chewing and eating slowly can prevent overeating and reduce nausea.
• Try dry foods: If you are nauseous, dry foods like plain toast or crackers may help calm your stomach.
• Consume bland foods: Bland, easy-to-digest foods are less likely to induce nausea. Try plain poached eggs or chicken, bread, or plain pasta.

Stay Hydrated

Nausea and vomiting are both signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so it's important to make sure that you're staying well hydrated. Drinking clear, ice-cold drinks is best. Sometimes, people who are nauseous will find it challenging to drink; if that's the case, sip slowly, perhaps on peppermint tea.

For additional benefits, try adding lemon to your water. Lemons, which contain digestion-friendly citric acid, can help soothe your stomach.

One study, published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, found that inhaling lemon essential oil significantly improved nausea symptoms. If you don't have any on hand, slice open a lemon and take a sniff.

Acupuncture or Acupressure

Acupressure, which involves putting pressure on specific parts of your body, can help reduce nausea. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recommends doing acupressure on pressure point P-6, which is on your inner arm, near your wrist.

According to a small study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, acupressure to the wrist significantly reduced nausea and vomiting among patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into the body, can also be helpful. One study found that, among 70 cancer patients, it reduced the need for anti-vomiting medications after chemotherapy.

If you're interested in acupressure or acupuncture, consider making an appointment with a licensed practitioner.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Some research has found that progressive muscle relaxation helps reduce nausea in chemotherapy patients (nausea is often a debilitating side effect of the treatment).

It's easy to practice PMR at home: Just tense and relax your muscles, over and over again. "PMR alone reduces the severity of nausea associated with chemotherapy," the study authors wrote. It also helps when combined with a massage.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a versatile spice, has long been used to help treat indigestion, gas, nausea, and heartburn. It's effective for reducing bloating and encouraging intestinal motility, allowing faster digestion.

One study, published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, found that it could help reduce the level of nausea that women experience during menstruation.

"This research suggested that cinnamon has a significant effect on reduction of pain, menstrual bleeding, nausea, and vomiting," the study authors wrote, referring to cinnamon as "safe and effective treatment."

Try sipping on cinnamon tea. Just add one Ceylon cinnamon stick to 8 ounces of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. You can add a tea bag for more flavor if desired.

Cumin Extract

Another spice that can be helpful when you're feeling nauseous is cumin extract. Research published in the Middle East Journal of Digestive Diseases indicates that it can improve symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

According to the study: 58% of participants had no nausea before being treated with cumin, 8% had mild nausea, and 34% had moderate nausea. After four weeks, 90% had no nausea, 10% had mild nausea, and no patients had severe nausea.

Try drinking cumin water, also known as jeera water, a popular digestive remedy in India. Simmer cumin seeds in water until all of the flavor and nutrients have been extracted, about 5 minutes. Increase heat and boil again until the seeds swell. Cool to room temperature, strain out the seeds, and sip.

Vitamin B6 Supplements

Vitamin B6 helps our body process fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It's found naturally in many foods, but it's also available in supplement form.

Research suggests that taking a vitamin B6 supplement helps cut back on nausea while pregnant. Study authors say it's an "effective" form of treatment. Consider taking a daily dose of up to 200mg if you commonly suffer from nausea.

Physical Activity

Many times when you're nauseous, the most appealing option is to lay on the couch. But some forms of exercise can actually reduce nausea, some research suggests.

In one study, chemotherapy patients who practiced yoga experienced "a significant decrease in post-chemotherapy-induced nausea frequency." So if you're feeling sick, pull out your yoga mat and slip into your favorite pose.

Taking a walk in fresh air may also help. Fresh air tends to make people feel less nauseous, especially if the nausea was brought on by being in a stuffy or hot environment.

A Word From Verywell

Feeling nauseous is common and unpleasant, but many natural remedies help alleviate it. Additionally, some dietary changes might reduce the incidence of nausea. Try one treatment at a time so you can determine what is most effective for you.

Before you try any new supplement, it's always wise to consult with a health care provider. If your nausea continues or interferes with your ability to consume a nutritious diet, seek medical attention.