What Helps with Nausea: Complete Guide to Natural and Effective Relief
June 12, 2025
0
Nausea is an unpleasant and sometimes debilitating sensation that most people experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, food poisoning, or
Nausea is an unpleasant and sometimes debilitating sensation that most people experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, food poisoning, or a stomach bug, finding effective nausea relief is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various factors that help alleviate Nausea, including natural remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and over-the-counter options.
Understanding Nausea: What Causes It?
Before exploring how to relieve Nausea, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes. Common causes of Nausea include:
Motion sickness or travel sickness
Pregnancy (morning sickness)
Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections
Migraine headaches
Anxiety or stress
Medication side effects
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Inner ear disorders (like vertigo)
Knowing the underlying cause can help you choose the most effective remedies for addressing your illness.
1. Immediate Actions That Help with Nausea
A. Fresh Air and Rest
Simple steps, such as sitting in a cool, well-ventilated area, can provide instant relief. Avoid strong smells, bright lights, and crowded spaces, as these may exacerbate symptoms.
B. Hydration
Small sips of water, herbal teas, or electrolyte solutions can prevent dehydration and help settle the stomach.
Avoid:
Sugary drinks
Caffeinated beverages
Alcohol
C. Deep Breathing Exercises
Controlled breathing helps calm the nervous system, reducing Nausea triggered by anxiety, stress, or motion sickness.
Example breathing technique:
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
Hold your breath for 7 seconds
Exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds
2. Natural Remedies for Nausea
Many people prefer natural remedies for Nausea to avoid medications. Here are the most researched options:
A. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most effective natural remedies for nausea.
Forms you can try:
Ginger tea
Ginger chews or candies
Ginger capsules (consult your doctor for dosage)
Fresh ginger slices
Multiple studies confirm ginger’s ability to ease Nausea caused by pregnancy, surgery, or chemotherapy.
B. Peppermint
Peppermint works by relaxing stomach muscles and improving bile flow, which can ease indigestion and Nausea.
How to use peppermint:
Peppermint tea
Inhaling peppermint essential oil
Peppermint lozenges
C. Acupressure
Applying pressure to the P6 point (Nei Guan), located on the inner wrist, can reduce Nausea.
How to find the P6 point:
Place three fingers below the wrist crease.
Press firmly between the two tendons.
You can also use acupressure wristbands, commonly sold for motion sickness relief.
D. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 supplements have been shown to reduce Nausea, particularly in pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before supplementation.
3. Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Nausea
A. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
Large meals can overwhelm the digestive system. Opt for:
Plain rice
Bananas
Dry toast or crackers
Applesauce
Clear broths
B. Avoid Trigger Foods
Common triggers include:
Spicy foods
Fatty or fried foods
Dairy (for some individuals)
Highly acidic foods like citrus or tomatoes
C. Avoid Strong Smells
Perfumes, cooking odour, odours, and smoke can exacerbate nausea. Use unscented products and ensure good ventilation.
D. Sit Upright After Eating
Lying down can slow digestion and worsen Nausea. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after meals to prevent bloating.
4. Over-the-counter solutions for Nausea
If natural remedies don’t entirely work, several over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help:
Antihistamines (e.g., Dramamine, Bonine): Helpful for motion sickness.
Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Useful for Nausea from indigestion or minor stomach upset.
Oral rehydration solutions: Prevent dehydration from prolonged vomiting.
Note: Always follow dosing instructions and consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
5. When to Seek Medical Help
While most cases of Nausea resolve on their own, consult a doctor if you experience:
Severe or prolonged Nausea (more than 48 hours)
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output)
Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
High fever
Severe abdominal pain
Weight loss or inability to keep fluids down
6. Specialized Nausea Relief: Pregnancy, Chemotherapy, and Motion Sickness
Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
Vitamin B6 and ginger are usually first-line treatments.
Eat bland snacks (e.g., crackers) before getting out of bed.
Avoid an empty stomach.
Prescription medications like Diclegis may be recommended in severe cases.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea
Prescription anti-nausea drugs (e.g., ondansetron) are highly effective.
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, meditation, or dietary adjustments, can also be beneficial.
Motion Sickness
Use OTC antihistamines (e.g., meclizine)
Wear acupressure bands
Focus your eyes on the horizon while travelling
Avoid reading or screens during travel
7. Summary: Quick List of What Helps with Nausea
Remedy
Best For
Notes
Ginger
General nausea, pregnancy, chemotherapy
Safe, widely studied
Peppermint
Indigestion, mild nausea
Tea or essential oil
Acupressure
Motion sickness, pregnancy
P6 wrist point
Vitamin B6
Pregnancy
Always consult your doctor
Small meals
Ongoing nausea
Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods
Hydration
All nausea types
Sip fluids frequently
OTC meds
Motion sickness, stomach upset
Follow dosing guidelines
Medical care
Severe or persistent nausea
Professional evaluation needed
Final Thoughts on What Helps with Nausea
Nausea can have many causes, but there are multiple effective remedies available. From natural solutions like ginger and peppermint to over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes, the right approach depends on your situation.
Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe symptoms. For most mild cases, however, these nausea relief tips can make a significant difference.