Natural Remedies for Nausea

What is Nausea?

Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the stomach that often precedes vomiting. It can be caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, medications, food poisoning, or many other conditions. Natural remedies can be particularly helpful for mild to moderate nausea.

Prevalence: Nausea is extremely common, with most adults experiencing it multiple times per year. Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women in the first trimester.

Evidence-Based Remedies

Ginger

Strong Evidence

Ginger is one of the most extensively studied natural anti-nausea remedies. Its compounds gingerol and shogaol act on serotonin receptors in the gut and may accelerate gastric emptying.

Suggested Dosage

1-1.5g of fresh or dried ginger daily, divided into 2-4 doses

Safety Warnings

Safe during pregnancy in moderate doses (up to 1g daily). May cause mild heartburn. May interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications.

Peppermint

Moderate Evidence

Peppermint aromatherapy and tea can help reduce nausea. The menthol in peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach muscles and reduces the sensation of nausea.

Suggested Dosage

Inhale peppermint oil or drink 1-2 cups of peppermint tea as needed

Safety Warnings

May worsen GERD symptoms. Peppermint oil should not be applied directly under the nose of infants or small children.

Vitamin B6

Strong Evidence

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is recommended as a first-line treatment for pregnancy-related nausea by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Suggested Dosage

10-25mg, 3 times daily (especially for pregnancy-related nausea)

Safety Warnings

Doses over 100mg daily may cause nerve damage over time. The upper tolerable limit is 100mg daily for adults.

Acupressure (P6 Point)

Moderate Evidence

Applying pressure to the P6 (Nei-Kuan) point on the inner wrist has been shown to reduce nausea. This is the basis for anti-nausea wristbands.

Suggested Dosage

Apply firm pressure to the point 3 finger-widths from the wrist crease for 2-3 minutes

Safety Warnings

Very safe with virtually no side effects. May not be sufficient for severe nausea. Consistent pressure is more effective than intermittent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat when I feel nauseous?

Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods: crackers, toast, rice, bananas, applesauce, and clear broths. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is a traditional recommendation. Eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones, and avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods.

Is it better to eat or fast when nauseous?

Small amounts of bland food are generally better than an empty stomach, which can actually worsen nausea. Sipping clear fluids and nibbling on crackers helps maintain blood sugar and prevent dehydration. However, do not force yourself to eat if vomiting is active.

Can anxiety cause nausea?

Yes, anxiety commonly causes nausea through the gut-brain axis. Stress hormones affect the digestive system, slowing motility and increasing stomach acid. This is why many people experience 'butterflies' or nausea before stressful events. Managing anxiety often helps reduce nausea symptoms.

Related Conditions

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Chronic acid reflux (GERD) affects the quality of life and can lead to complications if untreated.

Natural Remedies for Bloating

Bloating is a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen often accompanied by gas. While usually not serious, chronic bloating can indicate digestive issues that benefit from natural remedies and dietary changes.