Nausea is a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit that likely everyone had the misfortune of dealing with. It is a diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort that while not painful can be debilitating when it is experienced for a prolonged period. There is anti-nausea medication that can help, however, like other medications it has side effects of its own including drowsiness. There are home remedies that are side-effects free and likely already present in your home.
Causes of nausea
Several conditions can cause nausea including stress, anxiety, infections, motion sickness, acid reflux, prescription medication, pregnancy, food poisoning, phobias, eating disorders, allergies, menstrual cramps, dehydration, hunger, exhaustion, and many more. Occasional temporary nausea is common but typically not a concern.
Home remedies
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most widely used home remedies for nausea. The mode of consuming it is varied and dependent on the person. You can take it in ginger tea or ginger ale, cook with it, or take it raw if you dare. Inhaling ginger oil has also been found helpful. Ginger is so effective that it is suggested for those dealing with post-chemotherapy nausea or post any medical procedure.
2. Lemon
Some citrus fruits, typically lemon help combat nausea. Lemons contain neutralizing acids which help relieve nausea. It also causes you to produce more saliva which can also help relieve nausea. The refreshing scent of lemon is a natural medicine that is often used in aromatherapy.
One study found that pregnant women who sniffed lemons experienced reduced nausea within 24 hours. You can slice a lemon and then put it close to your nose until you feel better. Alternatively, you could drink some lemon water or suck on a lemon wedge until you feel better. Citric acid eases queasiness.
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3. Peppermint
Studies show that peppermint reduces nausea caused by chemotherapy. It can be consumed in a capsule, tea, or oil.
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4. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a popular folk remedy for nausea. It has a sedative effect that may help you sleep and also helps ease anxiety. It also treats gastrointestinal problems like motion sickness, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been found to reduce nausea caused by menstrual pain. It is commonly used in cooking to flavour food but can also be added to black tea.
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6. Try CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil comes from an active compound found in cannabis but does not contain the compound that alters the mental state.
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7. Water
Staying hydrated or taking small sips of water regularly may help with nausea. Even mild dehydration on a hot day can cause dizziness and nausea, so drink up. When it’s caused by heartburn and acid reflux can be reduced by hydrating the body. If it is accompanied by vomiting rehydration becomes even more important. It seems that sparkling water actually helps with nausea. 7 Tricks For Keeping Yourself Hydrated Every Day
8. Acupuncture or acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are two forms of traditional Chinese medicine that are commonly used to treat nausea. In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into specific points (also known as acupoints or pressure points) in the body, whereas acupressure uses manual pressure to provide stimulation. Both techniques work by stimulating nerves, thereby sending signals to the brain and spinal cord that can help ease nausea.
One recent study found that acupuncture and acupressure reduce the risk of developing nausea after an operation by 28-75%.
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9. Exercise
Exercise is effective in treating nausea for a variety of reasons. One, it can be a distraction taking your focus away from the discomfort of being nauseous. Exercise also gets the blood flowing away from the stomach and signals the release of endorphins that counteract fatigue and nausea.
One study found that cycling three times per week greatly improved the condition of women struggling with nausea from undergoing chemotherapy. A brief walk, swim, or jog may help minimize discomfort.
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10. Apply a cool compress
Apply a soothing, cool compress to the back of the neck. When one is nauseous, their body temperature may increase, this helps decrease the body temperature and decrease the severity of nausea.
- Open a window or sit in front of a fan.
- Meditate or take deep breaths.
- Sip on herbal teas.
Foods to avoid
1. Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks such as soda can cause bloating and worsen nausea.
2. Spicy or rich foods
Foods with strong flavours upset the stomach further, so sticking to a bland diet helps reduce nausea. Spicy, pungent odours can also trigger a sense of discomfort and make you nauseous.
3. High-fat foods
Because they slow down digestion.
Get emergency help if your nausea is accompanied by:
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- High fever and stiff neck
- Confusion
- Severe headache
Get emergency help if your nausea is accompanied by other symptoms of dehydration like:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Weakness
- Dark urine
- Infrequent urination
Most nausea is temporary, not serious, and can thus be treated with home remedies. If yours is an exception and is accompanied by any of the above symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.
Check out:
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