Nausea is the unpleasant feeling you get before you throw up. Your entire digestive system feels upset, with repeated reflux and gagging. It’s your body’s signal to expel unwanted stomach contents, and vomiting is when you actually succeed in doing so. Nausea is pretty common and harmless but can prove extremely discomforting while it lasts.
It can be hard to concentrate on your work or enjoy everyday life when you are feeling nauseous, but it’s nothing a bit of self-care can’t solve. That said, persistent nausea can be a sign of some underlying illness that may require your doctor’s attention.
# Consume gingerThe bioactive components present in the ginger root called gingerols and shogaols are believed to exhibit antiemetic properties that can help relieve nausea brought on by pregnancy or otherwise, without causing any adverse side effects.
Ginger may also help reduce post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
More research is required with a larger sample size to help determine the positive effects of ginger on chemotherapy-induced nausea.
# Try peppermint aromatherapyPeppermint may help deal with nausea by relaxing the lining of the stomach. Peppermint’s antispasmodic properties may also help prevent stomach cramps.
Some studies found peppermint aromatherapy to be useful in reducing pregnancy-related, post-operative, or chemotherapy-induced nausea, while others did not record any significant results.
Given the mixed results, further studies are needed to know just how effective this remedy actually is.
How to use:
- To relieve nausea, you can smear a cotton handkerchief with peppermint oil and inhale through the cloth.
- You can add a few drops of peppermint oil in a diffuser and breathe in the soothing vapors.
# Maintain adequate levels of vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 has been found to reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting significantly.
A 2019 study supported the use of vitamin B6 over ginger to alleviate the symptoms of nausea in pregnant women over a period of 60 days.
Another study found that both dimenhydrinate and vitamin B6 was found to significantly reduce nausea associated with pregnancy.
How to use:
- Add foods that are rich in vitamin B6 to your regular diet. Some of the best dietary sources of this vital nutrient include fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, soya beans, wholegrain cereals (wheat germ, oatmeal, and brown rice), and various vegetables.
# Inhale rubbing alcoholRubbing alcohol, chemically known as 70% isopropyl alcohol, is a highly volatile organic solvent commonly used in households.
How to use:
- Two studies reported that individuals who inhaled alcohol pads experienced a reduction in nausea sooner than the control group.
- Another 2018 study supported the use of rubbing alcohol aromatherapy to significantly reduce the symptoms of mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
# Use lemonA lemon essential oil may help reduce the symptoms of nausea as reported by the results of a randomized control trial where 40% of the pregnant subjects registered relief from nausea without any reported side effects after using lemon essential oil aromatherapy.
However, more direct studies are needed to conclusively establish the efficacy, safety, and mechanism of lemon essential oil for easing nausea.
How to use:
- Consume lemon in a variety of ways, such as lemon water, lemon, and honey mixed in water, lemon and ginger tea, or a simple lemonade.
- Do aromatherapy with lemon essential oil.
# Drink baking soda and water solutionBaking soda diluted with water may work as an antacid and may relieve nausea.
Although there is little to no scientific support for this claim, a lot of general users have reported good results after using this remedy, making it worth a try but only after running it by your doctor.
How to use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces or 1 cup of lukewarm water until it dissolves completely, and drink this solution when you feel nauseous.
# Try chamomile teaChamomile can help calm your digestive system by relieving excess acidity. This soothing herb can also reduce your stress levels, which is a major contributor to heartburn, nausea, and an upset stomach in general.
The best way to consume this medicinal herb is in the form of a tea. You can buy instant chamomile tea from the market or prepare it fresh at home with chamomile petals.
How to make chamomile tea:
- In a pan, bring 500 ml or 2 cups of water to a boil and then turn off the heat.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of dried chamomile petals in the water and cover the pan with a lid.
- After 3–5 minutes, strain the tea into cups and add a sprig of mint, honey, or lemon for extra flavor.
# Eat pickles
It is common for women to crave the tangy goodness of pickles during their pregnancy, mostly because they are running low on sodium.
Pickles are soaked in a solution of vinegar and salt, which can compensate for any such sodium deficiency and may even curb pregnancy-induced nausea in the process.