Nausea is a feeling that no one wants to deal with. It’s unpleasant, but this feeling can happen in any situation, like when traveling and at any moment during pregnancy. To treat nauseous feelings, many people use anti-nausea medications. However, these medicines often have side effects like drowsiness that make using them a challenge.
Natural Nausea Remedies
Instead of putting up with this feeling or having to deal with the side effects of the medicine, many people looking for nausea remedies are opting for more natural options. The following methods are the best for treating this nauseous feeling:
1. Eat Ginger
Ginger is one of the more popular choices for natural cure-alls. What’s more, ginger is a great way to treat nauseous feelings naturally.
Though ginger is a superfood, its powers aren’t fully understood. Experts agree that ginger is made up of compounds that act in a way that is similar to other medications.
Many studies show that ginger is incredibly effective in trying to reduce nauseous feelings in many different situations.
There isn’t a consensus on the proper dosage that one needs to take to reduce the effects of nauseous feelings. However, in the study, most participants were given around 0.5 – 1.5 grams of ginger root each day.
While ginger is relatively safe, individuals may need to lower their ginger intake if they’re prone to having low blood sugar or low blood pressure, especially if they are taking blood thinners.
Pregnant women should ask their doctor before treating nauseous feelings with ginger. There are only a few studies regarding the use of ginger during pregnancy, but the studies show that healthy pregnant women are less likely to experience side effects. Thus, many experts believe that ginger is safe to use during pregnancy.
2. Use Peppermint Aromatherapy
Peppermint aromatherapy can be used to reduce nauseous feelings.
A study that assessed peppermint aromatherapy’s effects on women after a C-section birth showed that after being exposed to the peppermint, these women rated their nauseous feelings as being significantly lower than individuals given placebos or anti-nausea medications.
Many experts even suggest that drinking peppermint tea can provide similar anti-nausea effects, though there haven’t been any studies to back this up.
Individuals that have taken peppermint oil in pill form have experienced mixed results. Some have seen benefits, while others see no change in their nauseous feelings.
Additionally, there is very little information available regarding the safety of consuming peppermint oil.
3. Try Acupressure or Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture can be used to treat vomiting and nauseous feelings.
With acupuncture, professionals use thin needles on certain pressure points all over the body. With acupressure, experts aim to stimulate similar points on the body. However, this pressure is used in place of needles.
These techniques are ultimately used to stimulate nerve fibers, allowing signals to be transmitted to the spinal cord and the brain. These signals have the ability to abate nauseous feelings.
Some evidence even shows that during pregnancy, acupuncture can be used to treat nauseous feelings, but more studies need to be done.
Looking for a way to harness the power of acupuncture without having to go through the spine-tingling process? You can stimulate the acupuncture point on your own.
This nerve is located two or three finger widths away from the inner wrist, located between your two prominent tendons.
Once this point is located, you will press your thumb down for a minute. Then, repeat the process on the other arm. Keep repeating until the nauseous feelings melt away.
4. Slice a Lemon
The smells from a fresh lemon can be used to reduce nauseous feelings, especially in pregnant women.
One study with 100 pregnant women used almond or lemon essential oils to determine which smell was the most effective in reducing nauseous feelings. The results of the study showed that individuals with the lemon essential oil were able to reduce their nauseous feelings by 9%.
For many people, simply scratching or slicing a lemon is enough to release its essential oils. Similarly, having a vial of your lemon essential oil might be enough to reduce nauseous feelings if you are on-the-go.
5. Control Your Breathing
Taking deep breaths will help to reduce nauseous feelings.
Controlled breathing is one of the best all-natural nausea remedies. By focusing on your breathing patterns, you’ll find that you can think clearer and feel less nauseous.
This is why controlled breathing is such a powerful part of meditation. As taking time to focus on one’s breathing works to calm the body, it is one of the easiest natural alternatives anybody can use to help become focused.
To take control of your breathing, inhale through your nose and count to three. Then, hold your breath while counting to three, and finally, release your breath.
6. Use Various Spices
Certain spices can be used as a way to deal with nauseous feelings.
The following three spices are proven to fight nauseous feelings:
- Fennel powder: Fennel powder will reduce menstrual symptoms and help women shorten their periods.
- Cinnamon: The use of cinnamon will help to reduce how nauseous women feel when menstruating.
- Cumin extract: Cumin extract can help to improve symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nauseous feelings, and constipation.
7. Work on Relaxing Your Muscles
Oftentimes, anxiety can bring about nauseous feelings. Before resorting to medication, try muscle relaxation. This is the process of intentionally tensing your muscles, then relaxing them.
One of the more common ways to use muscle tension to relieve stress or nauseous feelings is through massage.
In a study of patients going through chemotherapy, individuals that were given a lower leg or arm massage found that they were 24% less likely to feel nauseous after the fact.
8. Take Vitamin B6 Supplement
Vitamin B6 has become increasingly popular as an all-natural way for pregnant women to relieve their anti-nausea symptoms.
Supplements of vitamin B6, known as pyridoxine, have been proven to successfully reduce nauseous feelings for pregnant women. These supplements are often taken as a treatment to abate nauseous feelings.
Vitamin B6 is typically seen as safe to use for pregnant women with virtually zero side effects.
9. Avoid Spicy Foods
Foods like rice, bananas, baked potatoes, crackers, or applesauce are also excellent options to help relieve nauseous feelings. This will also help to decrease the likelihood that you will suffer from an upset stomach.
10. Eat Protein-Rich Meals
Protein-rich meals are an excellent way to stave off nauseous feelings. Whether you eat more meals that are high in protein or supplement your diet with protein pills or powder, you will be less likely to become nauseous by eating food with more protein.
11. Avoid Larger Meals
Individuals that are used to eating larger meals should consider downsizing. By reducing your meals in size and increasing the frequency with which you eat, you will likely be able to reduce your symptoms.
12. Exercise More Often
Yoga and aerobic exercise can be used to help reduce nauseous feelings. These exercises harness the power of controlled breathing, allowing the calm of meditation to settle any uneasiness.
13. Stand Upright After Eating
People that find themselves experiencing nauseous feelings or acid reflux on a regular basis should keep in an upright position after a meal. Lying down 30 to 60 minutes after a meal can increase nauseous feelings and similar uncomfortable feelings.
14. Avoid Drinking During Meals
Drinking during meals can lead to increased feelings of fullness. This can have the effect of worsening nauseous feelings in certain people.
While you may be used to drinking during a meal, consider having your beverages before or after a meal.
15. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is another way to bring on nauseous feelings. If you are feeling nauseous and are also vomiting, it is likely that you are dehydrated. Replace any lost fluids with a drink that is rich with electrolytes.
Mineral water is a good choice for anyone in need of hydration, as is regular water, a sports drink, or vegetable broth.
16. Avoid Pungent Smells
Smells that are incredibly strong can worsen nauseous feelings. During pregnancy, these strong smells can intensify, making your nausea worse.
If possible, avoid using any substances with a strong odor.
17. Avoid Iron Supplements
Women with regular iron levels should avoid using iron supplements in the first trimester, as they may worsen nausea.
18. Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is always handy to have around the house as it can be used as a cleaner and a way to ease symptoms of nausea.
Dissolving baking soda in water works well to diffuse nauseous feelings. By mixing a half teaspoon into a glass of water, you’ll quickly have an all-natural solution to reduce your nausea.
Final Thoughts on Natural Ways to Relieve Nauseous Feelings
Nausea is unavoidable at times. However, before reaching for the pills, think about all the natural ways to relieve nausea. By using these supplements, roots, breathing processes, and more, you’ll find that you are able to alleviate your own nauseous feelings.
While natural nausea remedies often work well, they won’t always. If the nauseous feelings persist, it’s best to seek additional care from a medical professional.
