Evidence-Based Home remedies for Nausea

Nausea is not a disease in itself, but a sign of an underlying condition. It is a feeling of uneasiness, which is often a pre-curser to vomiting. It can occur due to several disorders especially those affecting the digestive tract such as gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, indigestion, and gastroenteritis. It may also occur in pregnant women during the first trimester due to the changes in the hormonal levels in the body. Motion sickness is also a common condition that results in nausea and vomiting while traveling. Sometimes, nausea and vomiting occur as a natural reaction of the body to overeating with an attempt to relieve the discomfort caused by the excessively distended abdomen. The more serious causes of nausea include a concussion, certain types of cancers, heart attack, as a side effect of some drugs and chemotherapy.

Natural Home remedies for Nausea

The natural home remedies given below can provide relief from this annoying symptom.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the best home remedies for nausea caused due to a variety of factors like pregnancy, indigestion, gastritis, and chemotherapy. It has the ability to trigger the secretion of digestive enzymes that help in neutralizing the stomach acid. Hence, including ginger in the regular diet is highly recommended for the people who suffer from the disorders caused by increased production of acid in the stomach like gastritis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers.

Ginger root contains volatile oils that improve the digestion and soothe the irritated stomach linings. It also tones up the muscles of the digestive tract and allows it to digest the food properly thus preventing indigestion even in the case of overeating. It has also been found to be effective in treating postoperative nausea. (1)

The natural antiemetic effect of ginger is effective against several emetogenic stimuli. It may also help in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea, and motion sickness. (2)

How to use

1. Slice the ginger root or chop it into rough pieces. You can also crush it using a mortar and pestle.
2. Add the sliced, crushed or chopped ginger to the boiling water and let it brew for at least 5 minutes.
3. Then, put off the flame, and cover it with a lid to allow it to steep for another 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid and mix honey.
5. Sip the ginger tea as and when needed. You may drink it after it cools down if hot liquids are not agreeable to your stomach.

Note: Chewing a few pieces of shredded ginger in the morning is a great preventive measure for treating nausea caused by a chronic digestive disorder.

Lemon Juice

The smell of fresh lemon can be highly soothing for the nerves and help in preventing irritation and discomfort associated with overeating. Aromatherapy with lemon juice is also beneficial for the women who suffer from morning sickness. It can help push off the nauseating feeling by soothing the nerve. Lemon juice can also be consumed orally to get rid of nausea. It contains citric acid, which helps to neutralize the stomach acids and provides relief from nausea caused by gastric disorders. The effect of lemon juice was proved in a randomized clinical trial in which women with morning sickness were treated with the same. The study revealed a remarkable reduction in the intensity of nausea, vomiting, and retching in these women. (3)

How to use

1. Add salt and lemon juice to water and mix well.
2. Take the glass near the nose and breathe in deeply to smell the fresh scent of lemon. Patients may also drink the lemon water.

Note: Patients suffering from high blood pressure should omit using salt as it can cause a rise in their blood pressure. They can also add honey to the water for better effect. If they find it difficult to prepare a lemon juice, they can suck on a lemon piece.

Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds (Jeera) are commonly used to get rid of morning sickness. The strong antiemetic properties of cumin seeds help to relieve nausea. It also acts as a digestive aid and helps to boost the breakdown and assimilation of food thereby reducing nausea caused by overeating or indigestion. Cumin also helps to increase the secretion of digestive enzymes and reduces the secretion of stomach acid. These properties of cumin help in treating nausea caused by gastric disorders.

Cumin seeds are rich sources of essential oils, which act as a carminative agent and provide relief from bloating sensation in the abdomen that could be the reason for nausea. The antispasmodic and astringent actions of this herb reduce pain. It is also beneficial in the cases of dyspepsia, flatulence, and colic. It also improves the liver functions and protects it from infections. Hence, it is also recommended for the patients having nausea due to hepatitis. (4)

How to use

1. Put the cumin seeds in a cup and pour hot water over them.
2. Cover it with a lid and let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Mix the nutmeg powder in the liquid.
4. Strain the liquid and drink this tea.

Note: you may drink the liquid without straining. You can chew the cumin seeds in the water. This will improve the effectiveness of the remedy.

Mint

Mint leaves have been used traditionally for the management of digestive troubles such as nausea and vomiting. Mint contains oil, which is anti-spasmodic in nature. It induces relaxation of the muscles in the stomach and prevents cramping that can lead to nausea and vomiting. Mint tea is specifically beneficial for nausea caused by intestinal cramping. The fresh scent of mint leaves has a remarkable potential to tame an upset stomach.

The beneficial effect of mint tea was proved in research that involved a double-blind trial. The study involved 60 pregnant women suffering from nausea and vomiting. The interventional group of women who were treated with mint experienced significant relief from the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. (5)

How to use

1. Place mint leaves in a cup, and pour hot water over them.
2. Cover with a lid and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add honey and sip the mint tea.

Note: You can also drink the tea without straining it. You can chew the mint leaves in the tea for better effects.

Peppermint Oil

The refreshing smell of peppermint oil can be soothing for the digestive tract. It can help to relieve nausea and vomiting. Studies have found that nausea may sometimes occur just due to the psychological factors that result in the misinterpretation of the signals by the brain. This form of psychological nausea is more common in the pregnant women. Smelling the soothing scents of peppermint oil can create a calming effect on the anxious nerves and thus, help them get rid of nausea. Peppermint oil can also soothe an upset stomach. During a study, it was found that combining aromatherapy using peppermint oil with controlled breathing can be highly effective in treating nausea. (5)

Aromatherapy with peppermint oil can also reduce postoperative nausea. The vapors of peppermint oil, when inhaled deeply, can create a calming effect on the stomach and help to reduce nausea. (6)

How to use

• Pour a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton swab. Apply the cotton swab directly on the gums. The oil can also be applied directly using the fingers.
• Alternatively, patients can pour a few drops of the oil on a tissue and bring it close to the nose. Then, they should inhale the scent by taking deep breaths.

Cinnamon

The strong smell of cinnamon (Dalchini) can help in reducing nausea. It has the ability to soothe the stomach and reduce the secretion of gastric acid thereby providing relief from nausea caused by peptic ulcers and gastritis. It is also an antibacterial and antiviral agent. It helps to cure the infections in the stomach and the intestine. Hence, it can also be used in mild cases of gastroenteritis. The sweetish smell of cinnamon can calm the nerves and provide a sense of relaxation when the feeling of nausea has led to a significant irritation and discomfort. Cinnamon has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of nausea occurring during menses. (7)

The antispasmodic action produced by cinnamon helps to reduce cramping in the stomach and intestine and thus, reduce the urge to vomit. (8)

How to use

1. Put the cinnamon stick or powder in a cup. Pour hot water over it and cover. Let it steep for at least 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Stir it well and enjoy the tea. If you have used a cinnamon stick, discard it and sip the tea.

Amla

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) can help in treating nausea by regulating the balance of hormones and digestive enzymes in the body. It also contains citric acid that can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and provide relief from nausea caused by indigestion. It is also a rich natural source of Vitamin C, which can help to treat hyperacidity and peptic ulcers, which are the common causes of nausea. The vitamin C content of Amla is also beneficial for treating morning sickness. (9)

How to use

• Mix Amla, cloves, cumin, crystal sugar, and black pepper in an air-tight container. This mixture can be stored for one or two months and used as and when needed.
• To use, take 1/4^th to ½ a teaspoonful of this powder and add to it 1 tsp of honey and consume it.

Honey

Honey is another effective home remedy for treating nausea primarily caused due to stomach complaints and morning sickness. It is also good for the patients who suffer from recurring nausea due to a weak digestive system as in irritable bowel syndrome.

During research, it was found that drinking a cup of herbal tea with honey can provide significant relief from nausea. It can also be used to ameliorate postprandial nausea caused by overeating or indigestion. (10)

How to use

1. Crush mint leaves and ginger to make a paste. Put this paste in a sieve and then, press to extract the juice.
2. Mix honey and lemon juice to this ginger-mint juice.
3. Consume this herbal mix twice daily.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) is the nature’s most powerful healer. The main constituent of this herb, Curcumin, acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach caused by gastritis, hyperacidity, and peptic ulcers and thus, prevents nausea. The antibacterial action allows it to eliminate infections in the stomach and intestine. The analgesic action of this herb reduces pain and cramps in the stomach thereby ensuring quick relief from nausea. It also acts as a hepatoprotective agent and reduces nausea caused by the liver disorder. It produces a healing effect on the stomach. Hence, the use of turmeric is recommended for the patients suffering from peptic ulcers. (11)

How to use

1. Warm a glass of milk and add to it a pinch of turmeric. Let it boil for 2 minutes.
2. Strain and drink the liquid while it’s still warm.

Holy Basil

Tulsi or Holy Basil is righteously called the elixir of life thanks to the multiple health benefits it provides. Its diverse healing properties are beneficial in the management of nausea as well as the other symptoms caused by digestive ailments.  It has anticancer properties, which help in controlling nausea related to stomach cancer. It can also be used to reduce nausea caused due to the use of chemotherapeutic drugs.

It is also an antibacterial and antifungal agent. It helps to prevent infections in the stomach and thus, reduces the risk of nausea and vomiting caused due to food poisoning. The hepatoprotective properties of this herb are beneficial in treating nausea caused by liver diseases like hepatitis. It can be used to reduce nausea during the postoperative period. (12)

How to use

• The best way to use Holy Basil is to chew a few leaves of the plant.
• It can also be used to brew tea. The fresh leaves of Holy basil can be added to a boiling cup of water. The lid should be closed for a few minutes to allow it to steep well. The liquid should be strained and consumed to get rid of nausea.