Nausea Treatment: The Best Natural Methods To Alleviate Nausea

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Nausea is a symptom many people are familiar with. It is an unpleasant sensation that can arise in a variety of situations. Fortunately, there are several ways to control or relieve nausea, besides using anti-medications. So, due to the negative side effects medications may have, we will be focusing on some natural methods to relieve nausea, as they are the safest choice you can make.

Nevertheless, choosing the best way to treat nausea depends on the problem causing it. So, if your nausea is triggered by a car ride, you may stop the car and take a break. If alcohol is the reason behind your nausea, then not drinking for a while would be the first best step you could make.

However, in other cases, there is a variety of nausea treatment methods that may decrease the likelihood of nausea or help relieve its symptoms. And, if these methods do not seem to ease the queasiness, you should consult your doctor.

1. Control your breathing

If you’re feeling nauseous, taking slow and deep breaths can help reduce nausea. A study confirmed that aromatherapy and controlled breathing both independently relieve nausea. In this study, the controlled breathing reduced nausea in 62% of cases.

The breathing pattern the participants of the study used included inhaling through their nose to a count of three, then exhaling to a count of three.

nausea treatment — Photo Credit: Fabian Møller on Unsplash

2. Try acupuncture or acupressure

Two other techniques which can be used to treat or relieve nausea are acupuncture and acupressure. These two techniques are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nausea and vomiting. During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into certain points on the body, whereas during acupressure, instead of needles pressure is used to stimulate these specific parts of the body. These techniques stimulate nerve fibers to transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord. These signals are thought to have the ability to decrease nausea.

Studies have shown that both these two methods have shown the same effective results as anti-nausea medications at reducing nausea symptoms, with no negative side effects.

You can even try this nausea treatment simply by placing your thumb 2–3 finger widths down from your inner wrist, between the two prominent tendons and pressing down with your thumb for about one minute. Repeat the same procedure on your other arm. Repeat if needed.

3. Eat ginger

One of the best nausea treatment methods is ginger. Ginger is known as a natural remedy which is commonly used to treat nausea. According to experts, ginger components may have the same effects as anti-nausea medications, especially during pregnancy. Ginger has also shown to be effective at relieving nausea after chemotherapy treatment or an operation.

Although there is no consensus on what’s the proper dosage of ginger to give effective results, according to Healthline, most of the research provided participants with 0.5 to 1.5 grams of dried ginger root per day.

However, you should be cautious in consuming ginger if you are using blood thinners or are prone to low blood pressure or low blood sugar.

4. Eat a slice of lemon

Another effective nausea treatment method is citrusy smells, such as those from a sliced lemon, may help reduce nausea in pregnant women.

In a study regarding lemon effects on nausea, a hundred pregnant women were instructed to inhale either lemon or almond essential oils as soon as they experienced nausea. The results concluded that at the end of the fourth day of the study, women who belonged to the lemon group rated their nausea up to 9% lower than those given the almond oil placebo.

Therefore, if you are already feeling nausea, simply slice a lemon or scratch its peel so it will release its essential oils into the air.

5. Stay hydrated

Being dehydrated can worsen nausea, especially if nausea is accompanied by vomiting. Therefore, make sure to compensate your lost fluids with electrolyte-rich fluids rich in electrolytes. Electrolytes help balance fluid levels and are also linked to many benefits such as healthy heart function, a sharp mind, proper muscle contraction, and so many more. Some of the fluids containing electrolytes are flat mineral water, vegetable broth or a sports drink.

6. Aromatherapy

When dealing with nausea, one of the ways of treating it is managing the scents in your environment.
Aromatherapy, which involves using scents like peppermint or lemon therapeutically for stress and anxiety, can help you do that. In a September 2013 study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia, surgical patients were asked to smell one of three aromatherapy treatments: essential oil of ginger; a blend of ginger, spearmint, peppermint, and cardamom essential oils; or isopropyl alcohol. The researchers found that patients who smelled either the ginger oil or the blend of oils had significantly reduced nausea compared with the patients who smelled isopropyl alcohol.

7. Peppermint

According to NCCIH and a study published in the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, the scent of peppermint oil can help in treating nausea. It has a calming and relaxing effect in your stomach muscles.

The most common way to use this remedy is peppermint tea. You can also use essential oil of peppermint for aromatherapy, but in this case, you should mix it with a carrier oil for safe application.

Caution: Don’t use the mint if you are diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

8. Open a window

Fresh air has shown to have positive effects on nausea, especially if you are carsick. So, by opening a window you let fresh air come in and ease your nausea. You may also try sitting in front of a fan once you notice the first sign of nausea, especially if you’re overheated.

That said, if your nausea persists, you should seek immediate medical care from your healthcare practitioner.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.