Nausea can feel quite unpleasant. No matter the reason, that queasy, unsettled feeling can throw off your whole day. While there are medications that can help, many people want to start simple and try natural remedies that can relieve their nausea.
Let’s explore 10 simple and natural home remedies for nausea.
9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Nausea
1. Use Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for different digestive issues.
Studies show it can relieve nausea due to different reasons like pregnancy and chemotherapy.
It helps improve GI motility and relieve nausea, indigestion, and other digestive issues.
There are many ways in which you can enjoy the health benefits of ginger. You can take a warm cup of ginger tea, chew on a thin slice of fresh ginger, add a freshly grated ginger in your soup, or even fresh ginger steeped in hot water.
Just a heads up: Ginger is usually safe for most people, but you should avoid taking too much of it, as it can cause side effects like heartburn and gas, when taken in large amounts.
2. Try Peppermint
Peppermint is well-known for its soothing effect on the digestive tract. It has natural calming properties and can help relax muscles of your GI tract—-making it great for bloating, nausea, and indigestion.
You can sip peppermint tea after meals, take a peppermint candy, or even try peppermint aromatherapy.
However, if you have GERD or stomach ulcers, you should avoid using peppermint as it can make your symptoms worse.
3. Take Small, Bland Meals
Eating spicy, greasy, or heavy meals can make your nausea worse. If you’re having nausea, it’s best to stick with small, simple meals made up of bland foods. Such as:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast or crackers
- Baked potatoes
These foods are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
Try to avoid an empty stomach (as it can worsen nausea) but also don’t overload your digestive system with heavy foods.
4. Try Lemon Aromatherapy
The refreshing scents of citrus such as lemon may help reduce nausea, especially during pregnancy.
An older study showed that pregnant women who inhaled lemon essential oil whenever they felt nauseous reported milder symptoms as compared to those who used placebo oil.
You don’t necessarily need essential oil to get the benefits—simply slicing a lemon or rubbing its peel can release natural oils into the air.
If you’re going out, simply carrying a small bottle of lemon essential oil can be a handy alternative.
5. Avoid Triggers
When you’re feeling nauseous, even the smell of your favorite foods can make you feel worse. Try to avoid the triggers for nausea like strong smells like perfumes, cleaning products, or cooking smells.
Certain foods like fried, fatty, or spicy foods can also make nausea worse.
6. Rest and Relax
Nausea can also worsen with anxiety, exhaustion, and stress. So try to take some rest and relax your mind. Lie down in a quiet, slightly upright position, close your eyes, and breathe slowly.
You can also try things that can help reduce your stress like gentle physical activity, meditation, and mindfulness.
Sometimes a simple walk in the fresh air can do wonders. Fresh air can help clear your head and calm your stomach.
7. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Dehydration can cause symptoms like headache and fatigue. In some people it can also worsen nausea. That’s why staying hydrated is very important, especially if you’re feeling nauseous.
If you’re also vomiting, you need to replace the fluids and electrolytes your body is losing.
Try sipping on flat mineral water, light vegetable broth, electrolytes or sports drinks.
8. Try Certain Spices
Some spices have been long used as natural remedies to relieve nausea. However, most evidence comes from personal experience rather than strong scientific research. Some old studies suggest some spices that may help fight nausea. These include fennel, cinnamon, and cumin.
While these spices offer mild relief, there’s limited study on their direct effects.
9. Consider Vitamin B6
Some studies suggest that vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can help reduce nausea—especially during pregnancy. That’s why experts recommend vitamin B6 supplements during pregnancy to treat mild nausea. However there’re not many studies on this topic and more research is still needed.
Just a heads up: Always consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements if you’re pregnant or taking any other medications.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time nausea gets better within a few hours or days. But if your nausea is persistent or keeps coming back or is accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever—it’s better to check in with your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Nausea can make you feel miserable. However, there are some simple natural remedies that can help you get rid of nausea and calm your stomach. It can be a soothing cup of ginger tea, fresh air, or simply avoiding triggers—try them and see what works best for you.
If your nausea doesn’t get better or you’re not sure what’s causing it, it’s best to see your doctor.
