What to Do About Nausea? 12 Quick Remedies

Nausea is one of the most unpleasant feelings you can experience. Whether it's caused by a stomach infection, pregnancy, motion sickness, or something you ate - that uncomfortable, churning feeling in your stomach is something you want to get rid of as quickly as possible.

In this article, we share 12 proven remedies that can quickly provide relief from nausea. From age-old home remedies to modern techniques - discover what works for you.

Why do you feel nauseous?

Nausea is not a disease itself, but a symptom. Your body is trying to tell you something. The most common causes are:

Common causes:

• Gastrointestinal infections (stomach flu)
• Food poisoning
• Pregnancy (morning sickness)
• Motion sickness
• Stress and anxiety
• Migraine
• Medications (side effect)
• Eating or drinking too much
• Hunger or low blood sugar

12 Effective remedies for nausea

1. Ginger

Ginger is the king of natural remedies for nausea. Scientific research confirms its effectiveness, especially for pregnancy-related nausea and post-operative nausea.

How to use:

• Drink ginger tea (fresh or tea bags)
• Chew on candied ginger
• Take ginger capsules (250 mg, 4x daily)
• Sniff fresh ginger

2. Peppermint

The menthol compounds in peppermint calm the stomach and reduce muscle contractions.

How to use:

• Drink peppermint tea
• Suck on a peppermint
• Smell peppermint oil
• Place a cool cloth with peppermint oil on your forehead

3. Smelling lemon

The fresh citrus scent can reduce nausea, especially during pregnancy.

How to use:

• Cut a lemon in half and smell it
• Add lemon slices to water
• Use lemon oil in a diffuser

4. Acupressure (P6 point)

The P6 point, also known as the Nei Guan point, is located on the inside of your wrist and is effective against nausea.

How to find it:

• Place three fingers below your wrist crease on the inside
• The point is between the two tendons
• Press firmly for 2-3 minutes
• Or use acupressure wristbands

5. Fresh air

A stuffy feeling worsens nausea. Fresh air can provide immediate relief.

How to use:

• Go outside or open a window
• Sit upright for better breathing
• Avoid strong odors

6. Small sips of water

Dehydration worsens nausea. Drink small sips to maintain your fluid balance.

How to use:

• Drink a small sip every few minutes
• Choose room temperature or slightly chilled water
• Optionally add a slice of lemon or ginger

7. Crackers or dry bread

Light, dry food can calm an upset stomach, especially when nausea is caused by an empty stomach.

How to use:

• Slowly eat a few crackers or dry toast
• Chew well before swallowing
• Wait a moment before eating more

8. Deep breathing

Controlled breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system and can reduce nausea.

How to use:

• Breathe in slowly through your nose (4 counts)
• Hold your breath (4 counts)
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth (6 counts)
• Repeat 5-10 times

9. Cold cloth on your forehead

Cold can calm the vomiting center in your brain.

How to use:

• Place a cold, wet cloth on your forehead
• Or place the cloth on your neck
• Refresh regularly

10. Sit upright

Lying down can worsen nausea, especially when your stomach is upset.

How to use:

• Sit upright with your head supported
• Move as little as possible
• If you must lie down, turn on your left side

11. Find distraction

Sometimes focusing on the nausea makes it worse. Distraction can help.

How to use:

• Listen to calm music
• Watch something fun on TV
• Talk to someone
• Do simple breathing exercises

12. Flat cola or broth

For mild nausea, these drinks can help with fluids and electrolytes.

How to use:

• Let cola go flat (no carbonation)
• Drink warm broth in small sips
• Avoid drinks that are too cold or too hot

Nausea during pregnancy

Morning sickness affects approximately 70-80% of pregnant women, usually in the first trimester.

Specific tips for pregnant women:

• Eat small, frequent meals
• Keep crackers by your bed
• Avoid triggers (smells, foods)
• Ginger is safe during pregnancy
• Vitamin B6 can help (consult your midwife)
• Rest enough

Motion sickness

Motion sickness occurs due to a conflict between what your eyes see and what your balance organ feels.

Tips for motion sickness:

• Look at the horizon
• Sit in the front (car) or near the wings (airplane)
• Avoid reading or looking at your phone
• Take ginger or motion sickness pills preventively
• Ensure fresh air
• Avoid heavy meals before traveling

When to see a doctor?

Contact a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting (longer than 24 hours)
• Blood in vomit
• Severe abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration
• High fever
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Nausea after head injury
• Unexplained weight loss

Conclusion

Nausea is unpleasant but usually temporary. With these 12 remedies, you have an arsenal of tools to find quick relief. Start with ginger or peppermint - these are the most researched and effective. Remember that if nausea persists or is accompanied by other serious symptoms, you should always consult a doctor.