At some point we’ve all experienced that horrid, queasy feeling in our stomach that makes us feel like we’re going to vomit. While nausea may be triggered by a virus, a digestive condition, pregnancy or an unpleasant odour, its something well do anything to get rid of.
Many prescription medications can also cause nausea. If you regularly feel nauseous after taking a specific medication, speak to your doctor to see if another medication is available.
Many nausea remedies don’t necessarily cure the condition, but they may help you feel more comfortable until whatever is making you nauseous has passed.
Healthline provided 16 ways to get rid of – or at least lessen – nausea:
These remedies are recommended for adults. Children can get dehydrated more quickly, so parents are advised to take their child to a doctor if h/she is vomiting for more than 12 hours.
1. Apply a cool compress
When nausea occurs, your body temperature may increase. Applying a cool compress to the back of your neck may ease this nausea.
2. Sit upright, avoid crunching the stomach
Ever remember being told not to lie down after eating? When you lie flat, gastric juices rise and feelings of nausea and overall discomfort may increase. This is why you wake up in the middle of the night needing to vomit more so than in the day.
Crunching your stomach may also worsen nausea as it compresses the area and makes you less comfortable in general. When you’re nauseous, try reclining with your upper body elevated, and move around as little as possible.
3. Apply pressure
Acupressure is an alternative medicine therapy that applies pressure to specific areas on the body to ease symptoms. The pressure point for nausea is on your inner wrist, about two and a half inches down, in between two large tendons. To ease nausea, press on this pressure point in a circular motion for a few minutes.
4. Open a window, sit in front of a fan
Those carsick people that insist on having their heads hanging out the window have their reasons. Fresh air eases up nausea symptoms in many people. It may be the removal of sickening odours, or simply helps you focus on something other than the nausea.
5. Meditate and take deep breaths
Meditation, the practice of focusing and calming the mind, may help relieve nausea. It’s a type of relaxation technique that may be especially beneficial for nausea caused by stress and anxiety.
Deep breathing is a meditation technique. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, and slowly breathe out. Repeat several times until nausea subsides.
6. Shift your focus
The more you dwell on your nausea, the more nauseous you’re likely to feel.
The next time nausea sets in, distract yourself by reading a book or watching television. If motion doesn’t make you feel worse, do some light housework or take a walk around the garden.
7. Try some lemons
Lemons contain citric acid, a naturally-occurring compound thought to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Adding freshly-squeezed lemon juice to water and sipping it throughout the day may ease your nausea.
Drinking warm water with lemon juice may stimulate your bowels and ease any nausea caused by constipation. The scent of lemons has also been said to ease nausea.
Read also: 12 benefits of drinking hot water
8. Stay hydrated
Not being able to take in or hold down food or liquids could very well lead to dehydration. Nausea is also a symptom of dehydration, yet drinking too much may worsen nausea by making your stomach feel uncomfortably full.
When you feel queasy, sip fluids little by little throughout the day. If straight water turns your stomach, try drinking decaf tea or water with fresh fruit slices.
9. Choose chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a popular folk remedy for nausea. It has a sedative effect that may help you sleep when you’re nauseous.
10. Ginger it up
Ginger is possibly the most popular home remedy for nausea. To help nausea, eat a small piece of fresh or candied ginger. If eating it isn’t sounding inviting, make your own ginger tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over a 3cm piece of peeled, fresh, ginger root. Steep for at least five minutes, strain if you want, and enjoy.
Read also: 5 reasons why you should have ginger everyday
11. Pair with peppermint
Peppermint oil has been found to be a safe and effective way to combat nausea due to chemotherapy treatment. You can take peppermint capsules, or drink peppermint tea to experience these benefits.
Make your own peppermint tea by pouring one cup boiling water over a heaping teaspoon of fresh peppermint leaves. Steep for at least five minutes, and strain to preference.
Inhaling peppermint essential oil or fresh peppermint leaves may also ease nausea.
12. Avoid carbonated beverages
Carbonated drinks may cause bloating which may cause nausea. In addition, most fizzy beverages are loaded with sugar, which may also make you queasier.
If you must drink a fizzy drink, let it go flat (by adding a spoon of sugar) or dilute it with water before drinking.
13. Eat small, bland meals
Following a bland diet may help nausea from worsening or prevent you from vomiting. The most common recommended diet for recovering from nausea is the BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
You can also eat small amounts of:
- crackers
- plain pasta or noodles
- plain baked or mashed potatoes
- scrambled eggs
- hard-boiled eggs
Avoid fried foods, dairy products like cheese and milk, meat, and foods high in fiber until nausea passes.
Read also: The oldest living woman’s secret to long life
14. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Nausea medications, called antiemetics may be neccessary when nausea is severe and you’re needing to calm and soothe the stomach.
If you’re pregnant, don’t take any OTC medications without consulting your doctor first.
15. Try CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil comes from an active compound in cannabis. CBD oil doesn’t contain THC, the main cannabinoid in cannabis that alters mental state.
Research is on-going and more is still needed, however, some studies have shown promising results. One study from 2012 on rats suggests that CBD produces anti-nausea effects indirectly in the brain.
CBD oil is available in many forms, including:
- liquids
- pastes
- capsules
- vapes
- edibles
- sprays
Dosing isn’t regulated and recommendations vary, so read the instructions on the package carefully and check with a medical professional before use. Only use medical-grade CBD oil to treat nausea.
When to make a trip to the doctor
Other symptoms accompanying nausea could mean something more serious. See your doctor if episodes of nausea last more than one month, or you have nausea and unexplained weight loss.
Get emergency help if you have nausea and:
- severe abdominal pain or cramping
- chest pain
- blurred vision
- high fever and stiff neck
- confusion
- severe headache
Dehydration and nausea often go together. Get prompt medical attention if you have nausea and other symptoms of dehydration such as:
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- excessive thirst
- weakness
- dark urine
- infrequent urination
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
