What Is Nausea, and What Are the Best Natural Remedies to Stop It?

Question

For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with constant nausea, and it’s making my daily life really difficult. I wake up feeling sick to my stomach, and sometimes even the smell of food makes it worse. I haven’t actually vomited, but I constantly feel on the edge of throwing up, and I have no idea what’s causing it.

From what I understand, nausea is not a disease itself but a symptom of different conditions, including indigestion, pregnancy, motion sickness, anxiety, infections, or even migraines. But how do you figure out the cause of nausea when it just won’t go away? Could it be related to something I’m eating, or does it have more to do with my digestive system?

I’ve noticed that certain foods seem to make it worse, especially greasy, spicy, or very strong-smelling dishes. Are there specific foods that should be avoided to prevent nausea? On the other hand, are there foods that help calm the stomach? I’ve read that bland foods like crackers, bananas, and rice can help, but are there any other natural remedies that work quickly?

I’m really interested in natural treatments for nausea because I don’t want to rely on medication every day. I’ve heard that ginger tea, peppermint oil, and lemon water can help settle the stomach—do these actually work? Are there any Ayurvedic remedies that help with persistent nausea?

I also read that hydration and certain breathing techniques can reduce nausea. Has anyone tried acupressure, herbal teas, or diet changes for relief?

For those who have struggled with long-term nausea, what helped you feel better? Did you find out what was causing it, and if so, how did you treat it? I’d love to hear from people who have successfully managed nausea naturally.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Persistent nausea can be caused by aggravated Pitta or Vata in the digestive system, leading to weak digestion, excessive acidity, or nervous system imbalance. Avoiding heavy, oily, spicy, and fermented foods is important, as they can worsen nausea. Instead, opt for warm, light, and easily digestible foods like rice gruel (kanji), moong dal soup, and coconut water to soothe the stomach. Ayurvedic remedies like sipping ginger tea, sucking on a small piece of clove, or drinking lemon water with honey can help reduce nausea naturally. Herbs like Ela (cardamom) and Dhaniya (coriander) are also effective in calming the stomach. Applying a paste of sandalwood on the forehead or massaging the temples with peppermint oil can offer relief if nausea is linked to stress or migraines. Staying hydrated with herbal infusions and practicing deep breathing (Pranayama) can also help balance the doshas and reduce discomfort. If nausea persists, it’s essential to identify any underlying digestive imbalances or stress-related factors for a long-term solution.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Persistent nausea can be caused by many underlying factors, including digestive issues, hormonal changes, stress, or food sensitivities. Determining the root cause often requires monitoring symptoms and working with a healthcare provider to identify triggers. Some common culprits include acid reflux, food intolerances, anxiety, or even dehydration. Keeping a food and symptom journal can help pinpoint foods or situations that worsen nausea. If nausea occurs with symptoms like weight loss, pain, or changes in bowel habits, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Diet plays a significant role in managing nausea. Avoiding greasy, spicy, or highly seasoned foods is crucial, as these can irritate the stomach. Bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce (the BRAT diet) are often recommended. Ginger, in particular, has strong anti-nausea properties. Consuming ginger tea, candied ginger, or even ginger capsules can help soothe the stomach. Peppermint tea or peppermint oil aromatherapy may also reduce nausea. Lemon water or sucking on lemon slices can provide quick relief by calming the digestive system.

Hydration is key, especially if nausea makes eating or drinking difficult. Small sips of water, electrolyte drinks, or herbal teas throughout the day can help. Acupressure, especially using wristbands designed to press on the P6 (Nei Guan) acupoint, is another effective natural remedy for nausea. Ayurvedic treatments, such as drinking warm fennel or cumin water, can also be beneficial. For those who have managed chronic nausea, success often comes from combining dietary adjustments with natural remedies and mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises.

What Is Nausea, and What Are the Best Natural Remedies to Stop It? - #15560

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