12 Natural Ways to Stop Nausea Quickly

Nausea is an uncomfortable feeling that makes you feel like you might vomit at any point. It can be triggered by motion sickness, pregnancy (morning sickness), side effects of medical procedures like chemotherapy or surgery, food poisoning, and other stomach infections. Consuming anti-nausea pills may seem like the quickest solution, but they may not be the best solution for all. For some individuals, natural remedies work better. This blog explores 12 easy ways that can help you stop nausea quickly and effectively.

12 Ways to Stop Nausea Fast

1. Eat Ginger 

• Ginger is a popular natural remedy commonly used to curb nausea and gastrointestinal distress. 
• The active compounds like gingerols and shogaols in ginger are believed to work similarly to anti-nausea prescription medications by reducing gastric contractions and helping soothe an upset stomach. 
• Consuming a daily dose of 1,500 mg ginger is considered effective to minimise nausea symptoms associated with motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy, side effects of chemotherapy or surgery, and stomach bugs. 
• You can include more fresh or dried ginger in your cooking, brew some ginger tea, or take capsules/chewable gums with a ginger dosage ideal for your condition. 

2. Inhale Peppermint Aroma 

• The sweet aroma of peppermint essential oil from mint leaves has a soothing effect that can help control nausea and vomiting. 
• The refreshing, restoring scent triggers anti-nausea responses in the brain and digestive system. 
• You can add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to a diffuser and place it near your bed or sprinkle a few drops on a tissue and inhale deeply when needed. 
• Drinking a hot cup of peppermint tea can also curb the severity of nausea effectively for some individuals.

3. Use Acupuncture and Acupressure 

• Traditional Chinese medicine techniques - acupuncture and acupressure - work by stimulating certain points in the body. 
• While acupuncture uses hair-thin needles inserted into the skin, acupressure relies on applying firm pressure to specific points using fingers and hands. 
• These treatments trigger nerve fibres that transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord to suppress nausea and vomiting responses in the gut. 
• Stimulating the P6 or Neiguan acupressure point on the inner wrist is especially helpful to control acute nausea and vomiting. 
• You can find this point by measuring 2-3 finger widths down from your wrist crease between two large vertical tendons. 
• Apply pressure by rubbing small circles with your thumb for 30 seconds to a minute before repeating the same on your other wrist. 

4. Slice a Lemon 

• Certain citrus smells from lemon rinds can minimise morning sickness associated with early pregnancy. 
• Lemon peel contains refreshing essential oils and terpenes which, when released more intensely into the air, can sometimes reduce nausea. 
• Scratching or zesting a lemon peel releases these aromatic compounds while garnishing a dish or making lemonade. 
• Or simply inhale the scent from a freshly sliced lemon. 
• Carrying a small vial of lemon essential oil while travelling is another convenient option to sniff whenever you experience sudden nausea.

5. Practise Slow Deep Breathing 

• When you are feeling nauseated, find a relaxed position sitting or lying down. 
• Inhale slowly through your nose while counting to 4, pause for a couple of seconds and then exhale gently through your mouth to a count of 6 to 8. 
• Make an effort to breathe with your belly expanding on inhale and contracting on exhale rather than breathing with just the chest expanding and contracting. 
• Practise this effortful yet relaxing diaphragmatic breathing technique for 5-10 minutes whenever nausea episodes strike you. 

6. Have Anti-Nausea Spices and Herbs 

• Fennel powder or tea can alleviate period cramps and provide relief from related nausea in some women. 
• The effectiveness and safety of having fennel during pregnancy requires more research though. 
• Cinnamon may aid in easing menstrual nausea and lessen vomiting episodes related to periods. 
• Cumin and cilantro, in small amounts, can help treat an upset stomach, diarrhoea and nausea in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

7. Practice Muscle Relaxation Techniques 

• Gentle massage techniques and progressive muscle relaxation practices can also curb nausea by lowering stress and relaxing cramped muscles. 
• You can either invest in professional massage therapies focusing specifically on foot or back massages to ease nausea occurring post-surgery, during pregnancy or after chemotherapy. Or, you can simply learn progressive muscle relaxation skills. 
• To do this, start by deliberately tensing each muscle group starting from the toes to the neck one by one for 5 to 10 seconds before slowly releasing the contraction.

8. Take Vitamin B6 Supplements 

• Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting specifically related to pregnancy, without posing any significant health risks. 
• Doctors generally recommend taking vitamin B6 doses between 10 mg to 25 mg, 3 to 4 times in a day, for relief from pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting episodes. 
• The exact dosage appropriate for managing morning sickness varies, so do consult your gynaecologist or midwife. 
• Also, let your doctor know of any pre-existing health issues you have before starting any new supplements.

9. Modify your Diet 

• Awareness and avoidance of foods that trigger nausea can be very helpful in preventing it altogether. 
• However, when nausea strikes unexpectedly, you can try smaller tweaks in your diet to calm symptoms faster. 
• Have 6 smaller nutrient-dense meals spaced 2 to 3 hours apart rather than 3 heavy meals. 
• Include easy-to-digest foods like unsweetened applesauce, bananas, white rice, dry crackers or toast, clear chicken broth and skinned boiled potatoes. 
• If the smell of certain foods while cooking or oiliness is bothersome, stick to bland steamed, boiled or grilled preparations. 
• Also stay upright for 30-60 mins after eating to allow proper digestion. 

10. Stay Properly Hydrated 

• Dehydration allows toxins and acids to build up internally which can increase feelings of nausea for some people. 
• Sipping on fluids consistently throughout the day can help prevent nausea.
• Coconut water, diluted fruit juices, mint or ginger tea, flat soda, oral rehydration salts solution and bone broth are great options for maintaining proper hydration.
• Do keep an eye on hydration levels especially if fever, vomiting or diarrhoea accompany your nausea. 
• In such cases, taking electrolyte drinks helps replace some salts and minerals lost, easing nausea faster.

11. Take Probiotics

• Taking a probiotic supplement helps treat poor digestion and gut inflammation by increasing good bacteria. 
• Yogurt containing live active cultures is one probiotic-rich food that provides daily gut-friendly bacteria for better digestive health and nausea relief. 
• Those dealing with stubborn cases of nausea can also consider taking over-the-counter probiotic capsules containing effective strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. 

12. Engage In Gentle Exercise 

• Going for a 15-minute stroll outdoors, some prenatal yoga stretches, doing a few rounds of resistance exercises or simply working out nausea-causing gases through fartlek training provides wholesome relief. 
• However, ensure you give your body enough rest, hydration and nutrition while being active. 
• Simple breathing exercises also qualify as light movement that calm the mind and body quite effectively.

Conclusion

Nausea can be treated quickly at home using simple natural remedies like ginger, lemon, mint, vitamin B6, and diet changes without relying on medications. Using acupressure and aromatherapy, staying hydrated, and doing light exercise also provides quick relief when feeling queasy. With these 12 tips, you can stop nausea fast and feel better quickly!