How to Cure Nausea Naturally Without Medication

Co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND

Last Updated: December 21, 2021 Approved

Nausea can make you feel so uncomfortable and unable to keep up with your daily activities, and it makes sense that you want some way to quickly relieve your symptoms. You may be feeling nauseous because of several different factors, like sickness, anxiety, pregnancy, or some other underlying cause. If you have persistent nausea that doesn’t get better after a month or nausea coupled with vomiting for more than 2 days, talk to your doctor so you can find a solution that will help you feel more like yourself as soon as possible. Also, always check with your doctor before trying any herbal remedies—some may interact with medicines or conditions in a negative way.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Trying Herbal and Alternative Remedies

1
Use ginger capsules to help ease nausea naturally. Ginger has been used for a long time to help treat nausea from many different causes. It works by suppressing certain types of brain and gut receptors that are related to the sense of nausea.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Family Physicians
Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities

Go to source}
- If you want something to take with you while you’re out, consider buying candied ginger. You can simply pop one in your mouth if you experience a bout of nausea while on the go. These can be especially helpful for pregnancy nausea.
2
Brew ginger tea if you prefer to not take a supplement. You can buy ginger tea bags from the store, or you could use fresh ginger to make a soothing cup of tea at home. Brew and sip a cup slowly to help ease nausea.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Family Physicians
Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities

Go to source}
- Ginger ale has long been touted as a great reliever of nausea, but not all fizzy ginger ales actually contain ginger and instead use an artificial flavoring. If you’re going to use ginger ale, look for a product that contains real ginger and minimal sugar.^{[3]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
  Go to source}
Making a Fresh-Ginger Tea: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups (950 mL) of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup (15 grams) of fresh, grated ginger. If you want, you could also add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of lemon juice and ¹⁄₄ cup (59 mL) of honey. Let the ginger steep for 20 minutes, then strain the tea into a mug. You can drink the tea while it’s hot, or pour it over ice for a cold beverage.^{[4]
X
Research source}
3
Drink peppermint tea to help calm your stomach and relieve nausea. While there isn’t a lot of scientific research to quantitatively prove that peppermint cures nausea, it definitely won’t hurt you and may provide some relief. Many people find it to be a soothing beverage that helps reduce nausea.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- Brew a cup of tea by steeping a peppermint tea bag in a cup of hot water for about 5 minutes.
4
Practice deep breathing coupled with peppermint aromatherapy. Use peppermint essential oils in a diffuser to distill the fragrance into the air. Lay down or sit in a comfortable position and do some deep breathing exercises. You could try closing your eyes and inhaling through your nose for 5 seconds, then exhale through your mouth for 5 seconds. Repeat this for 5 minutes to try and relieve your nausea.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Use caution when trying aromatherapy if you have asthma. Strong scents can cause wheezing or troubled breathing in people with asthma.
- Nausea can be such an uncomfortable sensation, and sometimes it might feel like you can’t do anything else because of how sick you feel. Hopefully, taking a few minutes to check in with yourself and breathe in a calming scent will give you some relief!
5
Wear an anti-sickness acupressure bracelet to help relieve nausea. This may be more helpful if you’re experiencing nausea from pregnancy, motion sickness, or an ongoing illness. These bracelets target the PC6 pressure point on the inside of your wrist, which some studies have shown can help reduce nausea. It definitely won’t hurt you, so give it a try!^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- These are also commonly called sea-bands, as they are promoted as a cure for seasickness.
- More scientific study is needed to determine if acupressure bracelets are truly helpful, but they bring relief to some people and won’t hurt to try.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Easing Symptoms at Home

1
Focus on eating bland foods that are easy on your stomach. While eating may be the last thing on your mind, you need to maintain your strength. Focus on unspiced, lean foods, like whole-grain crackers, brown rice, toasted whole-grain bread, or chicken. Chicken or vegetable broth may also be a good option if you aren’t able to eat solid foods just yet.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- For now, it’s best if you avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods.
- If in doubt, consider following the BRAT diet while you’re recovering from nausea. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—these bland foods supply you with much-needed nutrients while being gentle on your stomach.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  FamilyDoctor.org
  Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
  
  Go to source}
Pregnancy Tip: If you’re experiencing nausea during the early months of pregnancy, try keeping a pack of soda crackers beside your bed. When you wake, eat a few before getting up and out of bed.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
2
Avoid scents and odors that make your nausea worse. Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes or colognes, candles, or the smell of certain foods could make you feel even more nauseous. If possible, step outside and take in a few deep breaths to help your stomach feel a little better.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Clear out strong odors from your home by opening windows and turning on a fan.
3
Drink lots of clear liquids to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration will make your nausea even worse, so make sure to keep sipping on hydrating liquids throughout the day. Water and tea are great options, but steer clear of sodas and other high-sugar beverages, like juice. Hopefully, rehydrating will bring you relief and make it easier for you to concentrate on the task at hand.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Sip your drink slowly—drinking it too fast could make your stomach feel even more unsettled.
- Some people prefer cold drinks to help soothe nausea, while others find that room-temperature or warm liquids are best. Do whichever brings you the most relief.
4
Prioritize getting rest and try to take it easy to alleviate your nausea. While this might not always be an option depending on your daily responsibilities, try taking a nap or just laying down when you start to experience nausea. Keeping still can help decrease nausea and may also help alleviate some anxiety.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Nausea can be caused by many different factors. Pregnancy, medications, anxiety, and sickness are all common causes.
- If you need help, ask a friend or partner to pitch in so you can get some much-needed rest.
- Nausea can really knock you out for a while, so don’t feel bad for needing time to rest.
Advertisement

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Care

1
Check with your doctor before using herbal treatments. While herbs and essential oils are typically safe, they aren't right for everyone. They can interact with medications or worsen certain conditions. Talk to your doctor before you consume herbal remedies or try aromatherapy to make sure it's safe for you.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source}
- Remind your doctor of the medications and supplements you're taking.
- Tell your doctor that you're trying to treat nausea.
- It’s totally normal to want to try anything that might bring you relief, but make sure to put your safety first.
2
See your doctor if your nausea persists for more than a month. While it’s normal to have nausea occasionally, it should go away with self-care. If your nausea doesn’t go away or gets worse, visit your doctor to find out what’s causing it. They’ll hopefully be able to figure out what you need to find relief.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- If you have nausea paired with vomiting, visit your doctor after 2 days if your symptoms don’t subside.
- Nausea may be a symptom of a serious medical condition like a heart attack, heart disease, liver disease, viral infection, pancreatitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or head injury.
- It can be really debilitating to deal with long-term nausea. Try to find other things in life that you can focus on while dealing with this issue. Even venting to a friend may help bring you some relief.
3
Ask your doctor if your medication might be the cause of your nausea. Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and chemotherapy. Don’t stop taking your medication even if you think it’s causing your nausea. Instead, call or visit your doctor to ask their advice.^{[16]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Your doctor may recommend that you stop medications or switch to a different medication. However, they might tell you that you need to finish a particular course of treatment so you feel better.
- Never stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor.
4
See your doctor if you might be pregnant. Nausea is an early symptom of pregnancy and it can persist for several months. If you suspect you may be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or see your doctor to verify your pregnancy. From there, your doctor can recommend ways to manage your nausea.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- While this type of nausea is called morning sickness, it can actually occur at any time of the day.
5
Get immediate treatment if you develop severe symptoms. Err on the side of caution and get a medical diagnosis so you can feel better as quickly as possible if your nausea is accompanied by other symptoms. Go to the emergency room or call for help if you have any of the following:^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Chest pain
- Severe abdominal cramping or pain
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Fainting or dizziness
- Confusion
- Pale skin that is cold and/or clammy
- High fever with a stiff neck
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Vomit that smells like stool
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If your nausea comes from anxiety, consider talking with a counselor or therapist. They may be able to help you learn some new coping mechanisms to relieve your anxiety and feel better.^{[19]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Some over-the-counter medications can really help nausea. If at-home treatments don’t work, think about talking to your doctor about taking a small dose of medicine to help give you some relief.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Warnings

If vomiting accompanies nausea, take care to stay hydrated. Signs of hydration include thirst, decreased frequency of urination, dark urine, dry mouth, sucked or darkened eyes, and crying without tears.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you have persisting nausea accompanied by excessive vomiting for more than 2 days, see your doctor immediately.^{[22]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Some natural or herbal remedies may interact with current medications. Discuss these options with your pharmacist or doctor.^{[23]
X
Trustworthy Source

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Carbonated drinks, like soda, that have gone flat won’t actually help relieve nausea. They may actually make you more dehydrated or cause an imbalance in your blood sugar, making you feel worse.^{[24]
X
Trustworthy Source

National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Skip the sports drinks if you’re battling nausea. The sugar content could actually make your upset stomach feel worse.^{[25]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0