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How can I Relieve Nausea?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Nausea can be a symptom of a wide variety of conditions. Many people experience motion sickness whenever they travel in a plane or on a boat. Pregnant women and people recovering from surgery also commonly experience nausea. Nausea can also be related to eating to much or too little, to stomach flu, food poisoning, or anxiety, or to a number of more critical conditions.

Short term nausea that presents with no other serious symptoms is usually not a cause for concern, but it is certainly unpleasant. When nausea leads to vomiting, not only is it even more unpleasant, but it can cause the sufferer to lose important electrolytes and to become dehydrated. Luckily, there are many simple ways to relieve nausea at home.

Smelling a little bit of isopropyl alcohol can sometimes help relieve nausea.
Smelling a little bit of isopropyl alcohol can sometimes help relieve nausea.

One can partially relieve nausea caused by motion sickness or migraine by sitting still or lying down and closing the eyes. In the case of migraine, it also helps to be in a dark, cool room free of loud noises or strong smells. Avoiding solid food for a while at the onset of nausea can help calm the stomach.

When beginning to eat again, chose bland, light foods and cool, clear beverages to relieve nausea. Some people swear by soda as a nausea remedy, but the carbonation can make nausea worse. Eat moderate amounts slowly, and do not mix hot and cold foods or become active soon after eating.

Pregnant women sometimes experience nausea.
Pregnant women sometimes experience nausea.

Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs marketed as antiemetics are made to relieve nausea. Some are oral medications, which can be problematic for vomiting patients, while others can be inhaled. Inhaling a bit of isopropyl alcohol from a swab may help relieve nausea.

Patches and wristbands are available over the counter to treat sea sickness. Natural nausea remedies include ginger and mint, both of which may be ingested or inhaled. Ginger in powdered pill form is great to keep around the kitchen for nausea attacks. Acupressure and aromatherapy are other alternative methods used to relieve nausea.

Chronic nausea should be treated by a doctor.
Chronic nausea should be treated by a doctor.

While antiemetics are the perfect remedy for nausea in some cases, vomiting is sometimes better than not vomiting, especially if nausea is due to food poisoning. You may wish to try vomiting once to see if you feel better before trying an antiemetic, as the medication can prolong your nausea if it prevents you from vomiting when you need to. Never force yourself or anyone in your care to vomit as a treatment for nausea.

If nausea is chronic, consult a doctor as soon as you notice the problem. Nausea can be a symptom of over 25 illnesses, some of which are very serious or life-threatening.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

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Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a WiseGEEK editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon344206

For the past year or so I feel nauseated in the afternoon about three or so. I feel if I don't lie down, I'm going to be sick, but never am. I don't feel it is stomach related.

I don't have wind or feel bloated or tummy upset, but just feel weird. I have now today started cutting out tea, coffee with milk and actually this felt better this afternoon. Would it be lactose related, I'm wondering? I'm 58 and fit and healthy otherwise and it is bugging me. Any clues would be helpful.

anon152262

@Bop66: Nausea can be caused by billions of different things. I'd go see a doctor, but it depends on age etc too.

anon60619

Cannabis is a great nausea remover, in fact it even restores your appetite and is not toxic like pills.

Bop66

Hi, Just wondering if anyone knows if there is a connection between nausea and heart conditions? I get nauseous when I eat any kind of food, I have high blood pressure. Thank you

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    • Smelling a little bit of isopropyl alcohol can sometimes help relieve nausea.
      By: Gordana Sermek
      Smelling a little bit of isopropyl alcohol can sometimes help relieve nausea.
    • Pregnant women sometimes experience nausea.
      By: Reicher
      Pregnant women sometimes experience nausea.
    • Chronic nausea should be treated by a doctor.
      By: Adam Gregor
      Chronic nausea should be treated by a doctor.
    • Ginger capsules are a remedy for nausea.
      By: womue
      Ginger capsules are a remedy for nausea.
    • Mint can be ingested or inhaled for use as a natural nausea remedy.
      By: margo555
      Mint can be ingested or inhaled for use as a natural nausea remedy.
    • Aromatherapy is one possible way to relieve nausea.
      By: dolphfyn
      Aromatherapy is one possible way to relieve nausea.
    • The most effective relief for nausea may depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
      By: bruno135_406
      The most effective relief for nausea may depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
    • Vomiting may help relieve nausea.
      By: Tom Wang
      Vomiting may help relieve nausea.
    • Sucking on ice chips can provide temporary nausea relief.
      By: Silkstock
      Sucking on ice chips can provide temporary nausea relief.
    • Nausea is a sensation that generally occurs before an individual vomits.
      By: pathdoc
      Nausea is a sensation that generally occurs before an individual vomits.