From the Guidelines
To treat nausea naturally, ginger is a recommended option, with a daily dose of 0.5-1.0g showing potential benefits in reducing nausea severity, as seen in a study published in 2015 1. When considering natural remedies for nausea, several options can be explored.
- Ginger, in various forms such as tea, candies, or capsules, can help calm the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
- Peppermint tea or aromatherapy can provide relief by relaxing stomach muscles.
- Staying hydrated with small sips of clear fluids like water or clear broth can prevent dehydration without overwhelming the stomach.
- Practicing deep breathing or meditation can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to counteract the stress response that can worsen nausea.
- Acupressure at the P6 point can be effective in alleviating nausea, as can consuming bland foods like crackers, toast, or rice to absorb stomach acid and settle the stomach. It's essential to avoid strong odors, fatty or spicy foods, and large meals, instead opting for small, frequent meals throughout the day, as suggested by various studies, including one published in 2024 2. However, it's crucial to note that while ginger may have benefits, its effectiveness can vary, and it may interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, as mentioned in a study from 2003 3. Therefore, ginger, at a dose of 0.5-1.0g per day, is a reasonable natural remedy to consider for treating nausea, given its potential benefits and relatively low risk of adverse effects, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
From the Research
Natural Treatments for Nausea
- Ginger has been shown to be a promising treatment for nausea and vomiting in various clinical settings, including morning sickness, postoperative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy-induced, and antiretroviral-induced nausea and vomiting 4.
- Acupuncture and acupressure have also been proven to be effective in preventing and treating nausea and vomiting, with minimal to no side effects 5.
- Herbal medicines such as matricaria chamomilla, elettaria cardamomum, pomegranate, and spearmint syrup, lemon, and ginger have been found to be safe and effective in treating pregnant women with mild to moderate nausea and vomiting 6.
Specific Studies on Natural Treatments
- A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that ginger was superior to placebo and equally effective as metoclopramide in treating postoperative nausea and vomiting 7.
- Another study found that ginger, vitamin B6, and ginger had identical effects on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women, but vitamin B6 was more effective over a longer treatment period 6.
- Acupressure and acupuncture have been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting in various patient populations, including pregnant women, patients receiving chemotherapy, and postoperative patients 5, 8.
Mechanisms of Action
- The potential mechanisms of action of ginger in treating nausea and vomiting include 5-HT3 receptor antagonism 4.
- The exact mechanisms of action of acupuncture and acupressure in treating nausea and vomiting are not fully understood, but they are thought to involve the stimulation of certain nerves and the release of neurotransmitters 5.