Top 16 Ways to Get Rid of Nausea

Why it happens

Nausea is that awful, queasy feeling you get in your stomach that makes you feel like you’re going to vomit. It may be triggered by a virus, a digestive condition, pregnancy, or even an unpleasant odor.

Many times, it’s unclear why nausea strikes. Whatever the reason — when it hits, you’ll do almost anything to make it go away.

Here’s a list of 16 ways to get rid of nausea. The list starts with basic remedies to provide fast relief, then moves to those that may take longer to work. Many nausea remedies don’t necessarily cure the condition, but they may help you feel more comfortable.

POSTURE

1. Sit up and avoid crunching the stomach

If your mom ever told you not to lie down after eating, she was on to something. When you lie flat, gastric juices may rise and increase feelings of nausea and overall discomfort, especially if you have acid reflux or GERD.

Crunching your stomach may also worsen nausea since it compresses the area and makes you less comfortable in general. When you’re nauseous, try reclining with your upper body elevated, and move around as little as possible.

FRESH AIR

2. Open a window or sit in front of a fan

There’s a reason you see carsick people with their heads practically hanging out of the car window. Fresh air eases nausea symptoms in many people, although it’s not clear why. It may get rid of sickening odors, or simply help you focus on something other than the nausea.

Try sitting in front of a fan or window at the first sign of nausea, especially if you’re overheated.

COLD COMPRESS

3. Apply a cool compress

A soothing, cool compress placed on the back of the neck may help ease nausea. When nausea occurs, your body temperature may increase.

Placing a cool compress on the back of your neck for several minutes can be soothing. It also helps decrease your body temperature which, if high, may cause nausea.

ACUPRESSURE

4. Apply pressure

Acupressure is an alternative medicine therapy that applies pressure to specific areas on the body to ease symptoms. The pressure point for nausea is on your inner wrist, about two and a half inches down, in between two large tendons. To ease nausea, press on this pressure point in a circular motion for a few minutes.

MEDITATE

5. Meditate or take deep breaths

Meditation, the practice of focusing and calming the mind, may help relieve nausea. It’s a type of relaxation technique that may be especially beneficial for nausea caused by stress and anxiety.

Deep breathing is a meditation technique. But you can also do it on your own to quell stress-related nausea. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold your breath for three seconds, and slowly breathe out. Repeat several times until nausea subsides.

FIND A DISTRACTION

6. Shift your focus

Sometimes, curing nausea is simply mind over matter. The more you dwell on your nausea, the more nauseous you’re likely to feel.

The next time nausea attacks, distract yourself by reading a book or watching television. If motion doesn’t make you feel worse, do some light housework or play a game with your kids — anything to get your mind off how you feel.

If you’re at work, take several deep breaths, and attack that pile of paperwork on your desk you’ve been ignoring for days. But most of all, don’t be a martyr at work if your nausea persists. You may have the dreaded, highly contagious “stomach bug.”

WATER

7. Stay hydrated

If you can’t eat or drink due to nausea, dehydration may occur. Nausea is also a symptom of dehydration, yet drinking too much may worsen nausea by making your stomach feel uncomfortably full.

When you feel queasy, sip fluids throughout the day. If straight water turns your stomach, try drinking decaf tea, or water with fresh fruit slices.

CHAMOMILE

8. Opt for chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is a popular folk remedy for nausea. It has a sedative effect that may help you sleepwhen you’re nauseous. It may also ease anxiety.

Chamomile tea bags are available at most grocery stores and natural health stores. Make your own chamomile tea by pouring one cup boiling water over a tablespoon of dried or fresh chamomile flowers. Steep for at least five minutes, and strain.

LEMON

9. Turn to lemons

Lemons contain citric acid, a naturally-occurring compound thought to aid digestion and soothe the stomach. Try adding freshly-squeezed lemon juice to water and sip throughout the day.

If nausea is due to constipation, drinking warm water with lemon juice may stimulate your bowels. Go easy, though. Ingesting too much lemon juice in a brief period may make nausea worse.

The scent of lemons may also ease nausea. According to a 2014 study, inhaling lemon essential oil can help reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. If you don’t have lemon essential oil on hand, simply cut a fresh lemon in half and breathe the scent in.

GINGER

10. Go with ginger

Ginger is arguably the most popular home remedy for nausea. According to a 2012 review, ginger has antiemetic abilities, although more research is still needed.

To help nausea, eat a small piece of fresh or candied ginger. You can also drink ginger tea, which you’ll find in grocery and natural health stores.

Make your own ginger tea by pouring one cup boiling water over a one-inch piece of peeled, fresh, ginger root. Steep for at least five minutes, strain if you want, and enjoy.

PEPPERMINT

11. Pair with peppermint

According to a 2013 study, peppermint oil was found to be a safe and effective way to combat nausea due to chemotherapy treatment. You can take peppermint capsules, or drink peppermint tea to experience these benefits.

Look for peppermint tea at most grocery and natural health stores. Or make your own by pouring one cup boiling water over a heaping teaspoon of fresh peppermint leaves. Steep for at least five minutes, and strain to preference.

Inhaling peppermint essential oil or fresh peppermint leaves may also ease nausea after anesthesia, according to a 2011 study.

AVOID CARBONATION

12. Avoid carbonated beverages

There’s an old wives’ tale that drinking carbonated beverages such as ginger ale or cola helps tame tummy troubles. The opposite is often true.

Carbonated drinks may cause bloating and worsen acid reflux and GERD, all of which may cause nausea. In addition, most fizzy beverages are loaded with sugar, which may also make you queasier.

If you must drink a fizzy drink, let it go flat or dilute it with water before drinking.

BLAND FOOD

13. Eat a small meal of something bland

Following a bland diet may help nausea from worsening or prevent you from vomiting. The most common recommended diet for recovering from nausea is the BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

You can also eat small amounts of:

• saltines
• plain pasta or noodles
• plain baked or mashed potatoes
• scrambled eggs
• hard-boiled eggs

Avoid fried foods, dairy products like cheese and milk, meat, and foods high in fiber until nausea subsides.

OTC MEDICATION

14. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Nausea medications are called antiemetics. When nausea is severe, you may need an OTC medication to help calm and soothe the stomach.

Some options are:

• Emetrol
• Nauzene
• Dramamine
• Pepto-Bismol
• Gravol

If you’re pregnant, don’t take any OTC medications without consulting your doctor first.

VITAMIN B-6

15. Take vitamin B-6 supplements

In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Diclegis, a combination of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) and the antihistamine doxylamine, as a treatment for pregnancy-related nausea.

Vitamin B-6 on its own has had mixed results for treating nausea. The typical dose is between 30 to 100 milligrams daily, in 1 to 3 divided doses for up to 3 weeks.

Too much vitamin B-6 may worsen nausea, however. It may also cause serious side effects, such as:

• abnormal heart rhythm
• tingling
• decreased muscle tone

For this reason, only take Diclegis or vitamin B-6 for nausea under your doctor’s supervision.

It’s always important to discuss all medications with your doctor while pregnant to avoid those that may interact negatively with you or your child. Your doctor may recommend other approaches first, as most nausea in pregnancy subsides by the fourth month, or second trimester.

CBD OIL

16. Try CBD oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil comes from an active compound in cannabis. CBD oil doesn’t contain THC, the main cannabinoid in cannabis that alters mental state.

Research is on-going and more is still needed, however, some studies have shown promising results. One study from 2012 on rats suggests that CBD produces anti-nausea effects indirectly in the brain.

CBD oil is available in many forms, including:

• liquids
• pastes
• capsules
• vapes
• edibles
• sprays

Dosing isn’t regulated and recommendations vary, so read the instructions on the package carefully and check with a medical professional before use. Only use medical-grade CBD oil to treat nausea.

CBD oil isn’t legal in every state, so be sure to check your state’s laws before purchasing or using it, and buy from a reputable source. Some states may allow CBD only with a doctor’s prescription.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR

When to see your doctor

When other symptoms accompany nausea, it may be serious. For instance, nausea with chest pain is a classic sign of a heart attack. Nausea with a severe headache or severe dizziness may indicate a neurological issue.

See your doctor if episodes of nausea last more than one month, or you have nausea and unexplained weight loss.

Get emergency help if you have nausea and:

• severe abdominal pain or cramping
• chest pain
• blurred vision
• high fever and stiff neck
• confusion
• severe headache

Dehydration and nausea often go together. Get prompt medical attention if you have nausea and other symptoms of dehydration such as:

• dizziness
• dry mouth
• excessive thirst
• weakness
• dark urine
• infrequent urination

TAKEAWAY

The bottom line

Most nausea is temporary and not serious. Home remedies and OTC medications may help, but sometimes nausea may still lead to vomiting. Vomiting often reduces nausea or makes it go away. However, vomiting and nausea can lead to dehydration very quickly.

These remedies are recommended for adults. Because children can get dehydrated much more quickly, bring the child in to see a doctor if the child is vomiting for more than 12 hours.

Many prescription medications can also cause nausea. If you regularly feel nauseous after taking a medication, talk to your doctor to see if another medication is available.

What Are the Symptoms of a Nut Allergy?

Allergies, in a nutshell

Over 50 million Americans have allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nut allergy is one of the most common types of food allergy in both children and adults.

Nut allergies tend to last a lifetime, although about 14 percent of children with a tree nut allergy, and 20 percent of children with a peanut allergy, eventually outgrow them. Younger siblings of children with a nut allergy are at higher risk of being allergic to nuts as well.

TYPES OF NUTS

Types of nuts

Nuts, also known as tree nuts, come in different varieties. They include:

• walnuts
• pistachios
• pecans
• macadamia nuts
• cashews
• Brazil nuts
• almonds

Although peanuts have the word nut in their name, they aren’t nuts. Peanuts are legumes and, unlike tree nuts, grow underground. Although peanuts are not tree nuts, people with a peanut allergy have a similar allergic reaction as those with a tree nut allergy.

If you have one tree nut allergy, it’s highly likely that you’re allergic to other tree nuts as well. However, only about 25 to 40 percent of people are allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts, according to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

HOW ALLERGIES WORK

Allergies and the immune system

When someone is allergic to nuts, their immune system mistakenly identifies nuts as a harmful substance. The immune system reacts to these substances, or allergens. The first time someone is exposed to a nut allergen, they usually don’t have any symptoms. Their immune system, however, has recognized the allergen as a threat and gets ready to fight the allergen the next time it enters the body.

When the allergen enters the body again, the immune system launches an attack by releasing chemicals such as histamine. The release of histamine is what causes allergy symptoms. 

SKIN REACTIONS

Skin reactions

Mild skin reactions of nut allergies often include:

• rashes
• swelling of the extremities
• redness and tenderness
• hives

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratidine (Claritin) can help relieve rashes and hives. Cold, wet compresses can also help soothe irritated skin.

EFFECTS ON THE EYE, NOSE, AND THROAT

Symptoms affecting the eye, nose, and throat

Allergies often affect the upper respiratory tract. Common symptoms include:

• stuffy or runny nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• itching or watery eyes

Antihistamines can also help relieve runny nose and irritated eyes. If the runny nose persists, try combining with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).

DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS

Digestive distress

Many food allergies cause digestive problems as the allergenic proteins make their way through the stomach and intestines. Digestive reactions usually take a few hours to occur after eating nuts. It’s common to feel:

• nausea
• stomach cramps

If the allergic reaction is severe enough, you might experience:

• vomiting
• diarrhea

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

Difficulty breathing

Due to the swelling caused by the allergic reaction, the airways can become constricted or close completely. Shortness of breath can turn into allergic asthma, a condition in which the airways seize and restrict airflow. It can also cause anaphylaxis, a condition in which the throat swells, causing difficulty breathing.

These symptoms fall on a spectrum. You could develop one of the symptoms, or you might develop them all.

ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe and dangerous form of allergic reaction. In anaphylaxis, the throat and airways swell and become blocked. This makes it extremely difficult, sometimes even impossible, to breathe. It can also cause other symptoms, including:

• facial swelling
• itchy skin
• low blood pressure
• changes in heart rate
• confusion

People whose nut allergy is severe enough to develop anaphylaxis should always carry an intramuscular injection of epinephrine, such as an EpiPen. An injection of epinephrine, also called adrenaline, causes the airways to reopen, allowing you to breathe again.

DIAGNOSIS

Getting diagnosed

A diagnosis is essential to treating allergies. If someone suspects that they have allergies, they should be evaluated by an allergist. An allergist can run a series of tests to find out what you’re allergic to. They can give you antihistamines to control allergy symptoms and an EpiPen in case you’re at risk for anaphylaxis. 

CHECK YOUR FOOD LABELS

Check your food labels

After you’ve been diagnosed, education is the key to managing your nut allergy. Carefully reading all food labels and learning about cross-contamination risk is imperative. As a requirement of the federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), all prepackaged food in the United States that use nuts as an ingredient must list the type of nut on the label.

For now, there are no rules requiring food manufacturers to list if their food has been contaminated with, or processed on, the same equipment as other foods containing nuts.

FOODS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Suspicious foods

Take care when eating food that might contain the nut you’re allergic to.

Peanuts can be found in beer nuts, peanut butter, and peanut oil. They’re also commonly used in Asian, African, and Mexican cuisine. Other foods that may contain peanuts include:

• baked goods
• chocolate candy and sweets
• chili
• egg rolls
• nougat
• mole sauce
• salad dressings
• vegetarian meat substitutes
• glazes
• marinades

Tree nuts might be found in:

• pesto
• nut extract or nut oils
• cereals
• crackers
• cookies
• chocolate candy
• energy bars
• flavored coffees
• frozen desserts
• marinades
• certain cold cuts, such as mortadella

Some alcoholic drinks may contain nut flavorings, which FALCPA doesn’t require the manufacturer to list on the label.

6 Herbs and Supplements for Depression

Alternative remedies for depression

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number medications for the treatment of depression. If you live with depression but opt not to take one of these medications, you still have other options. Some people look to herbs and natural remedies to find relief from their symptoms.

Many of these remedies have been used medicinally for centuries as folk and alternative treatments. Today, many herbs are marketed as mood boosters for people who experience chronic feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Studies have attempted to track the benefits of herbs for treating depression. Here are several herbs that may help lift your mood when you experience mild to moderate depression.

ST. JOHN’S WORT

1. St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort is a plant that’s native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Europeans commonly take St. John’s wort as a way to treat depression, but the FDA hasn’t approved the herb to treat this condition.

Taking St. John’s wort has been linked with increasing the amount of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a feel-good chemical in the brain that people with depression are often low in. Several antidepressantswork by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), St. John’s wort may help milder forms of depression, although its effects haven’t been conclusively proven either way. A 2008 review of 29 studies on St. John’s wort found that the plant was just as effective for treating mild to moderate depression as antidepressants, yet resulted in fewer side effects. On the other hand, the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health sponsored two separate studies that found it wasn’t better than a placebo for treating depression.

It’s important to note that St. John’s wort is known for interacting with lots of medications. This is especially true for blood thinners, birth control pills, and chemotherapy medications. Always check with your doctor before taking this herb.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat found in fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines. They’re available in supplement form and are sometimes called fish oil capsules. According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers have found that people who have low levels of two brain chemicals found in fish oil supplements may be at an increased risk of depression. It’s ideal to get a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, which are both types of omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to taking fish oil supplements to get omega-3 fatty acids, you can also increase the amount of fish you eat. Eating fish three times a week can increase your omega-3 fatty acids without the aid of supplements.

Keep in mind that some fish can have high levels of mercury. These include swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark. Avoid these in favor of fish with lower levels of mercury, such as light canned tuna, salmon, freshwater trout, and sardines. 

SAFFRON

3. Saffron

Saffron is a spice derived from a dried portion of a crocus, a flower in the iris family. According to a study in Alternative Medicine Review, taking saffron stigma (the end of the carpel, or rod-like stem, in the flower) has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

SAM-E

4. SAM-e

SAM-e is short for S-adenosylmethionine. This supplement is designed to act like a synthetic form of the body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals. According to the Mayo Clinic, SAM-e is regarded as a supplement in the United States — the FDA doesn’t consider it a medication.

You shouldn’t take SAM-e along with antidepressants. You should also be aware that SAM-e can cause health effects such as upset stomach and constipation if you take too much.

FOLATE

5. Folate

There may be a link between low levels of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) and depression. Taking 500 micrograms of folic acid has been linked with improving the effectiveness of other antidepressant medications.

One way to increase your folate levels is to consume folate-rich foods daily. These include beans, lentils, fortified cereals, dark leafy greens, sunflower seeds, and avocados. 

ZINC

6. Zinc

Zinc is a nutrient linked with mental functions such as learning and behavior. Low levels of blood zinc are associated with depression, according to an analysis in Biological Psychiatry.

According to Nutrition Neuroscience, taking a 25-milligram zinc supplement daily for 12 weeks can help reduce depression symptoms. Taking zinc supplements can also increase the amount of available omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

NON-PROVEN HERBS

Herbs not yet proven to ease depression

Health food stores may market herbs and supplements as being able to treat depression. However, according to a review published in BJPsych Advances, several of these treatments haven’t been shown to be effective in treating depression. These include the following herbs:

• Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn)
• Eschscholzia californica (California poppy)
• Ginkgo biloba
• Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)
• Matricaria recutita (chamomile)
• Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)
• Passiflora incarnate (maypop, or purple passionflower)
• Piper methysticum (kava)
• Valeriana officinalis (valerian)

If you do choose to use these or other herbs, always check with your doctor first to make sure they won’t interact with any medication you might be taking.

Also note that herbs and supplements are not monitored by the FDA, so there may be concerns about purity or quality. Always buy from a reputable source.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR

Talk to your doctor

Although some herbs and supplements show promise in treating depression, they aren’t a consistent or reliable option when you experience severe depression. Don’t rely on supplements as a way to pull you through severe depression symptoms. Depression can be a serious disease. Work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you.