Natural Remedies for Nausea: Calm an Upset Stomach
Nausea is one of those deeply unpleasant feelings that makes even simple tasks feel impossible. Whether it is travel sickness, morning sickness, a stomach bug or anxiety, these gentle natural approaches can take the edge off and help your body settle.
Ginger — the most studied natural remedy
Ginger is consistently the best-supported natural remedy for nausea. It works for motion sickness, morning sickness and post-operative nausea. Take it as a warm ginger tea, fresh root, candied ginger to chew, or capsules. See our detailed ginger guide.
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Take the free quiz →Peppermint
Peppermint tea soothes the digestive tract and eases nausea, and simply inhaling peppermint oil can quickly reduce the sensation of nausea. Keep a handkerchief with a drop of peppermint oil as a quick fix for motion sickness or sudden nausea.
Acupressure
The P6 (Nei Guan) acupressure point is located three finger-widths below the wrist on the inner arm. Pressing firmly on this point for a few minutes is a well-known and studied technique for nausea relief, available as acupressure wristbands.
Breathing and positioning
Slow, deep diaphragmatic breathing can interrupt the nausea reflex. Fresh, cool air helps. For travel sickness, sit facing forward, fix your gaze on the horizon, and avoid reading. For morning sickness, keep plain crackers nearby and eat small amounts before rising.
What to eat and drink
Small, frequent, bland meals are easiest on a nauseous stomach: plain rice, toast, banana, plain crackers. Sip cold water, ginger ale or clear broth frequently in small amounts. Avoid fatty, spicy, strongly scented or dairy-heavy foods until you feel better. For broader digestive support, see our gut health guide.
Calm your stomach
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Take the free quiz →When to see a doctor
See a doctor if nausea is severe or persistent, comes with chest pain, severe headache, blood in vomit, signs of dehydration, or you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours. Severe nausea in pregnancy should also be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best natural remedy for nausea?
Ginger is the most consistently supported natural remedy for nausea. Peppermint, the P6 acupressure point, deep slow breathing and sipping cold water are also widely used.
Does ginger help with nausea?
Yes. Ginger has good evidence for morning sickness, motion sickness and post-operative nausea. Take as tea, fresh root, candied ginger or capsules.
Does peppermint help nausea?
Peppermint tea and peppermint oil aromatherapy are used for nausea relief. Inhaling the scent is popular for pregnancy nausea and after surgery.
What should I eat when I feel nauseous?
Small, frequent, bland meals: bananas, rice, toast, plain crackers. Sip cold water frequently. Avoid fatty, spicy or strongly scented foods.
When should I see a doctor for nausea?
If severe, persistent, with chest pain, severe headache, blood in vomit, dehydration, or inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
References & further reading
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