Easing nausea naturally

          
 

Posted: January 2025
Author: Hannah Leech, Naturopath | Medical Herbalist  | BNat, mNMHNZ

Easing nausea naturally

Nausea is an unpleasant sensation in the stomach, often accompanied by the urge to vomit.  It is not a disease itself but a symptom of various underlying conditions or triggers. Nausea occurs when nerve receptors in the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the body are stimulated, sending signals to the brain’s vomit centre.  This mechanism involves multiple systems and makes identifying the cause of nausea a complex symptom to pinpoint.  Although it can be brief and harmless, depending on its duration and accompanying symptoms, nausea can also be a sign of something more serious.

The body systems involved in nausea

Nausea involves multiple body systems that work together to trigger the sensation and response.  

• The gastrointestinal (GI) system, particularly the stomach and intestines, plays a central role.   Disruptions such as irritation or infection can lead to nausea, as seen in conditions like food poisoning and acid reflux. ⁽¹⁾
• The brain, specifically the vomiting centre in the medulla oblongata, processes signals from the GI tract, inner ear, and other organs, to coordinate a nausea response and vomiting.  
• The chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) detects toxins in the bloodstream, also contributing to nausea. ⁽²⁾
• The vestibular system in the inner ear detects motion and balance, and disruptions to this system can lead to motion sickness and nausea. ⁽³⁾  
• The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary functions such as digestion, and stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system, often exacerbating nausea. ⁽⁴⁾

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and conditions like hyperthyroidism can also trigger nausea.  Hormones such as hCG and oestrogen during pregnancy can slow gastric emptying and increase sensitivity to smells, exacerbating nausea. ⁽⁵⁾  Similarly, progesterone and prostaglandins during menstruation can slow digestion and irritate the stomach lining, contributing to nausea. ⁽⁵⁾  In hyperthyroidism, excess thyroid hormones increase metabolism and gastric motility, which can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to nausea. ⁽⁵⁾

How to ease nausea

Easing nausea in a particular case often depends on the underlying cause, but several general approaches can help mitigate the sensation:

• Hydration: Keeping hydrated helps, especially when nausea is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhoea.  Sipping on water or water with added electrolytes can help replenish lost fluids.  Avoiding sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages is also advised, as they can exacerbate nausea. ⁽⁶⁾
• Dietary adjustments: Eating small, bland meals can help with feelings of nausea.  Avoiding strong-smelling foods, fatty meals, and spicy foods can also help reduce discomfort. ⁽⁶⁾
• Rest: Resting in a quiet, cool environment can often help ease nausea.  Physical activity or even moving too quickly can worsen the sensation, so lying down with your head propped up can reduce the likelihood of vomiting.
• Acupressure: Acupressure, specifically points on the wrist, has been shown to alleviate nausea for some individuals. ⁽⁷⁾

 

Herbs that help with nausea

Several herbs have been traditionally used to alleviate nausea including:

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is widely regarded as an effective natural remedy for nausea. It has been shown to improve symptoms of motion sickness and nausea caused by chemotherapy. ⁽⁷⁾ Ginger can be consumed as a tea, tincture, in capsules, or in its raw form.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Peppermint is widely used to relieve nausea, particularly in cases related to digestive disturbances. It helps to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce bloating, cramping, and nausea associated with indigestion. ⁽⁸⁾
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel is a carminative herb that can relieve nausea and gas by stimulating the production of bile and improving digestion. Fennel tea or seeds are commonly used to calm upset stomachs and prevent nausea. ⁽⁹⁾
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): Chamomile has mild sedative and anti-inflammatory actions that can calm the stomach and reduce the feelings of nausea. It is particularly helpful in cases of nausea associated with stress or digestive discomfort. ⁽⁸⁾
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm is a herb with calming effects. It can help alleviate nausea caused by anxiety, stress, or digestive issues. It also has a mild sedative effect, which can support relaxation and reduce nausea. ⁽¹⁰⁾ 

Professional help

While most cases of nausea resolve on their own, there are instances when medical attention should be sought. It is advised to consult a health professional if nausea is persistent or accompanied by symptoms of:

• Severe or persistent vomiting that prevents hydration and nourishment
• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
• Blood in vomit or stool
• High fever alongside nausea
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness
• Neurological symptoms like headache, confusion, or stiff neck ⁽¹¹⁾

 

Reasons and conditions that can trigger nausea

Nausea can arise from a variety of causes beyond the digestive system:

• Migraine headaches are commonly associated with nausea, as the brain experiences heightened sensitivity to stimuli, including light and sound. ⁽¹²⁾
• Dehydration can also result in nausea, particularly when fluid loss occurs due to diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes. ⁽¹³⁾
• Medications like chemotherapy drugs or painkillers, especially opioids, can induce nausea as a side effect. ⁽¹⁴⁾
• Infections such as the stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis often bring about nausea due to inflammation in the stomach and intestines. ⁽¹⁵⁾
• Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and fear can activate the autonomic nervous system, which in turn triggers the nausea response. ⁽¹⁶⁾
• Motion sickness, caused by conflicting sensory inputs between the inner ear and eyes, is a well-known trigger for nausea. The vestibular system in the inner ear detects motion, and when it conflicts with visual signals, it can lead to nausea. ⁽¹⁷⁾

Conclusion

Nausea is a common symptom that arises from various causes, including digestive disturbances, motion sickness, hormonal changes, and stress. Understanding the body systems involved in nausea and the benefits of herbs such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can offer relief. Always, if symptoms persist or worsen, seeking advice from a health professional is crucial.

 

References

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