How to Get Rid of Nausea (Without Medicines)

Co-authored by Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: January 24, 2023 References Approved

Nausea is a horrible feeling. Luckily, if you’d rather not take medications to treat your upset stomach, there are several natural remedies that can help. From doing deep breathing exercises to drinking ginger tea, we’ll guide you through a few of the most tried and true methods for soothing nausea. If you have nausea along with other serious symptoms, like a high fever or severe stomach pain, call your doctor.

1

Distract yourself.

Choose a soothing distraction, like quiet music. Watching a TV show or spending time with a friend or loved one can also help get your mind off how you feel.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} If talking makes you feel worse, you might ask a friend or relative talk to you while you listen, or have them read something to you.
- Stress and anxiety can cause nausea or make it worse.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Peter Gardner, MD
  Board Certified Gastroenterologist
  Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} A soothing distraction will not only help take your focus off the nausea, but it will also relieve stress and help you relax.^{[3]
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  Research source}

2

Get fresh air.

Open a window or step outside for a few minutes. Being around bad smells or stagnant air can trigger or worsen nausea. Try to move to a well-ventilated area for a little while until you feel better.^{[4]
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- Turning on a fan can help disperse or draw away bad smells.
- If you can, get away from any irritants in your environment that could make your nausea worse, such as cigarette smoke or strong cooking smells.

3

Lie down until the feeling passes.

Lying down is especially helpful for motion sickness or vertigo. Find a comfortable spot and lie as still as possible. If motion sickness or vertigo is the problem, either close your eyes or look at a fixed point on the horizon until your stomach settles.^{[5]
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- Lying down can make some kinds of nausea worse. For instance, lying down too soon after eating can trigger nausea if you have acid reflux.^{[6]
  X
  Research source} If this is the case for you, try sitting still or propping yourself up on pillows instead.

4

Press on an acupressure point.

Gently massage the P-6 point on your wrist. While it’s not totally clear why it works, several studies have shown that acupressure is effective for reducing nausea.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} To find the P-6, or Neiguan point, hold your hand with your palm toward you and your fingers facing up. Put your thumb on the inside of your wrist, about 3 finger-widths below your palm, and feel for the space between the 2 large tendons that connect your wrist to your arm muscles.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM
Licensed Acupuncturist
Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Gently press your thumb or index finger against this point for 2-3 minutes.^{[9]
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- Rub your thumb or finger in small circles while you apply pressure.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM
  Licensed Acupuncturist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.} Push down firmly, but not hard enough to cause pain. Move to the other wrist when you’re done.
- The space where your kneecap meets the top of your shin is another pressure point that’s thought to relieve nausea.^{[11]
  X
  Research source} It is known as the ST–36 point or Zu San Li.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM
  Licensed Acupuncturist
  Expert Interview. 14 April 2020.}
- Consider seeing a professional acupressure or acupuncture therapist if you regularly struggle with nausea. They can also show you more techniques to use at home.

5

Do deep breathing exercises.

Slow, controlled breathing can calm your upset stomach. For a few minutes, take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. To keep your breathing slow and steady, try counting slowly to 5 with each breath, and breathe out through pursed lips. Within about 5 minutes, you should begin to feel much better.^{[13]
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- To make sure you’re breathing deeply, put one hand on your chest and another on your belly. Concentrate on getting your belly to rise and fall as you breathe instead of your chest and shoulders.^{[14]
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- Some people find it helpful to breathe in a soothing scent, such as peppermint. However, studies show that deep breathing by itself is very effective at calming nausea.

6

Sip a cold drink.

Take small sips instead of big gulps. Cold, clear fluids, such as water, juice, a caffeine-free soda, or watered-down sports drinks are usually best. Take sips between meals or whenever you feel nauseated to help you stay hydrated and settle your stomach.^{[15]
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Research source} If you’ve been throwing up, it’s especially important to drink lots of fluids so you don’t get dehydrated. Try to drink 6–8 cups (1.4–1.9 L) of fluid per day, unless your doctor has told you to drink more or less than that.^{[16]
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- Some people find warm drinks more soothing. Stick to mild, clear fluids, like plain broth or weak tea.
- You can also suck on ice chips, eat a popsicle, or eat some Jell-o.
- If you have a child who’s been vomiting, call their pediatrician for advice. Kids can get dehydrated more easily, so they might need something to help restore missing electrolytes, like diluted apple juice.^{[17]
  X
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  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  Go to source}

7

Drink ginger or peppermint tea.

Science shows that these old herbal remedies really work. Use a teabag to brew a cup of ginger or peppermint tea, or steep fresh ginger root or mint leaves in hot water.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
Go to source} Take small sips so you don’t upset your stomach more. The aromas of ginger and peppermint may help calm nausea, so take a moment to breathe in the scent of your tea before sipping.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- If you find it hard to stomach hot liquids, let the tea cool off before you drink it.
- Ginger in other forms is also good for relieving nausea. For example, you can eat ginger cookies, suck on ginger candy, sip ginger ale, or take ginger in capsule form.^{[20]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} If you use capsules, your doctor may recommend a taking 1000 mg split up over 4 doses throughout the day.^{[21]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
- Sucking on a peppermint candy or sniffing peppermint oil may also soothe your nausea.

8

Sniff a slice of lemon.

The smell of lemon can distract you from bad odors. If a bad smell is triggering your nausea, slice up a fresh lemon. Hold it close to your nose and breathe deeply to neutralize the unpleasant odor.^{[22]
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- The taste of lemon can also get rid of bad tastes in your mouth. If you’d rather not suck on a lemon, try a hard lemon candy or some lemonade.

9

Eat bland foods.

Stick to the BRAT diet to prevent stomach irritation. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. In addition to these gentle foods, try other bland options, such as saltine crackers, plain potatoes, or clear broth.^{[23]
X
Trustworthy Source
FamilyDoctor.org
Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors
Go to source} The salt on saltine crackers or pretzels may also help you feel better.^{[24]
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- If you’re hungry but don’t think you can handle solid foods, sip on broth or eat some Jell-o.^{[25]
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- Gradually work your way up to mild, protein-rich foods, such as chicken breast, fish, eggs, or yogurt.
- BRAT foods are also good for replenishing nutrients and restoring your energy after throwing up or having diarrhea.

10

Stick to small, frequent meals.

Eating too much at once can make nausea worse. On the other hand, having an empty stomach can also make you feel pretty terrible. Try to eat a small meal once every 1-2 hours.^{[26]
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- Take your time while you eat and sit down to rest for at least 30 minutes after each meal. Eating too fast or doing anything strenuous right after a meal can upset your stomach.^{[27]
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- When you skip meals, your blood sugar can drop too low—and that can make your nausea worse.^{[28]
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11

Eat a diet rich in complex carbs.

These foods are rich in nutrients and easy to digest. If you’re prone to nausea, go for foods like whole grain breads and cereals, leafy vegetables, and fresh fruits. These foods can be especially helpful when you’re suffering from morning sickness due to pregnancy.^{[29]
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- Dry carbs, such as dry cereal or toast without butter, are typically the easiest to handle.

12

Avoid greasy or spicy foods.

Fatty or heavy foods are harder to digest. Strong spices can also upset your stomach and make nausea worse. Until you’re feeling better, stay away from foods such as:^{[30]
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- Fried meats or eggs
- Gravy and heavy sauces
- Creams and cream-based dishes
- Onions and garlic
- Sweet baked goods and pastries, such as doughnuts, cakes, and cookies
- Spicy foods, like chili or hot sauce

13

Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, and OTC painkillers.

These substances are all hard on the stomach. If you want something warm to drink, stick to herbal teas or broth instead of coffee. Avoid caffeinated sodas and anything with alcohol in it. Some over-the-counter medications, like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Motrin), can also upset your stomach.^{[31]
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Trustworthy Source
Go Ask Alice
Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University
Go to source}
- Smoking can upset your stomach as well, so avoid cigarettes or marijuana if they make you feel sick.

14

Try a supplement if you have frequent nausea.

Ask your doctor to recommend a safe supplement. A few supplements that may help relieve nausea and vomiting include coenzyme Q10 (sometimes called CoQ10), L-carnitine, and riboflavin (vitamin B-2). Before trying one of these supplements, talk to your doctor. Tell them about any health conditions you have or other medicines and supplements you’re currently taking.^{[32]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Another promising supplement for reducing nausea is vitamin B6. Some studies show that B6 is as effective as ginger for treating nausea during pregnancy. If you’re struggling with morning sickness, ask your doctor to recommend a safe dose.^{[33]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

15

See your doctor for persistent or severe nausea.

Nausea can sometimes be a sign of a more severe problem. If you have nausea with or without vomiting and it does not go away within 24 hours, call your doctor for an appointment. If the nausea improves but you still have no appetite, have a headache, or have severe stomach or abdominal pain, call your doctor for advice right away. Go to the emergency room or call emergency services if you notice blood or a dark material in your vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you think your nausea was caused by poisoning.^{[34]
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- Most causes of nausea are not harmful, and include things like viral infections, motion sickness, acid reflux, certain medications, or hormonal changes (e.g., related to pregnancy or your menstrual cycle).
- More serious causes of nausea that require medical attention include appendicitis, intestinal obstructions or blockages, cancer, poisoning, and peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
- Persistent vomiting can cause dehydration, especially in small children. If you or your child can’t keep down fluids or experience symptoms such as extreme thirst, dark-colored or less frequent urine, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, severe tiredness or irritability, or crying without tears, get medical attention right away.^{[35]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I stop carsickness?

Peter Gardner, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Peter W. Gardner, MD is a board certified physician who has practiced Gastroenterology and Hepatology for over 30 years. He specializes in diseases of the digestive system and liver. Dr. Gardner earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina and attended Georgetown Medical School. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and then his fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Connecticut. He is a previous Chief of Gastroenterology at Stamford Hospital and remains on the staff. He is also on the staff of Greenwich Hospital and New York (Columbia) Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Gardner is an Approved Consultant in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology with the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Peter Gardner, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

Ride in the front seat if you can and keep your eyes looking out ahead. If you're able to drive yourself, that can also help get rid of motion sickness.
Question

Which point in acupressure helps to relieve nausea?

Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM
Licensed Acupuncturist
Peter D'Aquino is an Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine based in New York City. Peter is licensed to practice in New York State and holds board certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM) and Oriental Medicine in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He has 10 years of experience practicing holistic pain management and sports medicine. He specializes in treating pain and orthopedic conditions along with rehab, fitness, weight loss, and digestive issues. He is also certified as a Personal Trainer by The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and certified in Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) and Functional Range Release (FRR) movement therapy. He holds an MA in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York (PCOM).

Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM

Licensed Acupuncturist

Expert Answer

The classic point in acupressure is Pericardium 6 or Nei Guan in Chinese. Studies have shown it can help with nausea. It is located on the inner side of the wrist, about three fingers width below the wrist crease. It is in the center of the wrist, between the two tendons. You can apply pressure on it for a few minutes.
Question

What is ST - 36 point in acupressure?

Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM
Licensed Acupuncturist
Peter D'Aquino is an Acupuncturist and Diplomate in Oriental Medicine based in New York City. Peter is licensed to practice in New York State and holds board certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM) and Oriental Medicine in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. He has 10 years of experience practicing holistic pain management and sports medicine. He specializes in treating pain and orthopedic conditions along with rehab, fitness, weight loss, and digestive issues. He is also certified as a Personal Trainer by The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and certified in Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) and Functional Range Release (FRR) movement therapy. He holds an MA in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York (PCOM).

Peter D'Aquino, L.Ac, MS, NCCAOM

Licensed Acupuncturist

Expert Answer

It is one of the well-known acupressure points, named Zu San Li in Chinese. It is about 4 finger breadths below the bottom of the patella or kneecap and one finger breadth lateral to the tibia bone. You can feel for a tender spot and apply direct pressure.