Nausea Treatment & Remedies

Nausea

Nausea is described as a queasy, unpleasant feeling in the stomach area, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Nausea itself is not an illness, but rather the symptom of other illnesses, reactions or conditions. Many people who suffer from seasickness or motion sickness generally are experiencing the symptom of nausea.  Besides vomiting, nausea can be accompanied by retching (dry heaves, or going through the motions of vomiting with no vomit present) which is extremely unpleasant.

Nausea Causes

There are literally thousands of causes for nausea, ranging from illnesses and treatments, to certain foods, smells, conditions and even visual inputs. Nausea can occur for different reasons in different people. Some of the major causes of nausea include:

•    seasickness
•    motion sickness
•    carsickness
•    food poisoning
•    hangover
•    viral infections such as the stomach flu
•    vertigo
•    migraine
•    concussions
•    tumors
•    certain smells
•    pregnancy
•    malnutrition
•    various infections
•    some medications

Nausea Symptoms

As mentioned, nausea itself is usually a symptom of another illness, condition or situation. Depending on what is causing nausea, different symptoms may be experienced. Here are the most common symptoms that accompany nausea:

•    Queasiness in the stomach area
•    Knotted feeling in the stomach
•    headache
•    dizziness
•    Extra saliva production
•    Vomiting
•    Retching
•    Dry mouth
•    Lack of balance
•    Vertigo
•    Dehydration

Nausea Remedies

In most cases nausea will subside on its own, sometimes in a matter of seconds. If nausea persists, there may be an unknown underlying cause (unless you are on a boat, plane or other vehicle that is moving, in which case you are probably experiencing motion sickness which will subside once you exit the vehicle).  It’s best to tell your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged bouts of nausea. To treat nausea at home, here are some home remedies for nausea:

•    Drink fluids: Many times nausea is associated with dehydration. Drinking water or beverages with electrolytes (sports drinks) can help get rid of nausea.

•    Syrups: Many people use 1-2 teaspoons of room temperature syrup to instantly cure nausea.

•    Avoid fatty foods: If you are nauseated but extremely hunger, it may be the cause of nausea. Try light carbohydrate based foods like toast or crackers.

•    Ginger Root: One of the most common homeopathic cures for nausea. Powdered ginger root capsules work best.

•    Clear Teas: Raspberry leaf and peppermint tea are common nausea remedies.

•    Vitamin B6: If you take vitamins, sometimes vitamin B6 can help alleviate or prevent nausea.

•    Vomiting: In many cases, you are nauseated because your body wants you to eject something you have eaten. In many cases simply vomiting will take care of your nausea.

•    Bathing: People who experience chronic nausea (pregnant women for example can try warm baths to alleviate nausea. Filling the tub too high can cause your body to float or suspend, mimicking motion sickness and making the nausea worse.

It can’t be stressed enough that if you are experiencing nausea, it is a symptom of an underlying cause. If you simply get nauseated from time to time with large intervals in between, and the nausea is the direct result of a recognizable cause, then trying these remedies is perfectly fine (unless you are pregnant in which case you must speak to your doctor before attempting ANY nausea remedy). If, however, you experience nausea frequently, speak to your doctor so that you can find, and treat, the underlying cause.