Nausea
An unpleasant sensation in the epigastrium and throat, often preceding vomiting. Can be caused by many factors: poisoning, GI infections, motion sickness, pregnancy, migraine, medications, stress. Indication for relief may include ginger, vitamin B6, peppermint (oil or tea), acupressure.
- What may help
- 11
- What to avoid
- 10
What may help (11)
- CBD Supplements MediumClinical
CBD may help alleviate feelings of sickness and calm an upset stomach, providing relief from nausea caused by various factors.
- Guided Imagery Practices MediumClinical
Guided imagery has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting by promoting deep relaxation and diverting attention. This mind-body connection helps alleviate anticipatory discomfort often associated with treatment, with observed moderate effect sizes.
- Low FODMAP Diet Practices LowClinical
For some individuals whose nausea is linked to broader gastrointestinal distress, such as that experienced in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the Low FODMAP Diet may offer a low but meaningful level of relief. By improving overall gut comfort and reducing symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain, it can indirectly lessen associated feelings of nausea. However, it is not a primary intervention specifically for nausea.
- Acupressure Practices Very highTheoretical
Acupressure provides exceptionally strong and broad-spectrum relief for various types of nausea, including chemotherapy-induced, post-operative, and generalized nausea. By modulating vagal nerve activity and influencing the brain's emetic centers, it offers reliable and rapid alleviation of discomfort. Comprehensive meta-analyses confirm very large effect sizes, typically over 1.0.
- Acupuncture Practices Very highTheoretical
Acupuncture has exceptionally strong evidence for alleviating various types of nausea and vomiting, including chemotherapy-induced, post-operative, and pregnancy-related morning sickness. It modulates vagal nerve activity and influences brainstem emetic centers, providing rapid relief.
- Ginger Supplements Very highTheoretical
Ginger is renowned for its powerful ability to calm various types of nausea, from general stomach upset to motion sickness, by interacting with digestive pathways and nervous system.
- Herbalism / Phytotherapy Practices HighTheoretical
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a highly effective herbal remedy for various causes of nausea, including motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-operative nausea. Its anti-emetic properties are attributed to gingerols and shogaols, which modulate serotonin receptors. Robust evidence supports its strong efficacy (effect sizes d=0.8-1.0), making it a valuable option for symptomatic relief.
- Naturopathy Practices HighTheoretical
Naturopathic remedies for nausea are highly effective in providing symptomatic relief. Ginger and vitamin B6 show strong evidence in reducing nausea severity by influencing serotonin receptors in the gut and brainstem. Peppermint oil also offers significant calming effects on the digestive system.
- Aromatherapy Practices MediumTheoretical
Inhalation of essential oils such as ginger, lemon, or peppermint can significantly alleviate sensations of nausea. This effect is believed to be mediated through the olfactory system's influence on the brain's emetic center, with good clinical support.
- Moxibustion Practices MediumTheoretical
Moxibustion offers moderate effectiveness in alleviating nausea, including that experienced during pregnancy. By stimulating specific antiemetic acupoints, it helps to modulate vagal nerve activity and influence the brain's vomiting center, providing a soothing effect on gastric discomfort.
- Integral Yoga Practices LowPeople reports
Integral Yoga may offer minimal relief for general nausea by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can sometimes exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort. However, specific direct evidence is very limited.
What to avoid (10)
- Amanita Pantherina Supplements Very highPeople reports
Commonly causes nausea and vomiting, especially at higher doses or with the dried mushroom form, due to its emetic properties.
- Anusara Yoga Practices MediumClinical
If you are experiencing severe nausea, physical activity like yoga can worsen symptoms and lead to discomfort or vomiting. Rest is usually recommended until nausea subsides.
- Citrulline Supplements MediumClinical
Some individuals may experience nausea or stomach upset, particularly when taking Citrulline on an empty stomach or in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, consider starting with a lower dose and taking it with food.
- 5-HTP Supplements HighPeople reports
If you are prone to nausea, 5-HTP may worsen this symptom, especially when taken on an empty stomach or in higher doses.
- Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements LowClinical
Mild nausea is a reported side effect for some people taking oral chondroitin sulfate.
- Pygeum africanum (Bark) Supplements MediumPeople reports
Some individuals may experience mild digestive upset, including nausea, when taking Pygeum africanum. If this occurs, try taking it with food.
- Time-Restricted Eating 16/8 Practices MediumPeople reports
Hunger pangs, blood sugar shifts, and hormonal responses to an empty stomach can trigger feelings of nausea in some individuals, especially when first starting time-restricted eating.
- DHEA Supplements LowPeople reports
Some individuals may experience nausea or stomach upset when taking DHEA.
- Hesperidin Supplements LowPeople reports
Some individuals may experience mild nausea or stomach upset when taking hesperidin. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with a low dose.
- Singing Bowls Session Practices LowPeople reports
Some individuals may experience nausea due to sensory sensitivity or the vibrational effects of the session. Listen to your body and adjust as needed.