Facebook
Twitter
Nausea and Vomiting Home Remedies
Information
The world is full of things that make our stomachs turn. Depending on the situation, everything from eating egg salad to giving blood to reading credit card bills can make you clutch your belly in agony.
And what happens when that twisting, turning tummy becomes too much to bear? You guessed it—you vomit. Below are tips to help you keep nausea in check before the dreaded "V word" occurs. If it's too late, and you've already lost your lunch, there are tips to nurse your stomach—and the rest of you—back to good health.
When to call a doctor
"There are at least 25 different diseases that could cause chronic nausea," says Kenneth Koch, M.D. If your nausea just doesn't go away in a day or two, it's a good idea to see your doctor.
Vomiting, on the other hand, can be a sign of something serious. "If it's profuse, persistent, or bloody, seek help," advises Stephen Bezruchka, M.D. Also see a doctor if you've gone 24 hours without being able to keep any food down and nothing seems to help, Dr. Koch says.
"If your thirst is severe and you notice you're not urinating very much—and especially if you're also getting light-headed when you stand up, which are signs of dehydration—see a doctor," he adds. "If you know it's the flu, or you've just eaten something a little strange, you might try to go a bit longer."
Nausea can also be a sign of a heart attack. In which case, get to a hospital right away.
Panel of Advisors
Stephen Bezruchka, M.D., M.P.H. is an emergency physician in Seattle, and a senior lecturer in the department of health services at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine in Seattle.
Joseph M. Helms, M.D., is a medical acupuncturist in Berkeley, California, and a clinical instructor at the David Geffen School of Medicine in UCLA. He is the author of Acupuncture Energetics.
Samuel Klein, M.D., is a William H. Danforth professor of medicine and nutritional science and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Kenneth Koch, M.D., is head of the section on gastroenterology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has clinical and research interests in gastroparesis (a condition that affects stomach muscles and prevents the stomach from emptying properly), gastric dysrhythmias and unexplained nausea and vomiting.
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., is a psychologist who specializes in psychopharmacology and is the author of Herbal Tonic Therapies.
Robert Warren, Pharm.D., is a pharmacist at United Pharmacy in Dinuba, California.
Remedies
SEE REMEDIES FROM:
Choose clear liquids
Even if you're craving food, stick with clear liquids like tea and juice, says nausea researcher Kenneth Koch, M.D.
Check out your urine
If your urine is deep yellow, you're not getting enough fluid. The paler it gets, the better you're doing to prevent dehydration.
Knock out nausea with Hawaiian Punch
As long as you don't have diabetes, Hawaiian Punch may be a great remedy to try for nausea or an upset stomach.
Sip on syrup
If you're not that nauseated, cola syrup seems to work really well, says Robert Warren, Pharm.D.
Don't automatically reach for Pepto
The stomach soother Pepto-Bismol—as well as Mylanta and Maalox—is for disease-provoked stomach upsets, not for a queasy stomach.
Eat carbs first
If you need something to eat, and your nausea isn't too bad, eat light carbohydrates in small amounts—toast or crackers, for instance, Dr. Koch says.
Find relief in the meadow
Meadowsweet, a pleasant-tasting wildflower, can be quite effective in reducing nausea, says Dr. Lois Johnson, M.D.
Allow yourself to be sick
One of the most effective ways to stop nausea is to allow yourself to vomit, Dr. Koch says. At the very least, you'll have a temporary respite from that queasy feeling.
Replace important fluids and nutrients
"The ultimate goals for someone who's got a lot of vomiting are to not get dehydrated and to not lose weight," Dr. Koch says.
RELATED AILMENTS
Top Remedies
MOST COMMENTS
Browse Common Conditions:
Free Newsletter
Sign up for the FREE daily newsletter and get useful tips to keep yourself, your family, and the planet healthy and thriving.
Your Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Policy
BE SOCIAL WITH US!
2009-2013 Copyright Rodale. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Notice Your Privacy Rights Manage Email Preferences
The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not
a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis.
Read our Medical Advice Notice.
To make a payment, cancel or renew your subscription for any Rodale product, contact customer service at:
400 South Tenth Street • Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
(866) 387-0509 • www.rodaleinc.com/customer-service • E-mail: customer_service@rodale.com • Your Privacy Rights
Knock out nausea with Hawaiian Punch
Eat carbs first
Sip on syrup