Nausea is the feeling that you are going to vomit, which is also described as ’sick feeling in the stomach’ or ’stomach turning’. It is a sensation that may lead to gagging or vomiting or the feeling may persist and even intensify with no other reaction. It is an extremely uncomfortable feeling and can be debilitating if it persists for a long period of time leading to a loss of appetite, irritability and difficulty in functioning on a daily basis.
Causes of Nausea
Identifying the cause of nausea and eradicating it, if possible, is the best solution to dealing with nausea. It may not always be this simple and at times, an anti-emetic drug may be necessary. Other causes of nausea includes excessive alcohol intake or excessive ingestion of any food. Food poisoning and intolerance, pregnancy, cancer, ulcers and certain medication may also cause nausea. In terms of food poisoning, activated charcoal or charcoal tablets made from the birch tree may be helpful.
When nausea is triggered by motion, it is referred to as motion sickness and usually subsides once the person is at rest. Other causes of nausea may include headaches or migraines , indigestion, intestinal worms or constipation. Nausea with period pain may be a response as a result of the pain and appropriate treatment for pain is necessary.
Herbal Remedies for Nausea
Herbal tinctures may not be advisable in treating nausea as the alcoholic solvent can aggravate the nausea. Sipping on a herbal tea may be a better option and honey can be added to the tea.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is one of the best remedies for nausea. It should be drank as a tea and requires brewing of up to 30 minutes. Alternatively it can be added to other herbal teas or even regular tea. Remember that caffeine can aggravate nausea.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is another popular choice. Even sucking on a peppermint sweet can be helpful but it is advisable to use peppermint in the tea form. Spearmint is another option.
- Chamomile, fennel, mint and tumeric may also be soothing to the stomach and help to ease nausea.
- Slippery elm, rhubarb and sheep sorrel can be used prior to any situation that may trigger nausea.
Homeopathic Remedies
- Ipecacuanha (D6 to D60 or 6CH up to 30CH) may be helpful. It lower potencies, it should be administered every 5 to 10 minutes until the nausea subsides.
- Nux vomica may also be helpful, especially if there is vomiting. This remedy may also be useful after alcohol intake or for nausea with a hangover.
- Tabacum 30CH with Cocculus indica 30 CH may be helpful for nausea caused by motion sickness.
Nausea with weight loss, diarrhea or bleeding when vomiting or passing stool should immediately be investigated by a medical practitioner. Pregnant women should be cautious about using herbal remedies as it can be toxic to the fetus – homeopathic remedies are a safer option. Always consult with a health care professional before starting any treatment.