Nausea is what we generally consider to be the feeling of sickness in the stomach and uneasiness along with an urge to vomit. It has many causes and many simple cures.

Origin of the word

‘Nausea’ is a Latin word originated from Greek ‘nausia’. The term was originally used to describe what we now commonly call ‘seasickness’ as ‘naus’ means ‘ship. But eventually its use spread to describe the feeling of an uneasiness in the stomach that incites the urge to vomit and may or not finally lead to vomiting.

Causes of nausea

Nausea has various possible causes. It is often a result of more than one reason coming together and has therefore been classified as a non-specific symptom. The common factors of nausea are:

• Eating disorders
• Food poisoning
• Hangover
• Food allergy
• Pregnancy
• Medication and chemotherapy
• Migraine
• Gastroenteritis
• Inflammation of gall bladder
• Stress, anxiety, or depression

Home remedies for nausea

Now that we know the various possible causes of nausea we can find out what the cause is that triggered it off in the first place and accordingly take the necessary steps to cure it. You don’t have to see a doctor to cure nausea. Here is a list of some simple cures that are available anytime anywhere:

1. Acupressure:

Press the end of the wrist with the thumb for 30 seconds while the index finger is on top of the wrist.

2. Aromatherapy:

Smell some peppermint or lavender or a sliced lemon or essential oils from herbs. You can also take some dilute cosmetic spirit on a cotton wool and sniff it.

3. Suck on some relievers:

Sucking on a bit of ginger, clove or peppermint instantly cures nausea. Make sure you’re not sucking on a milk toffee though.

4. Relax and don’t get anxious:

Lie down straight with your knees bent or lie down with your face down on a cold floor. Breathe slowly and deep, put a damp cloth on your forehead or take a shower if you want and relax.

5. Get enough air:

Make sure the air is fresh and plenty. You can take a walk in the cool air or be on the veranda until the discomfort subsides.

6. Have regular meals:

This is the most important cure for nausea and a prevention as well. Gastroenteritis triggered from eating disorders and long hungry hours is the commonest reason of nausea. Don’t overeat and don’t skip meals. Have healthy food like peanuts, crackers, bananas and fiber-rich food items.

7. BRAT:

This is an acronym for banana, applesauce and rice and toast. Follow this diet and you will be free from all feelings of discomfort.

8. Drinks that help:

Beverages like peppermint tea, Maalox, sports drinks, flat soda, water with a pinch of baking soda and ginger ale cure nausea. Avoid solid and liquid milk products.

9. Try throwingup:

If you get the urge to vomit, encourage it. If the body is able to reject whatever is causing the nausea, you will be fine as soon as you let it out. Use some lemon juice if you need assistance in inducing the vomiting.

These are simple and sure cures for nausea so you do not need to worry about your nausea anymore. However, if you suffer from constant nausea or if it relapses unnaturally often, you should see a doctor.