Want A Safe And Effective Treatment For Nausea And Vomiting?
Although there is nothing painful about nausea, it is by far one of the most awful feelings that you can experience, coming in right behind physical pain, fear and grief. In fact, most of these often lead to nausea. Also, there are over 700 causes of nausea, ranging from the physical to psychological and from the innocuous to the serious.
To add to the problem, nobody is spared the wrath of the dreaded nausea! You can be young, old, a man or a woman, at some point, you must have experienced the distressing feeling of your stomach muscles contracting violently to throw out everything it holds. Unfortunately, nausea is not something that you will experience only once in your life.
Since, there is little that can be done to predict a bout nausea, the next best thing is to treat it on the double. And, this is where essential oils come into the picture. Read on to learn more about nausea, its causes and how to treat the condition.
So, What Is This Nausea Business?
Physically, it is simply your belly getting ready to purge its contents. Since your stomach more or less resembles a pouch, the muscles in the abdomen contract to squeeze the contents out of it. In anticipation that the contents will be pushed upwards, the muscular ring that separates the stomach and the esophagus gets relaxed or opens and the wind pipe is closed to prevent the undigested matter from entering the lungs.
Nausea may or may not lead to vomiting, but your body sure gets prepared for the act and that is what leads to the queasy feeling. Often nausea is accompanied by an increase in heart rate, sweating and dizziness.
What Really Causes Nausea?
As mentioned above, the causes of nausea can be numerous. Generally, these can be divided into 5 categories:
1. Physical
Any sort of problem with a pelvic organ can cause nausea such as irritation of the gastric tract or stomach, intestinal blockage, constipation, hyperacidity, inflammation of the pancreas, liver, or kidneys, gall bladder stones and gastroenteritis.
Vertigo is also a common cause of nausea. Dizziness can be caused by a problem with the balancing centers in the ears or due to spondylitis. Similarly, low blood pressure, low blood sugar level, food poisoning, ingestion of bacteria through food can also cause nausea.
2. Seriously Physical
Issues with the brain and nerves can also lead to nausea. In such cases, the underlying condition is typically quite concerning. For instance, brain tumor, brain injury, stroke, meningitis and brain hemorrhage are conditions that can lead to nausea and vomiting.
3. Mental
Emotional distress of any kind as well as repulsive or unpleasant sights and odors can also cause nausea. Along the same lines, intense pain can also cause nausea in some people.
4. Hormonal
Nearly 50% of pregnant women suffer from nausea in the first trimester. Menstruation can also cause nausea in some women.
5. Side Effects
The condition is a common side effect of contraceptive pills, certain herbal preparations, anti-depressants and chemotherapy drugs. Many people experience nausea while recovering from the anesthesia administered during surgery. Similarly, over consumption of alcohol and withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and certain drugs also cause nausea.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Nausea?
With the right treatment, nausea can be brought under control within a matter of minutes. Usually, the use of multiple treatment approaches at once works the best and yields faster results. There are also treatment modalities that help to prevent nausea if it is caused due to constipation, motion sickness and stomach flu. However, if you have a chronic issue with nausea, you should see a doctor to understand the cause of the condition.
Can essential oils really help with nausea, you bet!
What Are The Best Essential Oils For Nausea And Vomiting?
The herbs
Essential oils of coriander, dill and peppermint are all remarkably effective against nausea, stomach pain and constipation. In fact, peppermint leaves and peppermint essential oil are often found in most herbal preparations meant to ease stomach disorders. Dill essential oil and the seeds of the plant have potent carminative properties while coriander oil has an overall cooling and soothing effect on the digestive system.
The citrus fruits
The invigorating fragrance of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and grapefruit can not only put the bounce back in your steps but also curb nausea. While the essential oils of these fruits are used in aromatherapy to treat nausea, the sour and citrusy fruits are also quite effective when consumed. Their tangy taste and distinctive aroma overwhelm the sensory channels of the brain, pushing nausea to the background.
The roots
No list of essential oils or natural treatments for nausea or stomach ailments would be complete without the mention of ginger. The rhizome has a long standing history of use over 2000 years against digestive issues both in India and China. Ginger root and ginger essential oil can be used in a multitude of ways to ward off nausea.
The spices
Cinnamon, cardamom and fennel essential oils have their own healing properties to offer in anti-nausea blends. While fennel offers general relief from gastric issues such as indigestion, flatulence, stomach pain, the enticing and earthy fragrance of cardamom is exceptionally effective in relieving nausea. As far as cinnamon essential oil is concerned, it not only helps to fight nausea and stomach pain but also combats stomach flu bugs.
The flowers
Roman chamomile and lavender essential oils have superlative soothing and calming properties and these can not only be leveraged in skincare but also in your battle against nausea. Particularly, if nausea and bouts of puking have been brought on by a traumatic event, these essential oils can help immensely to calm both the mind and the contracting stomach muscles.
Kick Nausea To The Curb In 2 Minutes Flat, Impossible You’ll Say!
This one is for people who suffer from frequent bouts of nausea owing to indigestion, hyperacidity or other gastric concerns. This recipe combines fresh produce and essential oils and has to be prepared in advance. You will need
- Ginger root – a large piece
- 4-5 lemons
- 2 drops fennel essential oil (edible version)
- 2 drops dill essential oil (edible version)
- 10-15 fresh mint leaves
- Sea salt to taste
Preparation
Wash and peel the ginger root and cut into thin strips. Squeeze the juice from 4-5 lemons or more, depending on the size of the fruit. You will need enough lemon juice to pickle the ginger slices. In a mason jar, pour the lemon juice and add the essential oils to it. Close the jar and give the mixture a good whisk to combine the lipids and the citric acid.
Then add the ginger root slices and the mint leaves. Season with some salt and put the lid back on the jar. Let your special pickle stand in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You will see the white ginger slices taking on a lovely pink hue, which means they are ready for savoring. When the familiar feeling of dizziness or nausea takes over, simply reach into the refrigerator and eat 5-7 slices of this ginger pickle and your symptoms will be resolved in a matter of minutes.
The pickle lasts for 2-3 weeks if stored in the refrigerator. Remove the mint leaves from the prepared pickle once the ginger slices turn pink to extend the life of the preparation by a few more days.
15 Essential Oil Recipes and Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Nausea Fast
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Recipe 1: Relaxing and soothing tea
- ½ inch piece of fresh ginger root
- 1 drop of roman chamomile essential
- 3-4 drops of lemon juice
- Honey to taste if required
Wash the ginger root and cut into thin slices. Put the pieces in a cup and pour boiling hot water over them. Let the tea steep for about 3 minutes, then add a few drops of lemon juice, a drop of roman chamomile essential oil and some organic honey. Enjoy the relaxing tea and by the time you empty the cup, your nausea will be a thing of the past.
Recipe 2: Green juice to the rescue
Leafy greens contain a vital nutrient Vitamin K, which is essential during pregnancy. This nutrient also helps to control nausea. So, for this green juice, you will need:
- 1 orange
- 1 green apple
- Handful of fresh coriander leaves
- A few leaves of kale
- ½ cucumber
- A drop each of orange and ginger essential oils
Wash the fruits and veggies thoroughly and use your food processor to whip up this yummy green juice that is full of nutrients and will calm an upset stomach as well as nausea.
Recipe 3: Steam inhalation
- 2 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops ginger oil
- 1 drop lavender oil
Fill a large bowl with hot water; the water should be very hot, but not boiling. Add the essential oils to the water. Lower your head to bring your face about a foot from the surface of the water. Cover your head and the bowl of hot water with a towel, making a tent with the fabric that will stop the aromatic vapors from escaping. Breathe deeply for 2-3 minutes. You can also use this mix in a diffuser, but steam inhalation offers faster results.
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Recipe 1: Warming ginger rub
- 2 drops ginger essential oil
- 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
- 2 drops basil essential oil
- 2 tsp sweet almond or jojoba carrier oil.
Mix the oils together and rub on the back of the neck in gentle strokes. What remains should be rubbed on the soles of the feet. These essential oils offer a soothing, warm sensation and their aroma is usually enough to chase away nausea.
Recipe 2: Soothing tea
- Chamomile tea
- 1 drop peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop ginger essential oil
- Honey as required
Brew a light tea (infusion) with chamomile leaves. Add the essential oils to the brew and honey if you like. Enjoy this warm tea that will relax you and ease away the nausea.
Recipe 3: Foot soak
- Hot water
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 1 tsp sweet almond oil
- 3 drops each of peppermint and ginger oil
- 2 drops lavender oil
Add the Epsom salt to a foot soaking tub filled with hot water (bearable hot). Mix the essential oils with the sweet almond oil and add this oil mixture to the hot water and soak your feet in this detoxifying foot bath till the water cools.
Recipe 4: Anti-nausea inhaler
- 1 Pocket inhaler
- 4 drops ginger essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops fennel essential oil
- 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops nutmeg essential oil
Mix the essential oils together in a small glass bowl. Remove the wick from the inhaler and soak it in the essential oil mixture till it absorbs all the oils. Insert the wick back into the inhaler and use as and when required.
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Recipe 1: A simple, warm concoction
- A large glass of warm water
- 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
- 2 drops ginger essential oil
- 1 tsp raw honey
Dissolve the honey in a large glass of fairly warm water and add the essential oils to this beverage. Mix well to disperse the aromatic compounds and enjoy the drink while it’s still warm.
Recipe 2: Anti-nausea popsicle
- A few wedges of lemon
- Water
- 2 drops each of peppermint and coriander essential oils
- Honey to taste
Add enough honey to 500 ml of water at room temperature to get a sweet taste that is not too overbearing; meaning it should be palatable but not as sweet as regular sorbet or popsicle. Add the essential oils to this mixture and stir well. Pour into the pop molds and add a wedge of lemon in each. Freeze and enjoy when you feel nauseous.
Recipe 3: All day cooling water
- A pitcher of water
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1 drop each of cardamom, coriander and dill essential oils
- 2 drops ginger essential oil
Fill a pitcher with water and add bruised mint leaves to it. Mix well and then add the essential oil. Once again give the beverage a good stir and place the pitcher in the refrigerator. Enjoy the beverage chilled all through the day to treat infection causing microorganisms and to control nausea and puking.
DIY Recipes For Nausea And Dizziness
Recipe 1: Anti- nausea inhaler (This one is particularly meant for nausea brought on by motion sickness)
- 4 drops lemon essential oil
- 4 drops orange essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops roman chamomile
Mix the essential oils and dip the wick of the inhaler in the oil mixture. Once the oils are soaked up, put the wick back into the inhaler and use. You can also store this essential oil mixture in a small glass bottle with a roller ball top. To use, apply the blend on some tissue paper or a handkerchief and inhale.
Recipe 2: Ginger and spearmint candy to the rescue
- 2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup honey
- ¾ cup water
- 3 drops of ginger and spearmint essential oils
- 2 drops of lemon essential oil
You will also need some aluminum foil, a pyrex measuring cup and candy thermometer.
Preparation
Get the candy molds ready by spraying nonstick cooking spray on them also lay out some aluminum foil on the counter. Put the sugar, honey and water in a pan and mix thoroughly. Clip the candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring that it does not touch the bottom of the pan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the mixture till the thermometer reads 275 degrees. This is called the hard crack stage. Take out the thermometer and place on the foil on the counter.
Remove the mixture from heat immediately and pour into the pyrex cup. Add the essential oils to the sugary syrup in the cup and mix well. Pour into the candy mold and let it set for 30 minutes or till the candy is cool. Remove and store in a jar and use as needed.
Nausea And Diarrhea? Fear No More!
Recipe 1: All day beverage
- 1 ltr water
- ½ tsp himalayan pink salt
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- A few wedges of lemon
- 2 drops of each peppermint, cinnamon and ginger essential oils
Dissolve the honey and salt into the water and give it a good stir. Add the essential oil and stir vigorously. Finally, add the lemon wedges. Fill a large glass with a few ice cubes in it with the beverage and enjoy through the day.
Recipe 2: Probiotic power
- 1 cup unsweetened greek yoghurt
- 2 drops of sweet orange essential oil
- 2 drop of ginger essential oil
Mix the essential oils with the yoghurt and let the combination of phytochemicals and probiotics heal your digestive system.
Recipe 3: Buttermilk
- ½ tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp himalayan pink salt
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop of nutmeg essential oil
- 1 ltr buttermilk
Dry roast the cumin and the coriander seeds for about 2 minutes. The seeds are not supposed to turn brown, so stir continuously while roasting them on medium heat. Use a coffee bean grinder or a spice mill to powder the roasted seeds and when the mixture is cool, add Himalayan pink salt to it.
Add a heaped teaspoon of this mixture to unsalted butter milk and then stir in the essential oils. Enjoy the beverage cold for quick relief from both nausea and diarrhea and to replenish the salts in your body.
Bonus Home Remedy Tips For Nausea And Vomiting
- Make tamarind candy or sauce by mixing the cumin and coriander seed powder (given above) with tamarind paste and some sugar. If you are making candy, roll the tamarind into small balls and pop two when you are feeling nauseous. But, don’t overdo this because the tamarind will give you the runs.
- Lie down with a pillow below your head and take deep breaths, inhaling with your nose and exhaling with your mouth, stopping for 2 seconds in between inhale and exhale.
- Season half a grapefruit with a bit of lemon juice and some sea salt or Himalayan pink salt and eat when you are feeling nauseous.
- Fill a large bowl half way with ice cubes. Pour enough water in it to soak a towel. Add 3 drops each of peppermint, lemon and cinnamon oils to a teaspoon of coconut oil and add this mixture to the water. Soak a face towel in the cold water and place on the back of your neck.
- Go outside; fresh air is often enough to tame nausea plus the change of scenery will relax both your mind and body.
- If the urge to vomit is too overwhelming, no sense trying to control it. Instead, let your body purge.
- If you often suffer from indigestion or stress related nausea, buy some dried kokum fruit (Garcinia Indica). You can find these at most gourmet food stores and even online and it’s not very expensive. Often you will only get the deep purple red rind of the fruit, but if they do offer the whole fruit, scoop out the dried flesh in the center, leaving the thick waxy rind behind. Season the rind with some sea salt and store. To battle nausea, take one rind and place it in your mouth, sucking on it like you would a candy. You can eat it once the rind is soft and has lost most of its sour taste.
Precautions And Concluding Statement
Although in itself nausea is not dangerous, if it is accompanied by dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms, you should get it checked. If nausea is a chronic issue with you, try to avoid large meals and high fat foods. Also, stay away from colas and all types of carbonated beverages.
Sprouted grains and leafy greens are very effective against constipation and nausea. Although nausea is a distressing condition, it won’t cause any harm on its own. But, if you are also suffering from diarrhea and/or vomiting, you will lose fluids fast. If this is the case, it is imperative to replenish the lost electrolytes and fluids to prevent dehydration, and this should be done even before you combat the nausea.