Nausea is the unsettled feeling in the stomach that accompanies the urge to vomit. Vomiting may or may not occur along with nausea. Common causes of nausea include motion sickness, food poisoning, migraine, rotavirus, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), morning sickness (from pregnancy), medication side effects, food intolerance and stress. Several foods may help to alleviate nausea symptoms.
Ginger
Ginger, the stem of the zingiber officinale plant, has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat nausea, diarrhea and upset stomach. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, adults should take 2 to 4 grams of fresh ginger for nausea. You may chew on a 1/4-ounce piece of fresh ginger as needed. Pregnant women who experience nausea may take up to 250 mg four times a day with a doctor's approval. Children younger than 2 should not use ginger.
Crackers or Dry Toast
Sometimes eating a few dry soda crackers or a piece of dry toast in the middle of the night or upon wakening may help with morning sickness or other nausea symptoms. This prevents the stomach from feeling empty, which can trigger nausea. These bland food items avoid irritating the stomach. Eat slowly to avoid overstretching the stomach.
Mint Tea
Peppermint or spearmint may be used in tea form to help nausea. Purchase mint tea bags or use fresh mint leaves and steep in hot water. The menthol in peppermint works as a kind of anesthetic for the stomach and helps to reduce irritation that may cause nausea. Essential oils may also be used in aromatherapy applications. Always use a carrier oil base and do not apply mint oil directly to skin. Avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes.
Caution
People who experience episodes of nausea that are unexplained or last longer than a few days should see their doctor. If the nausea is caused by a head trauma, seek immediate medical assistance. Pregnant women, people with gallstones, those who will be placed under anesthesia or those who are about to undergo surgery should talk with their physician before using ginger. Do not take ginger if you take blood-thinning medications or if you have a bleeding disorder. People with allergies to menthol should not use peppermint or spearmint.
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