Herbal Teas for Dizziness & Nausea

When you experience nausea and dizziness, you may run to the medicine cabinet and take a pill or tablet. However, there are more natural methods that may relieve the nausea and dizziness. Herbal tea is a prime example, especially teas made of peppermint, spearmint or ginger. Herbal teas are usually free of caffeine.

Types

Certain types of herbal teas are especially beneficial for upset stomachs and dizzy spells. Ginger tea, peppermint tea, and spearmint tea have been found to be some of the most effective. To make ginger tea, steep chopped ginger root pieces in water, steep ground ginger spice in water, or buy pre-packaged ginger tea. You can also make spearmint or peppermint tea with the mint plant, mint essential oil, or store-bought mint teas. Victoria Zak, in "20,000 Secrets of Tea," recommends a mixed tea of ginger and peppermint 1. She says its warming and cooling effects play off each other, while both types calm your nausea and dizziness.

Effects

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Ginger tea can be extremely effective for both dizziness and nausea. Ginger is known for relaxing the intestines 2. Zak says that ginger, peppermint and spearmint can all be beneficial for motion sickness, which has symptoms of both nausea and dizziness. Peppermint tea works because of its menthol content, which acts similarly to an anesthetic for the stomach. Spearmint has similar effects to peppermint, but is less strong and less expensive to grow.

History

Herbal teas and plants have been used medicinally throughout history. MedlinePlus explains that mint plants, including peppermint and spearmint, have been used medicinally since ancient times in Rome, Egypt and Greece. Peppermint was often used throughout history for its benefits related to nausea and digestive health. Ginger also has a long history. Zak explains that it has been used medicinally for more than 2,000 years. The World's Healthiest Foods shows that ginger was found in historical writings from Eastern cultures, including China and India 2. Like the mint plants, it has been used historically for its digestive health properties and other health benefits.

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Studies have been conducted on ginger to back up its long medicinal history. The World's Healthiest Foods shows research finding that ginger contains antioxidants and other healing properties 2. The World's Healthiest Foods also reports on double-blind studies where ginger was found to prevent motion sickness, which includes symptoms such as dizziness and nausea 2. One study compared ginger to over-the-counter and prescription motion sickness medicines, and found that ginger worked better.

Warning

MedlinePlus warns that many herbs are not controlled or researched to see how they interact with other drugs and supplements you may be taking. It recommends reading labels and discussing the herbs you want to take with your doctor. Specifically, Zak warns that ginger may worsen peptic ulcers. MedlinePlus warns that you could experience allergic reactions to peppermint or spearmint, and that too much of the menthol in them could cause negative effects, such as breathing difficulties and sores in the mouth. However, they say that small amounts are generally safe if you are not allergic. Consult with your doctor, to be safe.