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Digestive Health

Nausea & Upset Stomach

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Nausea is the unpleasant sensation of needing to vomit and may occur with or without vomiting. Common causes include motion sickness, pregnancy, food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, medication side effects, and anxiety. Most cases are self-limiting and respond to supportive measures.

When to see a doctor

Severe vomiting, inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, blood in vomit, signs of dehydration (no urination, confusion, dry mouth), or nausea with severe abdominal pain require urgent care.

Natural remedies · 4

Tap any remedy for the full how-to and citation.

How we rate evidenceâ–¾

Strong - Multiple randomised controlled trials or systematic reviews with consistent positive outcomes.

Moderate - At least one RCT or several high-quality observational studies with plausible mechanisms.

Limited - Small trials, animal studies, or traditional use with limited human clinical evidence.

Sources link directly to PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, or NCCIH.

Ginger

ingestible
A 2014 meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (n=1,278 pregnant women) found ginger significantly reduced nausea vs placebo. A 2022 PMC review confirmed ginger effective for pregnancy nausea, motion sickness, and postoperative nausea. Evidence for chemotherapy-induced nausea is mixed but promising at doses under 1 g/day.
$5-$15 for a bottle of capsules; fresh root is $1-$3 per piece

P6 Acupressure (Neiguan Point)

ritual
A 2015 Cochrane review of 59 RCTs (n=7,667) found PC6 stimulation reduced postoperative nausea comparably to antiemetic drugs. A 2022 RCT (n=60 women with hyperemesis gravidarum) found P6 acupressure wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting and decreased antiemetic requirements.
$8-$12 for a pair of acupressure wristbands; free for manual fingertip pressure

Peppermint Oil Aromatherapy

topical
A 2025 systematic review in Journal of Clinical Medicine found peppermint oil inhalation significantly reduced postoperative and chemotherapy-related nausea across multiple trials, but rated certainty of evidence as LOW due to blinding challenges, small sample sizes, and risk of bias.
$8-$18 for a 15 ml bottle of essential oil; $4-$8 for peppermint tea

Bland Diet and Oral Rehydration

lifestyle
The classic BRAT diet lacks controlled clinical trial evidence and is no longer formally recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics due to nutritional inadequacy. Current evidence supports a gentle bland diet combined with oral rehydration to prevent dehydration. Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Health endorse this broader approach as practical recovery guidance.
$0-$10 for ingredients; $5-$10 for electrolyte packets or drinks

Remedy information is compiled from primary clinical sources including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Evidence ratings reflect published human trial data at time of writing. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.