How to Get Rid of Nausea

Nausea is an uncomfortable sensation — usually felt in the stomach, sometimes in the throat — that makes you feel like you might vomit, even if you don’t. It is not an illness on its own, but a symptom that something in the body is out of balance.

Many common factors can cause nausea, including:

• Eating too quickly or choosing rich, greasy foods
• Motion sickness during car rides, flights, or boat trips
• Stress or anxiety, which affect the gut–brain connection
• Mild dehydration, especially in winter when people drink less water
• Hunger or low blood sugar after long gaps between meals
• Medications like antibiotics, ibuprofen, iron supplements or multivitamins
• Pregnancy-related nausea, often called morning sickness

Most causes are mild and go away quickly. However, nausea from infections, migraines, digestive issues or severe dehydration may need medical attention.

Knowing what triggers your nausea can help you manage your symptoms better. It also makes it easier to find the right remedies when nausea happens.

These remedies work best for mild and short-term nausea. They can help reduce symptoms, but they should not replace medical care for serious or ongoing issues.

Start with small sips of water, electrolyte drinks, ginger tea or peppermint tea. Warm clear liquids can soothe the stomach. Ice chips work well if drinking feels difficult.

When you’re ready to eat, stick to easy foods like crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce, rice or oatmeal. Small portions help avoid worsening nausea symptoms.

Skip greasy, spicy or heavy foods along with strong smells. These often make nausea worse.

Ginger tea or ginger chews may help settle the stomach. Some people find essential oils, including peppermint oil, helpful for treating nausea when used safely and sparingly.

Open a window or step outside for a moment. Sit upright or rest with your head elevated. Lying flat can worsen symptoms.

Deep breathing, gentle stretching, or short breaks can help calm nausea made worse by stress or anxiety.

For nausea from cancer treatment, talk to your care team about prescription anti-nausea medications.

If vomiting occurs, give your stomach time to recover. Take small sips of fluid or ice chips to avoid dehydration. Avoid solid foods, strong smells and heavy drinks until the vomiting stops. When you feel better, slowly reintroduce bland foods.

Keep taking prescription medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you can’t keep medicines down, call your provider for guidance.

Some nausea is more serious or long-lasting and may require evaluation by a healthcare professional. These causes include:

• Respiratory illnesses such as colds, the flu, RSV, or COVID-19
• Digestive system infections, including norovirus and food poisoning
• Migraines, which often come with nausea and sensitivity to light
• Digestive disorders such as GERD, gastritis, ulcers, gallbladder disease or IBS
• Inner ear problems that affect balance and trigger dizziness or nausea
• Appendicitis or severe abdominal pain, which requires urgent care
• Kidney or liver problems, which may cause ongoing nausea
• Cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea from chemotherapy or radiation
• Severe dehydration, especially after prolonged vomiting or illness

Seek medical help right away if nausea occurs along with severe stomach pain, blood in your vomit or black stools, a high fever, a stiff neck or a severe headache. Fainting, confusion, extreme weakness or nausea after a head injury should also be evaluated immediately.

These warning signs are important to know, but it’s equally true that most nausea is not caused by a serious problem.

“Your doctor is there to help you,” says Dr. Lester. “In the majority of situations, nausea can be treated easily at home and does not indicate a more serious underlying condition but always check with your primary care physician if you have any doubts.”