Nausea is the worst. It’s a symptom that usually leads to, well, you know, spending time in the bathroom. And if it doesn’t actually lead to that then it just forces you to spend all day feeling queasy with no relief on the horizon.

5 Natural Remedies for Nausea + Morning Sickness

I’m currently in my sixth month of combatting this nasty little symptom (no, morning doesn’t always go away after the first trimester!). I’d like to think I’ve found a few solid remedies that bring real relief. Let’s start off with my favorite/go-to remedy:

1. Citrus

Citrus fruit, specifically lemons and clementines, seemed to come quickly to my aid if I happened to have a run-in with nausea while out and about. I make sure to never leave the house without one (or a few) of each in my purse. If I find I’m getting a bit carsick, I just pull out a lemon, scratch the surface and breathe in the refreshing scent.

How to use

• Freeze lemon, lime, and orange wedges and pull one out when you feel queasy.
• Keep bowls of citrus fruit around your house for when you need a pick me up.
• Add lemon essential oil to your room diffuser to help clear the air and fill your house with that fresh, citrus scent.
• Add lemon to your drinking water throughout the day.

2. Acupuncture/acupressure

My first experience with acupuncture was when I was approximately 12 weeks pregnant. I was at the end of my rope, trying desperately to stay away from having to get a prescription. I finally took the advice of a trusted friend and an appointment with an acupuncturist. I went, enjoyed the soothing atmosphere at the spa, let myself be pampered, and really tried to focus all my energy on having this treatment be a healing process.

After the appointment I came home, spent more time bonding with my toilet, and went to bed feeling like nothing would ever work for me. But! I awoke the next morning feeling amazing. I was refreshed and full of energy. I spent the next two and a half days singing the praises of acupuncture to everyone I came into contact with.

How to use

• Each acupuncture treatment is specially tailored to you, so be sure to explain your symptoms when calling to make your appointment to be treated for nausea. Also, be sure go in well-hydrated and don’t go to your appointment on an empty stomach.
• Depending on how your body reacts, weekly or bi-weekly appointments may be necessary to keep the “yucks” at bay with acupuncture.

3. Fresh air

Depending on the time of year, laying outside on a blanket in the sun may or may not be an option for you. Even in the coldest months (and some might argue that it’s even more important in the coldest months) it’s a good idea to pop your head out of your cozy warm house to get a big healthy gulp of fresh air. Often times, this is the quickest remedy to being overcome with nausea. Simply run outside or open a window and drink in the fresh air.

How to use

• Take a short walk. Sometimes just getting outdoors and changing your focus can trick your body into feeling better.
• Go for a ride. Hop on your bike, or roll the windows down in the car and let the wind wash over you.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint seems to have the same effect on people that citrus can have. The smell is fresh and clean and cools your senses while calming your tummy. While peppermint candies can be enticing, try going straight to the source first.

How to use

• Make a pot of soothing peppermint tea.
• Chew directly on peppermint leaves
• Add peppermint oil to your room diffuser or dab on your wrists.

5. Ginger

Ginger has a long tradition of being a safe, effective nausea remedy. A review by the medical journal Obstetrics and Gynecology confirms that ginger is effective in relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy without any side effects or adverse outcomes.

How to use

• Ginger tea. Shave a few slices of ginger into a cup of hot water, add a bit of honey and a lemon wedge and you’re on your way. Other soothing teas blends are also available at the health food store, look for those specifically blended for nausea.
• Ginger chews are pretty easy to find in the candy section at natural food stores and are a great option to carry around in your bag if you are suffering from frequent nausea.
• Ginger ale -just try to grab the all natural stuff and take small sips until you start to feel relief.

What are some of your natural remedies for nausea?