Nausea remedies: fast relief, natural options & when to seek help

Feeling queasy ruins your day. Here’s a plain‑spoken guide to what actually helps nausea — quick fixes you can try now, natural options that work for many people, and clear signs you should see a doctor.

Fast fixes you can try right away

Start with breathing and position. Sit up, keep your head still, and take slow, deep breaths. Fresh air helps — open a window or go outside for a few minutes.

Drink small sips of clear fluids. Water, weak tea, or an electrolyte solution prevents dehydration without upsetting your stomach. Avoid big gulps.

Try the BRAT approach for food: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are bland, easy to digest and can settle your stomach better than greasy or spicy foods.

Ginger is a simple, evidence‑backed remedy. Ginger tea, candied ginger, or ginger chews often reduce nausea from motion or stomach bugs. Peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint candy also calms the gut for some people.

Acupressure at the P6 point (three finger widths from your wrist crease, between the two tendons) can cut nausea for many. Wrist bands made for motion sickness use this pressure and are cheap and drug‑free.

OTC and prescription options — what to know

For motion sickness, over‑the‑counter options like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine can help if taken before travel. They may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving.

Antacids or H2 blockers can relieve nausea tied to heartburn. For persistent acid reflux, proton pump inhibitors like pantoprazole (Protonix) are used long‑term — check our Protonix article for more on that.

Prescription antiemetics such as ondansetron are common when nausea is severe — for example, after chemo or with bad gastroenteritis. Talk to your doctor before using prescription meds; they pick the right drug and dose for your situation.

For pregnancy nausea, ginger and vitamin B6 often help. Some people need prescription options; an OB‑GYN can guide safe choices during pregnancy.

If motion sickness is your problem, practical tips help: sit in the front seat, face forward, fix your gaze on the horizon, avoid reading, and keep cabin air moving. Our piece on motion sickness treatments covers new options and practical advice.

When vomiting is due to a stomach bug, rest and gradual rehydration are key. If symptoms last more than 48 hours, or you can’t keep fluids down, seek medical care. See our vomiting and gastroenteritis article for recovery tips.

When to get urgent help: severe dehydration, blood in vomit, a high fever, fainting, confusion, or vomiting that won’t stop. Also call if nausea follows a head injury or if you’re pregnant and can’t hold fluids.

Bottom line: try simple fixes first — position, fluids, ginger, bland foods, and acupressure. Use OTC meds for predictable causes like motion sickness. See a provider for severe, persistent, or worrying symptoms.

Want more? Browse related guides on this site about motion sickness, vomiting, and acid reflux to find targeted strategies for your situation.