During vomiting, there is an effective rejection of gastric contents. Conversely, nausea simply refers to the imminent urge to vomit. It is a very unpleasant symptom linked to many conditions: food poisoning, gastroenteritis, food intolerance, motion sickness (or motion sickness)… It can also occur during more surprising situations such as in the event of emotional shock of hyperglycemia. or even during intense exercise, but also after chemotherapy. When we feel blotchy, we often need a natural remedy that is easy and quick to prepare to relieve the discomfort. So, discover the best herbal teas to prepare to calm temporary nausea.
Causes of nausea
Nausea is an unpleasant feeling of wanting to vomit, often accompanied by cold sweats and dizziness. They can be caused by many causes, such as gastrointestinal infections, digestive disorders, migraines or even sensory stimuli (strong odors or disturbing images).
Emotions, stress and anxiety also play a role because the brain releases chemicals that stimulate the nausea trigger zone in the brainstem. Movements (by car or boat) also trigger conflicting signals between the inner ear and the eyeswhich causes nausea linked to motion sickness. Likewise, certain medications, hormonal changes (pregnancy), or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux or food poisoning are common causes of nausea.
In short, nausea results from protective reaction of the body to irritants or abnormal signals. If acting on the cause is essential (just like consulting a doctor or health professional in the event of frequent or persistent nausea to be diagnosed and treated), certain herbal teas have a very effective effect on nausea.
1) Ginger herbal teas against nausea
Of all the natural remedies for nausea, ginger is among the best known. Pregnancy, seasickness, chemo… This rhizome helps soothe nausea of all origins thanks to its ability to relax digestive muscles. Excellent for the digestive system, it helps inhibit certain transmitters from the vomiting center. This gives it a strong antiemetic power, whether in candy, in herbal tea or in 500 mg capsules. Moreover, be careful with these capsules in pregnant women: do not exceed 1 g during the first trimester and 2 g for the following ones. To prepare your infusion, grate some ginger and let it infuse for 10 minutes. in simmering water.
2) Peppermint herbal teas: excellent for nausea
Well tolerated by children and adults alike, from the age of 4, peppermint is an excellent alternative for people who cannot stand the taste of ginger. It is also a plant that is very easy to obtain in your garden or in most supermarkets. Why does it work? Mint tea has a relaxing effect on the stomach. Fresh and pleasant to drink, it acts on the nervous system and the vagus nerve to limit nausea, calm irritation and reduce digestive spasms, all with very few contraindications and notable side effects. Be careful, however, to use the plant correctly, and not the peppermint essential oil.
3) Lemon balm, very useful for calming discomfort
Very popular with pregnant women, lemon balm herbal tea helps to calm gastrointestinal spasms. Ultimately, it acts mainly like peppermint by directly targeting the nervous system. Very gentle, this plant can also be suitable for a wide audience, from 4 years old. Be careful, however, in cases of hypothyroidism, as it can have an inhibiting effect on the thyroid. It is entirely possible to combine it with peppermint if you wish. In all cases, let a pinch infuse in simmering water for 10 minutes, covered.
4) Other anti-nausea plants to use in the form of herbal teas
Many plants can help soothe nausea and you can therefore adapt your herbal teas accordingly. For example, thyme is a digestive antispasmodic which can completely relieve digestive nausea. To benefit from a relaxing effect that reduces the feeling of nausea, it is possible to rely on caraway, anise or even fennel. You can also prepare an infusion of lavender or even more simply chew a few basil leaves!
5) The recipe for anti-nausea herbal tea
In this recipe, as in all your anti-nausea infusions, lemon juice is a very effective ingredient. You can also prepare a little still or sparkling lemon water to relieve yourself and ensure your hydration. Let us also remember that lemon essential oil is one of the rare essential oils that pregnant women can use during pregnancy with good results on nausea. For a very complete herbal tea combining plants and lemonfollow our recipe! Infuse 1 teaspoon of dried mint, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of thyme for 10 minutes, covered, with the juice of half a lemon.
Here are other practical tips in addition to these herbal teas for nausea
When acute nausea occurs, avoid coffee, alcohol, raw vegetables, and also the consumption of fatty, heavy and spicy meals for a while. Opt for drinks and easy to digest foods : broth and light soups, toasted white bread and rusks, oatmeal, steamed vegetables, etc. And of course, make sure to hydrate yourself well, especially with a good herbal tea! Sip some cool water in small sips and frequently to avoid dehydration and calm the stomach without overloading it. THE lack of hydration can sometimes accentuate the feeling of nausea.
Additionally, take long, deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose, holding the air for a moment, then exhaling slowly through your mouth. There Deep breathing will help calm your nervous system and ease discomfort. You can also apply a cold compress or washcloth on your forehead can provide temporary relief by cooling the skin and distracting from the feeling of discomfort. Additionally, try to find a comfortable position. If you are sitting, try leaning forward with your back straight, or lying down with your head slightly elevated, which can reduce pressure on the stomach. Finally, avoid strong smells, including perfumes, chemicals or certain food smells, which can make nausea worse. Make sure to stay in a ventilated, cool space.
Nausea: watch closely!
It is advisable to consult a doctor to identify the cause of nausea. It is particularly better to prevent it if it continues after taking a medication, over several days or in the event of pregnancy or breastfeeding, but also if you identify symptoms such as stomach aches or severe headaches, acute chest pain, visual disturbances, severe dizziness or loss of consciousness, etc.
Let us remember that sometimes serious illnesses can hide behind : concussion (especially after a fall), heart attack, appendicitis, pancreatitis, meningitis, etc., hence the importance of consulting if in doubt. Finally, consultation is essential if nausea occurs in a child under 6 years old. Your doctor will also be able to inform you about the safety of these plant infusions depending on your situation.