Morning Sickness: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting many people experience during early pregnancy, typically peaking in the first trimester.
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You wanted a natural remedy you can take yourself. Ginger is one of the most widely used foods and herbs for settling pregnancy queasiness, and it's easy to work into your day as tea, capsules, or candies.
Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy nausea: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea severity better than placebo, though it made less difference to vomiting itself.
Dose or use Try it as ginger tea, chews, or capsules spread across the day; many people use roughly 1 gram of ginger daily in divided amounts. Start small to see how your stomach responds, and check with your care provider.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 31937153): Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy — across 13 RCTs (1,174 women), ginger significantly improved overall symptoms and nausea severity versus placebo, but did not significantly reduce vomiting episodes.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional use across more than one traditionTime to resultsSome people feel calmer within an hour of a dose; steady daily use over a few days tends to help most.Traditional useClassical use across multiple traditions
Caution: Generally well tolerated in pregnancy in food-like amounts; large doses can cause heartburn or mild reflux. Talk to your provider if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
You wanted a supplement you can take. Vitamin B6 is one of the most commonly suggested first steps for pregnancy nausea because it's simple, low-cost, and gentle.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a long-standing first-line option for pregnancy nausea, and a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that taking it significantly improved nausea and vomiting symptoms during pregnancy.
Dose or use Commonly taken as pyridoxine tablets, often around 10-25 mg every 6-8 hours as needed. Confirm the amount and timing with your OB, midwife, or pharmacist before starting.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2023, PMID 36719452): The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies found pyridoxine supplementation, alone or combined, significantly improved nausea and vomiting scores.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional use across more than one traditionTime to resultsMany people notice some easing within a day or two of starting.Traditional useClassical use across multiple traditions
Caution: Generally considered safe in pregnancy at these amounts; don't exceed your provider's recommended dose, as very high long-term intake can cause nerve tingling. Check with your care provider first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Acupressure requires no equipment and can be practiced independently at home throughout the day.
Some small studies suggest that applying targeted finger pressure to the Neiguan point may help with morning sickness in early pregnancy, though the overall evidence is preliminary and mixed.
Dose or use Using your thumb or fingertips, apply firm, steady pressure (or small circles) to the Neiguan/PC6 point on the inner wrist — about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons. Hold 2-3 minutes per side, both wrists, and repeat a few times a day or whenever nausea hits. Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) give continuous pressure hands-free.
Key study Small RCT (1992, PMID 1407927): Neiguan point acupressure was studied for morning sickness control in early pregnancy.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Limited human trials so farTime to resultsMay take days to 2 weeks of consistent use, if it helpsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk in pregnancy. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your care provider.
You wanted a natural remedy you can take yourself. Ginger is one of the most widely used foods and herbs for settling pregnancy queasiness, and it's easy to work into your day as tea, capsules, or candies.
Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy nausea: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea severity better than placebo, though it made less difference to vomiting itself.
Dose or use Try it as ginger tea, chews, or capsules spread across the day; many people use roughly 1 gram of ginger daily in divided amounts. Start small to see how your stomach responds, and check with your care provider.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 31937153): Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy — across 13 RCTs (1,174 women), ginger significantly improved overall symptoms and nausea severity versus placebo, but did not significantly reduce vomiting episodes.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional use across more than one traditionTime to resultsSome people feel calmer within an hour of a dose; steady daily use over a few days tends to help most.Traditional useClassical use across multiple traditions
Caution: Generally well tolerated in pregnancy in food-like amounts; large doses can cause heartburn or mild reflux. Talk to your provider if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
You wanted a supplement you can take. Vitamin B6 is one of the most commonly suggested first steps for pregnancy nausea because it's simple, low-cost, and gentle.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a long-standing first-line option for pregnancy nausea, and a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that taking it significantly improved nausea and vomiting symptoms during pregnancy.
Dose or use Commonly taken as pyridoxine tablets, often around 10-25 mg every 6-8 hours as needed. Confirm the amount and timing with your OB, midwife, or pharmacist before starting.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2023, PMID 36719452): The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies found pyridoxine supplementation, alone or combined, significantly improved nausea and vomiting scores.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional use across more than one traditionTime to resultsMany people notice some easing within a day or two of starting.Traditional useClassical use across multiple traditions
Caution: Generally considered safe in pregnancy at these amounts; don't exceed your provider's recommended dose, as very high long-term intake can cause nerve tingling. Check with your care provider first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Acupuncture is performed by a trained practitioner, making it ideal if you're open to in-person professional care.
Beyond its long traditional use for nausea, a large sham-controlled trial found that daily acupuncture modestly reduced nausea-and-vomiting scores in women with moderate to severe pregnancy sickness.
Dose or use Delivered in-office by a licensed acupuncturist. A typical course is weekly 20-40 minute sessions over several weeks, adjusted to how you respond. Choose a practitioner experienced with pregnancy, and tell your OB or midwife you're receiving acupuncture.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2023, PMID 37335994): Acupuncture and Doxylamine-Pyridoxine for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy — in a 352-woman, multicenter, double-blind, sham-controlled 2x2 factorial trial, daily acupuncture modestly reduced nausea-and-vomiting (PUQE) scores versus sham.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks with regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a practitioner experienced in treating pregnant clients; always inform your OB or midwife about any complementary care.
You wanted something simple you can do yourself, anywhere — keeping a small bottle of lemon essential oil to sniff the moment queasiness hits is about as easy and portable as it gets.
In a double-blind randomized trial of 100 pregnant women, inhaling lemon essential oil at the first sign of nausea lowered nausea-and-vomiting scores over four days compared with placebo.
Dose or use Put 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue (or use a personal aromatherapy inhaler) and take a few slow breaths of the scent as soon as nausea starts. Do not swallow essential oils.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2014, PMID 24829772): The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial — 100 pregnant women who inhaled lemon essential oil at the onset of nausea had significantly lower nausea-and-vomiting (PUQE-24) scores over four days than the placebo group.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsThe scent works in the moment; in the trial, scores improved over the first 2-4 days of regular use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Inhaled lemon aroma is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy; do not ingest essential oils or apply undiluted oil to skin. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Gentle remedy for queasiness
Why it may be relevant
You wanted a natural remedy you can take. Peppermint tea or a whiff of peppermint is a mild, pleasant way to take the edge off nausea and settle an unsettled stomach.
Peppermint has long been used for nausea, stomach aches, and indigestion, making it a soothing option for everyday morning-sickness queasiness.
Dose or use Sip peppermint tea as needed through the day, or breathe in a little peppermint aroma when queasiness rises. Keep it to modest, food-like amounts.
Key study Traditionally used for nausea and stomach upset; offered on that traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften brings a bit of relief within minutes to an hour.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Usually gentle, but peppermint can worsen heartburn or reflux, which is common in pregnancy — ease off if it makes that worse. Check with your provider if unsure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
You wanted a natural remedy you can take yourself. Ginger is one of the most widely used foods and herbs for settling pregnancy queasiness, and it's easy to work into your day as tea, capsules, or candies.
Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy nausea: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea severity better than placebo, though it made less difference to vomiting itself.
Dose or use Try it as ginger tea, chews, or capsules spread across the day; many people use roughly 1 gram of ginger daily in divided amounts. Start small to see how your stomach responds, and check with your care provider.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2022, PMID 31937153): Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy — across 13 RCTs (1,174 women), ginger significantly improved overall symptoms and nausea severity versus placebo, but did not significantly reduce vomiting episodes.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional use across more than one traditionTime to resultsSome people feel calmer within an hour of a dose; steady daily use over a few days tends to help most.Traditional useClassical use across multiple traditions
Caution: Generally well tolerated in pregnancy in food-like amounts; large doses can cause heartburn or mild reflux. Talk to your provider if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
You wanted a supplement you can take. Vitamin B6 is one of the most commonly suggested first steps for pregnancy nausea because it's simple, low-cost, and gentle.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a long-standing first-line option for pregnancy nausea, and a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that taking it significantly improved nausea and vomiting symptoms during pregnancy.
Dose or use Commonly taken as pyridoxine tablets, often around 10-25 mg every 6-8 hours as needed. Confirm the amount and timing with your OB, midwife, or pharmacist before starting.
Key study Meta-Analysis (2023, PMID 36719452): The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies found pyridoxine supplementation, alone or combined, significantly improved nausea and vomiting scores.
EvidenceSupported by controlled trials · Centuries of traditional use across more than one traditionTime to resultsMany people notice some easing within a day or two of starting.Traditional useClassical use across multiple traditions
Caution: Generally considered safe in pregnancy at these amounts; don't exceed your provider's recommended dose, as very high long-term intake can cause nerve tingling. Check with your care provider first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Gentle remedy for queasiness
Why it may be relevant
You wanted a natural remedy you can take. Peppermint tea or a whiff of peppermint is a mild, pleasant way to take the edge off nausea and settle an unsettled stomach.
Peppermint has long been used for nausea, stomach aches, and indigestion, making it a soothing option for everyday morning-sickness queasiness.
Dose or use Sip peppermint tea as needed through the day, or breathe in a little peppermint aroma when queasiness rises. Keep it to modest, food-like amounts.
Key study Traditionally used for nausea and stomach upset; offered on that traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften brings a bit of relief within minutes to an hour.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Usually gentle, but peppermint can worsen heartburn or reflux, which is common in pregnancy — ease off if it makes that worse. Check with your provider if unsure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
You wanted something simple you can do yourself, anywhere — keeping a small bottle of lemon essential oil to sniff the moment queasiness hits is about as easy and portable as it gets.
In a double-blind randomized trial of 100 pregnant women, inhaling lemon essential oil at the first sign of nausea lowered nausea-and-vomiting scores over four days compared with placebo.
Dose or use Put 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue (or use a personal aromatherapy inhaler) and take a few slow breaths of the scent as soon as nausea starts. Do not swallow essential oils.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2014, PMID 24829772): The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial — 100 pregnant women who inhaled lemon essential oil at the onset of nausea had significantly lower nausea-and-vomiting (PUQE-24) scores over four days than the placebo group.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsThe scent works in the moment; in the trial, scores improved over the first 2-4 days of regular use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Inhaled lemon aroma is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy; do not ingest essential oils or apply undiluted oil to skin. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
This wrist pressure point can be stimulated anytime, anywhere — no appointment needed.
Some small studies suggest that pressing PC6 on the inner wrist may help ease nausea in early pregnancy, though results across studies are mixed.
Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons — 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily or as needed.
Key study Small RCT (1988, PMID 3418660): P6 acupressure was associated with less morning sickness; later reviews report mixed results.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Limited human trials so farTime to resultsSome people notice relief within minutes of pressing; consistent use may help over daysTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk in pregnancy. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your care provider. (Tip: Sea-Bands — acupressure wristbands — give this point continuous, hands-free pressure.)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Gentle remedy for queasiness
Why it may be relevant
You wanted a natural remedy you can take. Peppermint tea or a whiff of peppermint is a mild, pleasant way to take the edge off nausea and settle an unsettled stomach.
Peppermint has long been used for nausea, stomach aches, and indigestion, making it a soothing option for everyday morning-sickness queasiness.
Dose or use Sip peppermint tea as needed through the day, or breathe in a little peppermint aroma when queasiness rises. Keep it to modest, food-like amounts.
Key study Traditionally used for nausea and stomach upset; offered on that traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften brings a bit of relief within minutes to an hour.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Usually gentle, but peppermint can worsen heartburn or reflux, which is common in pregnancy — ease off if it makes that worse. Check with your provider if unsure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
A second self-press point for nausea
Why it may be relevant
You wanted something simple you can do yourself. SP4 is a foot point you can press anytime to settle a queasy stomach, and it pairs naturally with PC6 on the wrist.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, SP4 (Gongsun) on the Spleen meridian is a well-known point for nausea, digestive upset, and pregnancy-related queasiness.
Dose or use Find the point on the inner side of the foot, in the dip below and in front of the base of the big-toe joint. Press firmly with your thumb, 2-3 minutes per foot, both sides, repeating when nausea comes on.
Key study Traditionally used for nausea and pregnancy queasiness; this specific use is offered on a traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften eases queasiness within minutes of pressing; may help more with regular use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your care provider.
–
Pressure point
ST36 (Zusanli)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Leg point to calm a queasy stomach
Why it may be relevant
You wanted something you can do yourself. ST36 is an easy-to-find leg point long used to ease digestive upset and nausea, so it's another hands-on option for on-the-go relief.
ST36 (Zusanli) on the Stomach meridian is one of the best-known points in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting digestion and settling nausea.
Dose or use Find the point about four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone. Press firmly with your thumb, 2-3 minutes per leg, repeating a few times a day or when nausea rises.
Key study Traditionally used to support digestion and ease nausea; offered on a traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay ease queasiness within minutes; often works best with consistent use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, check in with your care provider.
What kind of relief sounds most doable for you?
I like the idea of quick scent-based relief I can keep in my bag for the moment queasiness starts
You wanted something simple you can do yourself, anywhere — keeping a small bottle of lemon essential oil to sniff the moment queasiness hits is about as easy and portable as it gets.
In a double-blind randomized trial of 100 pregnant women, inhaling lemon essential oil at the first sign of nausea lowered nausea-and-vomiting scores over four days compared with placebo.
Dose or use Put 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue (or use a personal aromatherapy inhaler) and take a few slow breaths of the scent as soon as nausea starts. Do not swallow essential oils.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2014, PMID 24829772): The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial — 100 pregnant women who inhaled lemon essential oil at the onset of nausea had significantly lower nausea-and-vomiting (PUQE-24) scores over four days than the placebo group.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsThe scent works in the moment; in the trial, scores improved over the first 2-4 days of regular use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Inhaled lemon aroma is generally considered low-risk in pregnancy; do not ingest essential oils or apply undiluted oil to skin. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Gentle remedy for queasiness
Why it may be relevant
You wanted a natural remedy you can take. Peppermint tea or a whiff of peppermint is a mild, pleasant way to take the edge off nausea and settle an unsettled stomach.
Peppermint has long been used for nausea, stomach aches, and indigestion, making it a soothing option for everyday morning-sickness queasiness.
Dose or use Sip peppermint tea as needed through the day, or breathe in a little peppermint aroma when queasiness rises. Keep it to modest, food-like amounts.
Key study Traditionally used for nausea and stomach upset; offered on that traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften brings a bit of relief within minutes to an hour.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Usually gentle, but peppermint can worsen heartburn or reflux, which is common in pregnancy — ease off if it makes that worse. Check with your provider if unsure. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or midwife before taking any supplement or herb.
Acupuncture is performed by a trained practitioner, making it ideal if you're open to in-person professional care.
Beyond its long traditional use for nausea, a large sham-controlled trial found that daily acupuncture modestly reduced nausea-and-vomiting scores in women with moderate to severe pregnancy sickness.
Dose or use Delivered in-office by a licensed acupuncturist. A typical course is weekly 20-40 minute sessions over several weeks, adjusted to how you respond. Choose a practitioner experienced with pregnancy, and tell your OB or midwife you're receiving acupuncture.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2023, PMID 37335994): Acupuncture and Doxylamine-Pyridoxine for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy — in a 352-woman, multicenter, double-blind, sham-controlled 2x2 factorial trial, daily acupuncture modestly reduced nausea-and-vomiting (PUQE) scores versus sham.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 2–4 weeks with regular sessionsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Seek a practitioner experienced in treating pregnant clients; always inform your OB or midwife about any complementary care.
Acupressure requires no equipment and can be practiced independently at home throughout the day.
Some small studies suggest that applying targeted finger pressure to the Neiguan point may help with morning sickness in early pregnancy, though the overall evidence is preliminary and mixed.
Dose or use Using your thumb or fingertips, apply firm, steady pressure (or small circles) to the Neiguan/PC6 point on the inner wrist — about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons. Hold 2-3 minutes per side, both wrists, and repeat a few times a day or whenever nausea hits. Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) give continuous pressure hands-free.
Key study Small RCT (1992, PMID 1407927): Neiguan point acupressure was studied for morning sickness control in early pregnancy.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Limited human trials so farTime to resultsMay take days to 2 weeks of consistent use, if it helpsTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk in pregnancy. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your care provider.
This wrist pressure point can be stimulated anytime, anywhere — no appointment needed.
Some small studies suggest that pressing PC6 on the inner wrist may help ease nausea in early pregnancy, though results across studies are mixed.
Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb on the inner wrist, about three finger-widths below the wrist crease, between the two tendons — 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily or as needed.
Key study Small RCT (1988, PMID 3418660): P6 acupressure was associated with less morning sickness; later reviews report mixed results.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Limited human trials so farTime to resultsSome people notice relief within minutes of pressing; consistent use may help over daysTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk in pregnancy. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your care provider. (Tip: Sea-Bands — acupressure wristbands — give this point continuous, hands-free pressure.)
–
Pressure point
SP4 (Gongsun) - Spleen 4
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
A second self-press point for nausea
Why it may be relevant
You wanted something simple you can do yourself. SP4 is a foot point you can press anytime to settle a queasy stomach, and it pairs naturally with PC6 on the wrist.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, SP4 (Gongsun) on the Spleen meridian is a well-known point for nausea, digestive upset, and pregnancy-related queasiness.
Dose or use Find the point on the inner side of the foot, in the dip below and in front of the base of the big-toe joint. Press firmly with your thumb, 2-3 minutes per foot, both sides, repeating when nausea comes on.
Key study Traditionally used for nausea and pregnancy queasiness; this specific use is offered on a traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsOften eases queasiness within minutes of pressing; may help more with regular use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, contact your care provider.
–
Pressure point
ST36 (Zusanli)
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Leg point to calm a queasy stomach
Why it may be relevant
You wanted something you can do yourself. ST36 is an easy-to-find leg point long used to ease digestive upset and nausea, so it's another hands-on option for on-the-go relief.
ST36 (Zusanli) on the Stomach meridian is one of the best-known points in Traditional Chinese Medicine for supporting digestion and settling nausea.
Dose or use Find the point about four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone. Press firmly with your thumb, 2-3 minutes per leg, repeating a few times a day or when nausea rises.
Key study Traditionally used to support digestion and ease nausea; offered on a traditional basis rather than paired here with a controlled-trial citation.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsMay ease queasiness within minutes; often works best with consistent use.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Gentle and low-risk. If nausea is severe or you can't keep fluids down, check in with your care provider.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Morning Sickness, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Morning Sickness itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
We track 7 natural options for Morning Sickness — what each is typically used for, usual dose, cautions, and the study behind the ones with real trial data.
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