Nausea: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

Acupressure at the PC6 wrist point is a practical, drug-free option for motion or everyday triggers. A large Cochrane review pooling randomized trials found PC6 stimulation — including simple wristbands — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery; evidence for motion sickness specifically is thinner, but the technique is low-risk and easy to try anywhere.

Applying pressure to the PC6 wrist point is thought to interrupt nausea signals through nerve stimulation.

Dose or use Press the PC6 point (inner wrist, 3 finger-widths below the wrist crease) firmly for 2-3 min, or wear an acupressure band as directed.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham and likely lowers the need for rescue anti-nausea medication.

Systematic reviews of randomized trials support acupuncture as a safe add-on for nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment, with the clearest benefit for controlling delayed vomiting; effects on nausea itself are promising but less certain.

Acupuncture is thought to modulate nausea-related nerve signals and may complement conventional anti-nausea care during treatment.

Dose or use Seek a licensed acupuncturist; courses typically run as weekly sessions timed around your treatment cycles. Tell your oncology or medical team before starting.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40731916): Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients — across randomized trials in patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, acupuncture was safe and effective as a complementary therapy, with the strongest benefit for delayed vomiting; benefits for nausea alone remain less certain.

Pooled results from randomized trials in people undergoing cancer treatment found aromatherapy — especially inhaled peppermint oil — meaningfully reduced treatment-related nausea, making it a low-burden add-on to try alongside your prescribed anti-nausea care.

Inhaling certain essential oils may quickly calm nausea signals through olfactory pathways.

Dose or use Inhale from a cotton pad or inhaler stick for 1-2 min as needed; follow product labeling for diffuser use.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2024, PMID 38330531): Effects of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer — across randomized controlled trials, aromatherapy significantly reduced nausea (inhaled peppermint oil performed particularly well), though it did not clearly reduce vomiting on its own.

PC6 is the most-studied acupressure point for nausea: an updated Cochrane review of randomized trials found stimulating it — by needle, band, or finger pressure — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery. It can be self-applied anytime, making it ideal for gentle, on-demand relief.

Traditionally used to settle the stomach and ease queasiness by stimulating the pericardium meridian at the inner wrist.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb 3 finger-widths below the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons, for 2-3 min on both sides, 1-2x daily.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — pooled randomized trials suggest both invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham stimulation.

A clinical study found mandala art therapy reduced nausea, vomiting, pain, and anxiety in children receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

Focused creative activity may redirect attention and activate calming nervous system responses to reduce nausea perception.

Dose or use Engage in coloring or mandala art for 20-30 minutes during or after treatment sessions, as tolerated.

Key study RCT (2026, PMID 41308533): Effects of mandala art therapy (coloring) on nausea, vomiting, pain and anxiety in children and youth receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy-related queasiness: pooled results from randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea compared with placebo, making it a sensible first thing to reach for when nausea is hormone- or pregnancy-linked.

Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are thought to calm stomach contractions and ease the nausea reflex.

Dose or use 250 mg capsules up to 4x daily, or ginger tea as needed; follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner during pregnancy.

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 — pooled randomized trials found ginger significantly relieved overall symptoms and nausea versus placebo, though it did not significantly reduce vomiting.

PC6 is the most-studied acupressure point for nausea: an updated Cochrane review of randomized trials found stimulating it — by needle, band, or finger pressure — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery. It can be self-applied anytime, making it ideal for gentle, on-demand relief.

Traditionally used to settle the stomach and ease queasiness by stimulating the pericardium meridian at the inner wrist.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb 3 finger-widths below the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons, for 2-3 min on both sides, 1-2x daily.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — pooled randomized trials suggest both invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham stimulation.

Peppermint has real clinical research behind it for nausea: in a randomized trial, simply inhaling peppermint oil sharply reduced nausea after surgery. That trial was in a post-surgery setting rather than motion sickness, but peppermint's long traditional use for queasiness makes it a low-risk option for motion or everyday nausea too.

Menthol in peppermint may relax stomach muscles and reduce nausea sensations.

Dose or use Peppermint tea: 1-2 cups as needed; enteric-coated capsules: follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner for ongoing use.

Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2024, PMID 39447066): Examining the Effect of Peppermint Oil on Postoperative Nausea After Cervical Surgery — among 76 patients, only 5.3% of those inhaling peppermint oil experienced nausea versus 47.8% with routine care, with no vomiting or rescue antiemetics in the peppermint group.

For gentle, anytime relief, SP4 is a classic partner to PC6, a foot point you can press yourself whenever queasiness hits.

In traditional Chinese medicine, SP4 is used to harmonize digestion and is considered especially helpful for nausea from pregnancy, motion, or chemotherapy.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb on the inner edge of the foot, in the hollow below and behind the base of the big toe, for 2-3 min per side, 1-2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea, especially in pregnancy, motion, and chemotherapy; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

If you just want something gentle to reach for, ST36 is a well-known point for settling digestion and easing everyday nausea and bloating.

ST36 on the Stomach meridian is traditionally used to regulate gastric function and calm nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb about four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shinbone, for 2-3 min per leg, 1-2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used to support digestion and ease nausea; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy-related queasiness: pooled results from randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea compared with placebo, making it a sensible first thing to reach for when nausea is hormone- or pregnancy-linked.

Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are thought to calm stomach contractions and ease the nausea reflex.

Dose or use 250 mg capsules up to 4x daily, or ginger tea as needed; follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner during pregnancy.

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 — pooled randomized trials found ginger significantly relieved overall symptoms and nausea versus placebo, though it did not significantly reduce vomiting.

If your nausea is tied to pregnancy, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is one of the most commonly recommended first steps for morning sickness and is gentle enough to try early.

Pooled results from clinical studies suggest vitamin B6 can take the edge off nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and it is one of the most commonly recommended first steps for morning sickness.

Dose or use Commonly 10-25 mg by mouth up to 3-4x daily for pregnancy nausea; confirm the dose with your prenatal provider before starting.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2023, PMID 36719452): The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — across 18 studies, pyridoxine alone and in combination significantly improved nausea scores, supporting its place as a common first step for morning sickness.

For gentle, anytime relief, SP4 is a classic partner to PC6, a foot point you can press yourself whenever queasiness hits.

In traditional Chinese medicine, SP4 is used to harmonize digestion and is considered especially helpful for nausea from pregnancy, motion, or chemotherapy.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb on the inner edge of the foot, in the hollow below and behind the base of the big toe, for 2-3 min per side, 1-2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea, especially in pregnancy, motion, and chemotherapy; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Since you're dealing with pregnancy nausea, it's worth checking whether you're low in vitamin B6; repleting it is the standard first step and pairs naturally with trying B6 itself.

If you're genuinely low in B6, correcting that shortfall supports your body and may help settle nausea; it's a root-cause check rather than a guaranteed fix.

Dose or use Ask your prenatal provider whether your B6 intake is adequate before adding a supplement.

Key study Low vitamin B6 is linked with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim, so ask your provider about your levels.

If your nausea is tied to early pregnancy, it's worth knowing that lower vitamin D status has been associated with more nausea and vomiting in one observational study, making this more of a status check than a treatment.

This is about checking and correcting a shortfall: if you're low in vitamin D, bringing levels back to normal supports overall health, though it isn't a proven nausea treatment.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner — especially during pregnancy — for appropriate dosing.

Key study Observational study (2026, PMID 41754208): in women with a history of pregnancy loss, lower periconception vitamin D status was associated with more nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, an association rather than proof that supplementing reduces nausea.

If you're experiencing pregnancy-related nausea, checking whether you're low in vitamin D is a practical root-cause step supported by research.

If you're low in vitamin D, correcting the deficiency may help support better nausea management, particularly in early pregnancy.

Dose or use Ask your healthcare provider for a vitamin D blood test before supplementing.

Key study Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.

Acupressure at the PC6 wrist point is a practical, drug-free option for motion or everyday triggers. A large Cochrane review pooling randomized trials found PC6 stimulation — including simple wristbands — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery; evidence for motion sickness specifically is thinner, but the technique is low-risk and easy to try anywhere.

Applying pressure to the PC6 wrist point is thought to interrupt nausea signals through nerve stimulation.

Dose or use Press the PC6 point (inner wrist, 3 finger-widths below the wrist crease) firmly for 2-3 min, or wear an acupressure band as directed.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham and likely lowers the need for rescue anti-nausea medication.

Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy-related queasiness: pooled results from randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea compared with placebo, making it a sensible first thing to reach for when nausea is hormone- or pregnancy-linked.

Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are thought to calm stomach contractions and ease the nausea reflex.

Dose or use 250 mg capsules up to 4x daily, or ginger tea as needed; follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner during pregnancy.

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 — pooled randomized trials found ginger significantly relieved overall symptoms and nausea versus placebo, though it did not significantly reduce vomiting.

PC6 is the most-studied acupressure point for nausea: an updated Cochrane review of randomized trials found stimulating it — by needle, band, or finger pressure — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery. It can be self-applied anytime, making it ideal for gentle, on-demand relief.

Traditionally used to settle the stomach and ease queasiness by stimulating the pericardium meridian at the inner wrist.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb 3 finger-widths below the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons, for 2-3 min on both sides, 1-2x daily.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — pooled randomized trials suggest both invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham stimulation.

Peppermint has real clinical research behind it for nausea: in a randomized trial, simply inhaling peppermint oil sharply reduced nausea after surgery. That trial was in a post-surgery setting rather than motion sickness, but peppermint's long traditional use for queasiness makes it a low-risk option for motion or everyday nausea too.

Menthol in peppermint may relax stomach muscles and reduce nausea sensations.

Dose or use Peppermint tea: 1-2 cups as needed; enteric-coated capsules: follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner for ongoing use.

Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2024, PMID 39447066): Examining the Effect of Peppermint Oil on Postoperative Nausea After Cervical Surgery — among 76 patients, only 5.3% of those inhaling peppermint oil experienced nausea versus 47.8% with routine care, with no vomiting or rescue antiemetics in the peppermint group.

Acupressure at the PC6 wrist point is a practical, drug-free option for motion or everyday triggers. A large Cochrane review pooling randomized trials found PC6 stimulation — including simple wristbands — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery; evidence for motion sickness specifically is thinner, but the technique is low-risk and easy to try anywhere.

Applying pressure to the PC6 wrist point is thought to interrupt nausea signals through nerve stimulation.

Dose or use Press the PC6 point (inner wrist, 3 finger-widths below the wrist crease) firmly for 2-3 min, or wear an acupressure band as directed.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham and likely lowers the need for rescue anti-nausea medication.

Systematic reviews of randomized trials support acupuncture as a safe add-on for nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment, with the clearest benefit for controlling delayed vomiting; effects on nausea itself are promising but less certain.

Acupuncture is thought to modulate nausea-related nerve signals and may complement conventional anti-nausea care during treatment.

Dose or use Seek a licensed acupuncturist; courses typically run as weekly sessions timed around your treatment cycles. Tell your oncology or medical team before starting.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40731916): Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients — across randomized trials in patients receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, acupuncture was safe and effective as a complementary therapy, with the strongest benefit for delayed vomiting; benefits for nausea alone remain less certain.

PC6 is the most-studied acupressure point for nausea: an updated Cochrane review of randomized trials found stimulating it — by needle, band, or finger pressure — may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery. It can be self-applied anytime, making it ideal for gentle, on-demand relief.

Traditionally used to settle the stomach and ease queasiness by stimulating the pericardium meridian at the inner wrist.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb 3 finger-widths below the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons, for 2-3 min on both sides, 1-2x daily.

Key study Network Meta-Analysis (2025, PMID 40938065): Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point PC6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (updated Cochrane review) — pooled randomized trials suggest both invasive and noninvasive PC6 stimulation may reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with sham stimulation.

For gentle, anytime relief, SP4 is a classic partner to PC6, a foot point you can press yourself whenever queasiness hits.

In traditional Chinese medicine, SP4 is used to harmonize digestion and is considered especially helpful for nausea from pregnancy, motion, or chemotherapy.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb on the inner edge of the foot, in the hollow below and behind the base of the big toe, for 2-3 min per side, 1-2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used for nausea, especially in pregnancy, motion, and chemotherapy; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

If you just want something gentle to reach for, ST36 is a well-known point for settling digestion and easing everyday nausea and bloating.

ST36 on the Stomach meridian is traditionally used to regulate gastric function and calm nausea, indigestion, and bloating.

Dose or use Press firmly with your thumb about four finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width outside the shinbone, for 2-3 min per leg, 1-2x daily.

Key study Traditionally used to support digestion and ease nausea; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

If your nausea is tied to pregnancy, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is one of the most commonly recommended first steps for morning sickness and is gentle enough to try early.

Pooled results from clinical studies suggest vitamin B6 can take the edge off nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and it is one of the most commonly recommended first steps for morning sickness.

Dose or use Commonly 10-25 mg by mouth up to 3-4x daily for pregnancy nausea; confirm the dose with your prenatal provider before starting.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2023, PMID 36719452): The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — across 18 studies, pyridoxine alone and in combination significantly improved nausea scores, supporting its place as a common first step for morning sickness.

Since you're dealing with pregnancy nausea, it's worth checking whether you're low in vitamin B6; repleting it is the standard first step and pairs naturally with trying B6 itself.

If you're genuinely low in B6, correcting that shortfall supports your body and may help settle nausea; it's a root-cause check rather than a guaranteed fix.

Dose or use Ask your prenatal provider whether your B6 intake is adequate before adding a supplement.

Key study Low vitamin B6 is linked with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim, so ask your provider about your levels.

If your nausea is tied to early pregnancy, it's worth knowing that lower vitamin D status has been associated with more nausea and vomiting in one observational study, making this more of a status check than a treatment.

This is about checking and correcting a shortfall: if you're low in vitamin D, bringing levels back to normal supports overall health, though it isn't a proven nausea treatment.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner — especially during pregnancy — for appropriate dosing.

Key study Observational study (2026, PMID 41754208): in women with a history of pregnancy loss, lower periconception vitamin D status was associated with more nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, an association rather than proof that supplementing reduces nausea.

If you're experiencing pregnancy-related nausea, checking whether you're low in vitamin D is a practical root-cause step supported by research.

If you're low in vitamin D, correcting the deficiency may help support better nausea management, particularly in early pregnancy.

Dose or use Ask your healthcare provider for a vitamin D blood test before supplementing.

Key study Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.

Pooled results from randomized trials in people undergoing cancer treatment found aromatherapy — especially inhaled peppermint oil — meaningfully reduced treatment-related nausea, making it a low-burden add-on to try alongside your prescribed anti-nausea care.

Inhaling certain essential oils may quickly calm nausea signals through olfactory pathways.

Dose or use Inhale from a cotton pad or inhaler stick for 1-2 min as needed; follow product labeling for diffuser use.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2024, PMID 38330531): Effects of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer — across randomized controlled trials, aromatherapy significantly reduced nausea (inhaled peppermint oil performed particularly well), though it did not clearly reduce vomiting on its own.

Peppermint has real clinical research behind it for nausea: in a randomized trial, simply inhaling peppermint oil sharply reduced nausea after surgery. That trial was in a post-surgery setting rather than motion sickness, but peppermint's long traditional use for queasiness makes it a low-risk option for motion or everyday nausea too.

Menthol in peppermint may relax stomach muscles and reduce nausea sensations.

Dose or use Peppermint tea: 1-2 cups as needed; enteric-coated capsules: follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner for ongoing use.

Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2024, PMID 39447066): Examining the Effect of Peppermint Oil on Postoperative Nausea After Cervical Surgery — among 76 patients, only 5.3% of those inhaling peppermint oil experienced nausea versus 47.8% with routine care, with no vomiting or rescue antiemetics in the peppermint group.

A clinical study found mandala art therapy reduced nausea, vomiting, pain, and anxiety in children receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

Focused creative activity may redirect attention and activate calming nervous system responses to reduce nausea perception.

Dose or use Engage in coloring or mandala art for 20-30 minutes during or after treatment sessions, as tolerated.

Key study RCT (2026, PMID 41308533): Effects of mandala art therapy (coloring) on nausea, vomiting, pain and anxiety in children and youth receiving outpatient chemotherapy.

Ginger is one of the best-studied natural options for pregnancy-related queasiness: pooled results from randomized trials found it eased overall symptoms and nausea compared with placebo, making it a sensible first thing to reach for when nausea is hormone- or pregnancy-linked.

Ginger's active compounds (gingerols and shogaols) are thought to calm stomach contractions and ease the nausea reflex.

Dose or use 250 mg capsules up to 4x daily, or ginger tea as needed; follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner during pregnancy.

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 — pooled randomized trials found ginger significantly relieved overall symptoms and nausea versus placebo, though it did not significantly reduce vomiting.

If your nausea is tied to pregnancy, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is one of the most commonly recommended first steps for morning sickness and is gentle enough to try early.

Pooled results from clinical studies suggest vitamin B6 can take the edge off nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, and it is one of the most commonly recommended first steps for morning sickness.

Dose or use Commonly 10-25 mg by mouth up to 3-4x daily for pregnancy nausea; confirm the dose with your prenatal provider before starting.

Key study Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2023, PMID 36719452): The effects of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation in nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — across 18 studies, pyridoxine alone and in combination significantly improved nausea scores, supporting its place as a common first step for morning sickness.

Peppermint has real clinical research behind it for nausea: in a randomized trial, simply inhaling peppermint oil sharply reduced nausea after surgery. That trial was in a post-surgery setting rather than motion sickness, but peppermint's long traditional use for queasiness makes it a low-risk option for motion or everyday nausea too.

Menthol in peppermint may relax stomach muscles and reduce nausea sensations.

Dose or use Peppermint tea: 1-2 cups as needed; enteric-coated capsules: follow product labeling. Consult a healthcare practitioner for ongoing use.

Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2024, PMID 39447066): Examining the Effect of Peppermint Oil on Postoperative Nausea After Cervical Surgery — among 76 patients, only 5.3% of those inhaling peppermint oil experienced nausea versus 47.8% with routine care, with no vomiting or rescue antiemetics in the peppermint group.

If your nausea is tied to early pregnancy, it's worth knowing that lower vitamin D status has been associated with more nausea and vomiting in one observational study, making this more of a status check than a treatment.

This is about checking and correcting a shortfall: if you're low in vitamin D, bringing levels back to normal supports overall health, though it isn't a proven nausea treatment.

Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner — especially during pregnancy — for appropriate dosing.

Key study Observational study (2026, PMID 41754208): in women with a history of pregnancy loss, lower periconception vitamin D status was associated with more nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, an association rather than proof that supplementing reduces nausea.