Tea for nausea can help relieve symptoms caused by indigestion, stomach pain, pregnancy, or stress. Options like ginger, peppermint, and fennel tea contain natural compounds that reduce the urge to vomit and help relax the stomach.
Some teas that help with nausea also have calming effects that may ease anxiety and nervousness, which are common triggers. As a result, certain herbal teas may help with both digestive discomfort and nausea related to emotional stress.
Tea may help ease nausea, but it should not be used as a substitute for medical care when needed. Different teas have specific effects, and some may not be safe for everyone, particularly during pregnancy or for people with certain health conditions.
What tea is good for nausea?
The most common teas used to help treat nausea are:
1. Ginger tea
Ginger tea contains phenolic compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which have natural antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects. It may help relieve heartburn, indigestion, pregnancy-related nausea, and nausea caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, research shows that ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, although evidence is still uncertain for some other types of nausea.
Ingredients
- 1 cm of ginger root, grated or chopped
- 1 L (4 cups) of boiling water
How to prepare
Bring the water to a boil, then add the ginger. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove the ginger and divide the tea into 3 or 4 portions. You can drink these throughout the day, about 20 minutes before meals.
Alternatively, you can use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger instead of fresh ginger, stirring it into the boiling water until it is fully dissolved.
Ginger tea for nausea should be used with caution by people taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as warfarin or acetylsalicylic acid, because large amounts of ginger may increase the risk of bleeding.
People who are pregnant are generally advised not to consume more than about 1 g of ginger per day, unless otherwise directed by their doctor or midwife. This tea should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days for self-treatment of nausea without medical advice.
Ginger tea should be used with caution in women in their third trimester and should generally be avoided by those with a history of miscarriages, vaginal bleeding, clotting problems, or a high risk of hemorrhage. If you are pregnant, make sure to talk to your doctor or midwife before consuming ginger tea.
2. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is made from the medicinal plant Mentha piperita and is rich in volatile oils such as menthol and menthone, which have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming, and analgesic effects. These properties can help relieve nausea associated with stomach aches, indigestion, or stomach ulcers.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh peppermint leaves, chopped (or 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried or ground) peppermint leaves
- 150 mL (5 oz) of boiling water
How to prepare
Place the peppermint leaves in a teacup and pour the boiling water over them. Let the mixture steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain out the leaves. You can drink this tea 3 to 4 times per day.
Peppermint tea should generally be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for people with a history of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), as it may increase gastric sensitivity and worsen symptoms.
3. Fennel tea
Fennel tea contains compounds such as anethole, estragole, and camphor, which have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive properties.
These help reduce stomach inflammation and burning and promote gastric emptying, making fennel a good option for relieving nausea, especially when it is related to indigestion or reflux.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the seeds to a cup of boiling water, cover, and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain out the seeds and drink. You can have 2 to 3 cups per day, about 20 minutes before meals. Another option is to use pre-made fennel tea bags.
Fennel tea is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
4. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is rich in phenolic compounds such as apigenin, quercetin, and patuletin, which have anti-inflammatory and calming effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
These actions can help relieve problems like indigestion, cramping, gastritis, and ulcers, all of which may cause nausea and vomiting. Chamomile also contains soothing properties that may help to relieve nausea related to anxiety.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers
- 250 mL (1 cup) of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the dried chamomile to a cup of boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain the tea and drink it.
You can drink this tea up to 3 times per day and, if you like, sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey. Another option is to prepare chamomile tea using premade teabags, which are available in most grocery stores.
5. Licorice tea
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. It may help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with heartburn, stomach ulcers, stomach ache, or indigestion.
Licorice tea should not be consumed during pregnancy. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, consuming large amounts of oral licorice extract during pregnancy is unsafe and may increase the risk of preterm delivery.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of licorice root
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Honey to sweeten
How to prepare
Add the licorice to a cup of boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then strain the tea and sweeten with honey if desired. You can drink this tea up to twice a day.
Licorice tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with a history of high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney disease.
6. Boldo tea
Boldo tea, made from either Peumus boldus leaves or Plectranthus barbatus leaves, is rich in rosmarinic acid. This compound has digestive, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent effects that can help reduce stomach acid and improve fat digestion. It may help relieve nausea associated with heartburn, indigestion, gastritis, hangovers, or food intolerance.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of chopped boldo leaves
- 150 mL (5 oz) of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the boldo leaves to the boiling water and let them steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain the tea and drink it while warm. You can drink this 2 to 3 times per day, before or after meals, and you may also take a cup before bed to aid digestion after dinner.
Boldo tea can cause side effects, especially if it is consumed in large amounts or for more than 20 days in a row. It is not recommended for pregnant women or for people with a history of acute hepatitis, gallstones, inflammation of the bile ducts, or pancreatitis.
7. Lemon tea
Lemon tea contains a compound called limonene, which may help relieve nausea related to anxiety, indigestion, or constipation. It also has a soothing effect on the stomach and intestines.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of water
- 3 cm of lemon peel
How to prepare
Bring the water to a boil, then add the lemon peel. Cover and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then drink it warm without adding any sweeteners.
8. Cumin tea
Cumin tea is rich in compounds like luteolin and apigenin, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. These can help relieve nausea, cramping, and gas, especially when related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of cumin leaves or 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 200 mL (7 oz) of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the cumin to the boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea, and drink up to 2 or 3 cups per day.
9. Clove tea
Clove tea can help reduce stomach pain and inflammation because it contains eugenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is a good option to help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by stomach aches, and it may also be used to soothe a sore throat.
Ingredients
- 10 cloves
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare
Place the cloves in the water and boil for 5 minutes. Then cover the pot and let the mixture cool, strain it, and drink it twice a day.
10. Lavender tea
Lavender is another good option for relieving nausea and vomiting, especially when these symptoms are linked to anxiety attacks or labyrinthitis. It contains substances with a calming and soothing effect.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon of lavender flowers
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the lavender to the boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain and drink 1 cup in the evening before bed. Lavender tea should not be consumed by pregnant women or by people with a history of stomach ulcers or lavender allergy.
11. Star anise tea
Star anise tea is rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant and digestive effects, which can help relieve nausea caused by indigestion, especially after heavy or fatty meals.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of star anise
- 500 mL (2 cups) of boiling water
- Honey to sweeten (optional)
How to prepare
Pour the boiling water into a cup and add the star anise. Cover the cup and let the tea cool, then strain it, sweeten with honey, and drink. You can drink this tea up to 3 times a day while cold symptoms last.