Some teas (like ginger tea, peppermint tea and fennel tea) can help to relieve nausea that is caused by indigestion, stomach ache, gastritis, ulcers or even pregnancy. These teas contain properties that help to reduce the desire to vomit and decrease stomach contractions, as well as soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
In addition, there are many teas that help to relieve anxiety, nervousness and stress, which are also contributors to nausea.
Although these teas should not replace prescribed treatment, they are a good option to relieve nausea and can be used as a complement to a treatment plan.
The most common teas used to treat nausea are:
1. Ginger tea
Ginger tea is rich in phenolic compounds like gingerol and chogaol, which have natural antiemetic action.
This tea can be used to treat heartburn, indigestion, pregnancy symptoms and nausea related to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Ingredients
- 1 cm of ginger root, grated or chopped
- 1 L (4 cups) of boiling water
How to prepare
Boil the water and add the ginger. Allow the ginger to cook in the boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the ginger and divide the tea into 3 or 4 doses. You can drink this throughout the day, about 20 minutes before meals.
Another option is to substitute the ginger root for 1 teaspoon of ginger powder. You can dilute this by stirring it into the boiling water.
Ginger tea should be avoided in people who use anticoagulants like warfarin or acetylsalicylic acid, as ginger can increase the risk for bleeding and hemorrhage. In addition, Pregnant women should not use more than 1 g of ginger per day, however there are other natural options available for women. This tea should not be used for more than 3 consecutive days.
Ginger tea should be avoided in women in their third trimester, or by women with a history of miscarriages, clotting problems or with a high risk for hemorrhaging.
2. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is prepared using the medicinal plant Mentha piperita. It is rich in volatile oils, like menthol and mint, which contain anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, calming and analgesic properties that help to relieve nausea caused by stomach aches, indigestion or gastric ulceritis.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh, dried or powdered 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. Allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. This tea can be consumed 3 to 4 times per day.
Peppermint tea should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is also not recommended for people with a history of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) as it an increase gastric sensitivity.
3. Fennel tea
Fennel tea contains anethole, estragole and campher, which are substances with antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and digestive properties. They help to relieve stomach inflammation, decrease burning and increase gastric emptying, making fennel a great option to relieve nausea. It is particularly beneficial for nausea related to indigestion or reflux.
Learn more about the benefits of fennel and what it is good for.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the seeds to the cup of boiling water. Cover the cup allow to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain out the seeds and drink. You can drink 2 to 3 cups per day, 20 minutes before meals. Another option to to use pre-made fennel teabags.
Fennel tea should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
4. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is rich in phenolyc compounds like apigenin, quercetin, and patuletin which have anti-inflammatory and calming effects on the gastrointestinal system. These help to relieve GI problems like indigestion, cramping, gastritis, and ulcers which can all cause nausea and vomiting.
Chamomile also contains soothing properties that help to relieve nausea related to anxiety. Learn more about the benefits of chamomile.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers
- 250 mL (8.5 oz) of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the dried chamomile to a cup of boiling water, cover, and allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink.
This tea can be consumed 3 times per day, and if necessary, you can sweeten it with a teaspoon of honey.
Another way to prepare chamomile tea is by using premade teabags, which can be purchased at the grocery store or pharmacy.
5. Licorice tea
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which is a substance that helps to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining. It is effective in relieving nausea or vomiting associated with heartburn, stomach ulcers, stomach age or indigestion.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of licorice root
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Honey to sweeten
How to prepare
Add the licorice to the cup of boiling water, cover, and allow to soak for 10 minutes. Then strain and sweeten with honey as desired. You can drink this tea twice a day.
Licorice tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor by people with a history of high blood pressure, cardiac problems or renal disease.
6. Boldo tea
Boldo tea, prepared with either Peumus boldus leaves or Plectranthus barbatus leaves, is rich in rosmarinic acid. This is a digestive, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and astringent property that helps to reduce stomach acid and promote fat digestion. It is useful to treat nausea caused by heartburn, indigestion, gastritis, hangover or food intolerance.
Learn more about the amazing health benefits of boldo.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of chopped boldo leaves
- 150 ml (5 oz) of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the bold leaves to the water boiling water, and allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink while warm. You can drink this 2 to 3 times per day, before or after meals. You can also consume the tea before going to bed to help with digestion after dinner.
Boldo tea can cause side-effects, especially if consumed in excess quantities for more than 20 days. It is contraindicated for pregnant women and for people with a history of acute hepatitis, gallbladder stones, biliary duct inflammation or pancreatitis.
7. Lemon tea
Lemon tea contains limonene in its composition, which helps to relieve nausea caused by anxiety, indigestion, or constipation. It has a soothing effect on the stomach and intestines.
Ingredients
- Half a cup of water
- 3 cm of lemon peel
How to prepare
Boil the water and add the lemon peel. Cover the pot for 3 to 5 minutes, and then drink while still warm, without sweetening.
8. Cumin tea
Cumin tea is rich in luteolin and apigenin, which contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions. These help to relieve nausea, cramping, and gases, especially when caused by irritable bowel syndrome.
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 boiling water, cover and allow to soak for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up 2 to 3 cups, maximum, of this tea per day.
9. Clove tea
Clove tea helps to decrease stomach pain and inflammation. It contains eugenol, which is a substance with a known anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. It is a good option to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by stomach aches.
In addition, this tea can also be used to relieve sore throats.
Ingredients
- 10 cloves
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare
Place the cloves in the water and boil for 5 minutes. Cover and allow to cool, then strain and drink twice a day.
10. Lavender tea
Lavender is another good option to relieve nausea and vomiting, especially when these symptoms are caused by anxiety attacks or labyrinthitis. Lavender contains substances with a calming and soothing action.
Ingredients
- ½ a teaspoon of lavender flowers
- 1 cup of boiling water
How to prepare
Add the lavender to the boiling water and allow to soak for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink 1 cup per day, before going to bed.
Lavender tea should not be consumed by pregnant women or with people with a history of stomach ulcers or lavender allergies.
11. Star anise tea
Star anise tea is rich in phenolic compounds that contain antioxidant and digestive properties. These can help to 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
Place the boiling water in a cup and add the star anise. Cover and allow to cool. Then strain, sweeten with honey and drink. You can drink this tea 3 times per day, while cold symptoms persist.
