9 Home Remedies for Vomiting

Pedialyte  

When your little ones are recovering from a tummy bug, you can help them feel better quickly with this homemade (and natural!) version of Pedialyte. Mix together one quart of water, a half cup of orange juice, two tablespoons of sugar, three-quarters of a teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Serve once their vomiting has stopped for a few hours. Make sure to contact a doctor if any problems persist.

Electrolytes and Vitamins

Water is not always the best medicine! When you’ve been vomiting for many hours, you’ll need to replenish the vitamins and electrolytes you’ve lost in the bathroom—and water doesn’t contain any of them. Instead of (or in addition to) water, try a few sips of (homemade) Pedialyte or dilute one part Gatorade or flat ginger ale with one part water.

Syrup

If nausea is getting the best of you, try this age-old remedy that’s probably already in your fridge: Simply slurp up one or two tablespoons of everyday maple syrup (yep, the stuff that makes pancakes taste so good!). Corn syrup and even honey can help calm your wobbly tummy. Or, you can whip up this simple sugar syrup for quick relief. Heat a half cup of sugar and a quarter cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat, and stir until the sugar melts. Remove from heat, then let cool until warm. Take one or two tablespoons to quell nausea, and repeat if necessary.

Yogurt

Cardamom is an ancient Indian spice that’s been used for ages to treat gastrointestinal troubles. Combine it with probiotic-packed yogurt and soothing honey for a fantastic multipronged nausea-fighting snack. Stir some honey and good pinch of cardamom into plain, nonfat yogurt.

Cinnamon-Ginger Tea

Got food poisoning? Many condolences: It can cause the worst vomiting you’ll experience in your entire life. When you’re feeling safe enough to drink, try this cinnamon-ginger tea to kill the invading bacteria and calm your nausea: Combine three-quarters of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a quarter teaspoon of ground ginger (or grated, fresh ginger) in a mug, pour in boiling water, and steep, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the spices and take slow, careful sips.

Don’t Buy That!

If a bout of food poisoning leads to severe vomiting and painful stomach cramps, a heating pad or hot water bottle can offer soothing relief. Don’t have one at home? You certainly won’t feel like running to the store to pick one up, and you don’t need to. This warm compress can do the trick: Warm some apple cider vinegar in the microwave or on the stovetop, then place a washcloth or small towel in the vinegar to soak it up. Wring out excess liquid, and press it against your achy stomach. Money saved: $5-15 for hot water bottle, $10-30 for heating pad.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has magical calming effects on your senses and can curb stomach upset and nausea. Make yourself a cup of peppermint tea to soothe your stomach. Or, if you’re not yet comfortable enough to drink, simply inhale its relaxing aroma.

Ginger Root

Ginger root, taken as a powder or in tea, works directly in the gastrointestinal tract by interfering with the feedback mechanisms that send sickness messages to the brain. Look for ginger root at your health food store in the form of powder, tea, or lozenges, and take some when you’re feeling nauseated to help alleviate your symptoms. Pregnant women: this is also a great trick to ease morning sickness.

Ginger Ale, Ice, and Newspaper

Nothing’s worse than a bad bout of nausea. Try this simple trick to help relieve your discomfort: Drink a little ginger ale, then chew a handful of crushed ice, and finally sniff a piece of black-and-white newspaper. It may seem like an old wives’ tale, but it works!

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