Introduction
Nausea can have many causes. Almost everyone suffers from it once or several times in their life – usually gastrointestinal infections are the reason for the complaints. To relieve nausea, there are various home remedies, but also medicines that can be taken to counteract the symptoms. These preparations are medically also called antiemetics.
Active ingredient groups
H1 antihistamines act against nausea in the central nervous system by blocking special receptors of the signal substance histamine, which can otherwise cause nausea. Examples from this group of active ingredients include clemastine (Tavegil®), dimentinden (Fenistil®) and dimenhydriate (Vomex®). Prokinetics strengthen the intestinal movement.
This accelerates the passage of food and food that has been heavy in the stomach and has caused nausea is transported away more quickly. One example is the active ingredient metoclopramide (MCP). The next group of active ingredients are the dopamine receptor blockers.
In the central nervous system, these block the binding sites of the messenger substance dopamine, which plays a major role in the development of nausea. Some neuroleptics belong to this drug group. For example, the sulpiride.
Prokinetics also act by blocking the dopamine binding sites. Finally, serotonin receptor blockers block the binding sites of serotonin in the central nervous system. Serotonin is also a signal substance that can mediate nausea.
Finally, other drugs, such as muscarinic receptor blockers (e.g. scopolamine), can also be used to treat nausea. They are particularly useful in cases of nausea caused by balance disorders, such as those associated with sea sickness. Glucocorticoids, cannabinoids and other herbal agents also show efficacy in the treatment of nausea.
Home remedies
In case of nausea, depending on the cause, medication should not be taken directly. Often the complaints can be improved by simple home remedies. Nausea most often occurs in the context of an upset stomach or a gastrointestinal infection and then usually goes away by itself within a few days.
However, other causes can also lead to longer and more severe nausea, so that the person affected suffers greatly. In this case, household remedies are often a good alternative to taking medication directly. Various types of tea can be drunk for nausea.
Peppermint tea is considered to be particularly effective, as it has a relaxing and relaxing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Cumin tea has a similar effect, which also has a relaxing and antispasmodic effect on the muscles in the digestive tract. Furthermore, camomile tea and ginger tea are popular hot drinks for nausea.
In the case of stomach cramps associated with nausea, warmth is a good way to relieve these cramps. A warm cherry stone pillow or a hot water bottle on the stomach can be very effective in bringing relief. Warm compresses with lemon juice or fruit vinegar are also popular.
For some people, a warm bath, for example with yarrow or lavender as an additive, can also help with nausea. Whether this helps is something that each patient must test for himself or herself. A walk outside into the fresh air or to an open window can be very helpful in case of nausea.
An upright posture relieves the stomach and often improves the feeling of fullness. In addition, wide, comfortable clothing should be worn that does not put additional pressure on the stomach or intestines. Lemon has also been proven to be helpful for nausea.
You can either suck on a piece of lemon or drink some lemon juice – optionally mixed with water if it is otherwise too sour. In phases of nausea, only easily digestible foods should be taken. Greasy, spicy or strongly seasoned food should be avoided. Suitable foods include dry potatoes, bananas, rusks or clear soups. Coffee, alcohol and tobacco should not be included in the diet in case of nausea.
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