During my studies in India (which lasted 6 years) I experienced food poisoning, vomiting, upset tummy, and many other digestive problems innumerable times. It was quite an inconvenience as it would happen all the time and at the worst possible moments. The last thing anyone needs while in medical school is to be constantly sick. Some of the local doctors I would go to would actually get annoyed by me as they thought I was neglecting my health.

The truth is, I was having a very hard time adjusting to the diet as most restaurants and food services were run with extremely poor hygiene. The local people didn’t seem to have a problem as they grew up with this and developed a stronger immunity towards these things, but it really gave me a roller-coaster ride with my health. During this time, I came across the following potent remedies for stopping vomiting.

Evidence-Based Remedies

1. Ginger

Ginger is a known digestive, carminative, and anti-inflammatory, yet many people underestimate its anti-emetic effects. In fact, ginger is the sole ingredient in Dramamine’s “All natural” anti-emetic sold as an OTC drug in the USA.

In multiple clinical trials, ginger has proven to be a potent anti-emetic herb for seasickness, morning sickness, and even chemotherapy-induced nausea (see study).

Taking one glass of hot water with a teaspoon of dry ginger powder and sipping on this continuously can be very effective in counteracting vomiting, nausea and even mild food poisoning.

2. Lemon Essential Oil (Aromatherapy)

Lemon juice is known as a common home remedy for nausea, poor appetite, and other gastrointestinal issues, however, I have found that simply inhaling lemon essential oil can stop nausea and vomiting – this has been proven in this study.

3. Vitamin B6

This vitamin plays a key role in neurotransmitter formation, nervous system function, and the treatment of multiple chronic illnesses. Vitamin B6 has been studied for its anti-emetic properties since the 1940s. In clinical studies, Vitamin B6 has been found to be just as effective as ginger for treating nausea and vomiting (see study). In severe cases of vomiting, I combine Vitamin B6 and Ginger.

Home Remedy

1. Betel Leaves

Betel leaves are known to possess anti-emetic and anti-microbial properties. In my personal and clinical experience, I have found Betel leaves to be just as effective as several OTC anti-emetics. These can usually be purchased at any Indian grocery store.

Although betel leaves are very effective on their own, it’s better to be consumed together with the other digestive condiments that it is usually prepared with to avoid the extreme taste. This preparation is traditionally taken after meals in India and other parts of Asia.

(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

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By Dr. Nishal R.
Copyright 2017