Peppermint for Nausea

Peppermint is one of the most effective and convenient natural remedies for nausea. It is available in a wide variety of forms, and can be applied in a number of ways. It has been shown to relive nausea related to morning sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach, nervousness, and many other causes.

Peppermint grows naturally in the United States. It can be found growing naturally in every state except Hawai’i and Alaska. It is also commonly grown in England and Japan. The peppermint grown in England is slightly less potent than that grown in the US, while the peppermint grown in Japan is a bit more potent.

Peppermint is also relatively easy to cultivate in most climates. It can be grown in a garden or containers. It does tend to expand rapidly, however, so it does need to be tended regularly to keep it from overgrowing other garden plants. Many rose gardeners grow peppermint because it repels aphids. Peppermint is also known to repel rodents.

Like many natural remedies, peppermint offers a number of health benefits in addition to reducing nausea. It has been shown to reduce the severity of stress headaches and menstrual cramps. Applied topically, it can reduce swelling, clear congestion, and soothe itching. Nutritionally, it offers both protein and dietary fiber. It also offers measurable amounts of:

  • Vitamin C
  • Manganese
  • Vitamin A
  • Copper
  • Vitamin B6
  • Calcium
  • Niacin
  • Thiamine
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Riboflavin
  • Folate

There are a number of ways to use peppermint for nausea. Perhaps the most convenient is to simply suck on peppermint candies. If you have fresh mint leaves, you can chew them (don’t swallow them). Chewing the leaves releases the oils which relive nausea. Peppermint tea is also effective against nausea.

Another option is to place a few drops of peppermint oil on a napkin or handkerchief. Hold the cloth (with the oil on it) over your mouth and nose for a few seconds, and nausea will generally subside. If you are at home, you could also place a few drops of peppermint oil in a diffuser. Alternately, you could use an oil burner. In addition to relieving nausea, it will spread a pleasant fragrance throughout your home.

Peppermint oil can also be applied topically. To do this, dilute 1% peppermint oil into jojoba or almond oil. Gently massage the solution onto your stomach/abdomen. Whether you apply peppermint topically or ingest it, it brings fast relief for nausea.