Nausea is a common problem that most of us do experience at some point or another. For some of us it is a passing phase that can be easily remedied at home, while for others it may be a sign of a more serious condition or a side effect. Nausea induced due to motion sickness is probably the most common occurrence of all. Flu, morning sickness, food poisoning and vomiting are some of the other exceedingly common causes of nausea. There are also times when nausea may be an indication of some ailment that is far more serious, as it can at times indicate a heart attack or be symptomatic of liver or kidney disorder. Nausea is also often caused as side effect of chemotherapy in cancer patients.
Aromatherapy is believed to be a valuable natural solution to this problem, and can help deal with nausea irrespective of the causes. It is in fact used as a complimentary therapy in a number of treatments. Keeping in mind that nausea is not a disease but is merely a physical condition and generally symptom it would be unwise to consistently suppress the problem, while ignoring the root cause. If aromatherapy does not solve the problem or it requires recurrent usage you need to consult a medical professional. If you suffer from any pre existing conditions too, it would be wise to consult your health care provider, before indulging in any home remedies.
Aromatherapy for nausea can be administered using different methods:
- Massage the abdomen with a few drops of essential oil added to a carrier oil.
- Add 10 drops of essential oil to a warm bath.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to a compress and apply to the affected area.
- Used for inhalation with various devices including vaporizers, steam inhalers or burners.
Here are some effective treatments that use aromatherapy for nausea:
- Peppermint is an effective remedy for nausea or vomiting. Just add a drop or two to a sugar cube and suck on it slowly until it melts completely. Likewise a glass of water spiked with a drop or two of the oil can cure nausea.
- Ginger oil is one of the most popular remedies for nausea, and simply inhaling it with either an inhaler or by placing a few drops on a tissue can relieve the nausea.
- Spearmint and Roman Chamomile are two other potent remedies for nausea. Coriander, Fennel and Cardamom are also believed to help.
- Inhaling or breathing in any of these oils or a blend, just before or whilst traveling, can help prevent motion sickness.