10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Nausea

Herbal decoctions for nausea are concentrated liquid preparations made by steeping herbs in hot water, providing a natural remedy for alleviating nausea and vomiting.

These decoctions work by soothing the stomach and calming the nervous system, helping to reduce symptoms associated with morning sickness, motion sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Examples of effective herbal decoctions include ginger, peppermint, and chamomile teas, which have been shown to improve quality of life for pregnant women, travelers, and cancer patients alike.

By incorporating these decoctions into their daily routine, individuals can experience relief from debilitating symptoms, allowing them to live a more comfortable and normal life.

The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for nausea, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Piper methysticum

Kava decoctions helps with nausea because of its unique blend of bioactive compounds that work synergistically to soothe the digestive system.

The kavalactones present in kava have been shown to relax the muscles in the stomach, reducing spasms and discomfort associated with nausea. Additionally, kava's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the gut, which can exacerbate nausea symptoms.

By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, kava decoctions can also alleviate anxiety-related nausea often experienced during periods of stress or travel.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum decoctions that help with nausea.

• Sterols and steroid alkaloids: These constituents have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the stomach and intestines.
• Phenolic compounds: These compounds have been shown to have a relaxing effect on the muscles in the stomach and intestines, reducing spasms and cramping that can contribute to nausea.
• Long-chain aliphatic alkaloids: These constituents have a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce the anxiety and stress that often contribute to nausea, allowing the body to relax and recover from nausea-inducing situations.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Rhyzomes: The rhizomes of Piper methysticum contain bioactive compounds that help alleviate nausea by interacting with the nervous system.
• Leaves: Piper methysticum leaves are used to make decoctions that help reduce nausea due to their ability to calm the stomach and reduce inflammation.
• Barks: The barks of the plant contain antispasmodic properties that help relax the stomach muscles, reducing nausea and vomiting.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for nausea.

1. Harvest the fresh roots of piper methysticum and clean them thoroughly in cold water for 2 minutes.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces weighing about 1 gram per 250 milliliters of water for decoction.
3. Combine the chopped roots with 250 milliliters of boiling water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the decoction to steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container for consumption.

2. Zingiber officinale

Ginger decoctions helps with nausea because its natural compounds, particularly gingerols and shogaols, have potent anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

These compounds stimulate digestion, reduce inflammation in the stomach, and help to absorb nutrients more efficiently. This can help alleviate symptoms of nausea, such as queasiness, bloating, and discomfort. The warming sensation of ginger decoctions also helps to relax the stomach muscles, reducing spasms that can contribute to nausea.

As a result, drinking herbal ginger decoctions has been traditionally used to calm digestive issues and provide relief from nausea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale decoctions that help with nausea.

• Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties, which help to alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation in the stomach and preventing the release of chemical signals that trigger nausea.
• Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties, and they also have a direct effect on the nervous system to help reduce nausea and vomiting.
• 6-gingerol: This compound has a specific effect on the stomach and intestines to help reduce inflammation and alleviate nausea, and it also has a direct effect on the nervous system to help calm the stomach and prevent nausea.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used because they contain similar compounds to the rhizome, which help in alleviating nausea and vomiting.
• Buds: The buds are used due to their high concentration of essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help in reducing nausea.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for nausea.

1. Measure 2-3 grams of dried zingiber officinale root and place in a heat-resistant glass cup.
2. Add 250 milliliters of cold water to the cup containing the zingiber officinale root.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes or until the liquid is warm.
4. Remove the cup from heat and let it steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.

3. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint decoctions helps with nausea because it stimulates digestion and alleviates symptoms of indigestion, which often accompany nausea.

The menthol in peppermint relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms that can exacerbate nausea. Additionally, peppermint's calming properties help to reduce stress and anxiety, common triggers of nausea.

By soothing the digestive system and promoting relaxation, peppermint decoctions provide natural relief from nausea and promote a sense of calm and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita decoctions that help with nausea.

• Menthol: Menthol acts as a local anesthetic and analgesic in the stomach, helping to reduce inflammation and pain associated with nausea.
• Rohitol: Rohitol helps to relax the stomach muscles and reduce spasms, which can contribute to nausea.
• Eugenol: Eugenol has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help to calm the stomach and reduce nausea-inducing inflammation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Leaves: Leaves are widely used due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which have natural anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
• Roots: Roots are often used for their ability to stimulate digestion and alleviate nausea due to their content of menthone and other essential oils.
• Stems: Stems are commonly used to make decoctions for nausea relief due to their rich content of menthol and menthone, which help to calm the stomach and reduce nausea.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for nausea.

1. Harvest 25-30 grams of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and stems for the decoction.
2. Chop the harvested mentha x piperita into small pieces to increase surface area for extraction.
3. Combine the chopped mentha x piperita with 500 milliliters of boiling water in a heat-resistant container.
4. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow for optimal extraction of the plant's active compounds.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container.

4. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm decoctions helps with nausea because of its calming and soothing properties.

The herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to possess antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to relax the digestive tract and reduce inflammation that can contribute to nausea.

Additionally, lemon balm's sweet and citrusy flavor can help to distract from unpleasant sensations in the stomach, providing a sense of comfort and relief for individuals experiencing nausea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis decoctions that help with nausea.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helping to reduce inflammation in the stomach and alleviate nausea.
• Volatile oils: These terpenes have a calming effect on the digestive system, reducing muscle spasms and alleviating nausea and vomiting.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, helping to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea and vomiting.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Leaves: They are rich in essential oils, particularly limonene and linalool, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties to help alleviate nausea.
• Stems: The stems contain a higher concentration of essential oils compared to other parts, including geranial, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
• Flowers: The flowers are rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that help to reduce inflammation and alleviate nausea.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for nausea.

1. Harvest melissa leaves and flowers from a clean and dry environment ensuring freshness.
2. Measure out 2 tablespoons of melissa leaves and flowers to use in the decoction.
3. Combine the measured melissa leaves and flowers with 1 quart of boiling water in a saucepan.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the decoction steep for 5-10 minutes to release its properties.
5. Strain the decoction and discard the solids to obtain the liquid herbal remedy.

5. Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel decoctions helps with nausea because it has natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive system.

The essential oils present in fennel, such as anethole and limonene, have been shown to reduce inflammation and spasms in the stomach and intestines, thereby alleviating symptoms of nausea. Additionally, fennel's carminative properties help to expel gas and alleviate bloating, further reducing discomfort and promoting a sense of calm and relief.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to treat digestive issues, and its benefits are backed by scientific research.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare decoctions that help with nausea.

• Fenchone: It helps alleviate nausea by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, which calms the nervous system and reduces the sensation of nausea.
• Anethole: It aids in nausea relief by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which reduce inflammation and alleviate stomach cramps associated with nausea.
• Phenolic compounds: They contribute to nausea relief by showcasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the stomach lining and reduce oxidative stress associated with nausea.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are commonly used to make decoctions for nausea due to their carminative properties, which help to alleviate digestive discomfort.
• Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are used to make decoctions for nausea because they contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, helping to soothe the digestive system.
• Stems: Foeniculum vulgare stems are utilized to make decoctions for nausea due to their ability to stimulate digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and nausea.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for nausea.

1. Gather 2-4 teaspoons of dried foeniculum vulgare roots and 1 teaspoon of dried foeniculum vulgare seeds.
2. Measure 2 cups of water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil at 212 degrees fahrenheit.
3. Combine foeniculum vulgare roots and seeds into the boiling water and reduce heat to 195 degrees fahrenheit.
4. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth into a cup and discard the solids.

6. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice decoctions helps with nausea because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

This can help to soothe an irritated stomach lining, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with nausea. Additionally, the licorice root has been shown to have antispasmodic effects, which can help to relax the muscles of the digestive tract, further alleviating symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

As a result, herbal licorice decoctions may be a gentle and effective way to find relief from nausea-related discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra decoctions that help with nausea.

• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps with nausea by inhibiting gastric acid secretion and reducing inflammation in the stomach, which in turn alleviates nausea and vomiting.
• Licoricidin: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce nausea by soothing the stomach lining and minimizing irritation.
• Isoliquiritigenin: This flavonoid compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to reducing nausea by protecting the stomach lining from damage, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Roots: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are commonly used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate nausea.
• Roots: The roots of this plant are also widely used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, including nausea, due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Roots: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are a popular ingredient in many herbal decoctions for nausea relief, as they are believed to calm the stomach and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for nausea.

1. Harvest 5-10 roots of glycyrrhiza glabra from a reputable source and wash thoroughly.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces to release their active compounds and increase bioavailability.
3. Combine the chopped roots with 1 liter of distilled water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes to release the medicinal properties.
5. Strain the decoction using a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove the solids and discard the solids.

7. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile decoctions helps with nausea because of its soothing properties that calm the digestive system.

The apigenin and bisabolol present in chamomile bind to receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety-like feelings that often exacerbate nausea.

Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory effects help alleviate stomach discomfort and cramping, making it a natural remedy for alleviating nausea and promoting a sense of calmness in those who suffer from morning sickness or motion-induced nausea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla decoctions that help with nausea.

• Apigenin: A flavonoid that helps reduce nausea by interacting with the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety-related symptoms.
• Chamazulene: A sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and promoting a soothing effect on the stomach.
• Alpha-bisabolol: A sesquiterpene that has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, which can help calm the stomach and reduce nausea by preventing muscle contractions and inflammation in the digestive tract.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Flowers: They are used due to their high concentration of apigenin and bisabolol, which have anti-inflammatory and calming effects, helping to alleviate nausea.
• Leaves: They are used as they contain a lower concentration of apigenin and bisabolol compared to flowers, but still contribute to the decoction's medicinal properties.
• Stems: They are used due to their ability to hold the medicinal properties of the plant together and contribute to the decoction's overall efficacy.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for nausea.

1. Harvest 10-15 fresh flowers of matricaria chamomilla on a sunny day for optimal potency.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a warm place with good air circulation for 1 week.
3. Grind 2 teaspoons of dried flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Combine 1 teaspoon of powder with 1 cup of boiling water and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids to obtain the liquid extract.

8. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion decoctions helps with nausea because of its unique combination of bitter compounds, which stimulate digestive enzymes and enhance gut motility.

The plant's leaves and roots contain inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome. This natural balance can alleviate nausea symptoms by reducing inflammation, regulating digestion, and calming the stomach.

Additionally, dandelion's bitter taste stimulates saliva production, helping to neutralize excess stomach acid and soothe the stomach lining.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale decoctions that help with nausea.

• Taraxasterol: This triterpenoid saponin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract.
• Chicoric acid: A phenolic acid found in Taraxacum officinale, chicoric acid has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract.
• Taraxasterol glycosides: These triterpenoid saponins have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Roots: They are the most used part due to their high concentration of inulin, which helps alleviate nausea and digestive issues.
• Leaves: The leaves are used because of their high content of sesquiterpene lactones, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-emetic properties.
• Flowers: The flowers are commonly used due to their ability to stimulate digestion and alleviate nausea, possibly due to their content of sesquiterpene lactones and other bioactive compounds.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for nausea.

1. Harvest 20-30 taraxacum officinale roots after the plant has bloomed and dried them for two weeks.
2. Chop the dried taraxacum officinale roots into small pieces weighing about 10 grams per cup of water.
3. Combine the chopped taraxacum officinale roots with 1 liter of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes to release its medicinal properties and flavors.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container.

9. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree decoctions helps with nausea because its unique composition of antioxidants, flavonoids, and terpenes has a soothing effect on the digestive system.

The decoction's gentle anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the stomach, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with nausea.

Additionally, the Maidenhair tree's natural bitter taste can stimulate digestion and improve gut motility, allowing for more efficient elimination of toxins and alleviating symptoms of nausea.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba decoctions that help with nausea.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the stomach, thereby relieving symptoms associated with nausea and vomiting.
• Bilobalide: This triterpene is believed to help with nausea by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters associated with nausea, such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).
• Quercetin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate nausea by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract and improving gastrointestinal motility.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Leaves: These are the most commonly used part of Ginkgo biloba, as they contain a high concentration of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate nausea.
• Buds: Ginkgo biloba buds contain bioactive compounds that have been traditionally used to treat nausea, as they are thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help soothe the stomach.
• Seeds: The seeds of Ginkgo biloba are used to make decoctions for nausea, as they contain a compound called bilobalide, which is believed to have a calming effect on the digestive system and help alleviate nausea.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for nausea.

1. Harvest 30 grams of ginkgo biloba leaves and clean them thoroughly with lukewarm water.
2. Cut the leaves into small pieces to increase their surface area for infusion.
3. Combine the ginkgo biloba leaves with 2 liters of water in a large saucepan.
4. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes then reduce heat to a simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.

10. Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm decoctions helps with nausea because of its mucilaginous properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

The decoction's emollient effects calm inflammation and irritation in the stomach and intestines, reducing discomfort and relieving symptoms such as bloating and cramping. Additionally, slippery elm's natural anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that can contribute to nausea and vomiting.

By promoting a healthy digestive environment, slippery elm decoctions offer effective relief from nausea and related digestive issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra decoctions that help with nausea.

• Tannins: Tannins in Ulmus rubra decoctions may help with nausea by reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive tract, thereby alleviating nausea and discomfort.
• Flavonoids: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in Ulmus rubra, may help with nausea by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive system and alleviate nausea.
• Phenolic acids: Caffeic acid, a phenolic acid present in Ulmus rubra, may help with nausea by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the production of nausea-causing compounds, thereby reducing nausea and vomiting.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make decoctions for nausea.

• Roots: The roots of Ulmus rubra are used to make decoctions for nausea relief due to their ability to ease digestive issues and promote healthy gut flora.
• Leaves: The leaves of Ulmus rubra are used to make decoctions to treat nausea as they have been traditionally used to calm digestive issues and soothe stomach upset.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for nausea.

1. Gather 1-2 cups of fresh ulmus rubra leaves and twigs for decoction preparation.
2. Clean the gathered material by gently brushing off any dirt and debris.
3. Combine the cleaned ulmus rubra material with 4 cups of water in a saucepan.
4. Boil the mixture for 10-15 minutes to release the active compounds from the plant.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a container.

What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for nausea?

The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with nausea is ginger and peppermint.

Ginger, being a natural anti-inflammatory, helps to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. Peppermint, on the other hand, calms the digestive system and alleviates cramps. When combined, these two decoctions create a powerful duo that effectively addresses nausea and its underlying causes.

This natural remedy is particularly effective for relieving morning sickness, motion sickness, and other types of nausea.

What ailments similar to nausea are treated with herbal decoctions?

Ailments similar to nausea/decoctions.html">nausea/decoctions.html">nausea that are treated with herbal decoctions are digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Herbs like peppermint, chamomile, and licorice root are commonly used in decoctions to soothe the stomach and alleviate discomfort.

Other conditions, such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and anxiety, can also be treated with herbal decoctions, as they help to calm the body and mind.