When you vomit, the contents of your stomach are quickly brought up and forcefully leave your body through your mouth. This regurgitation occurs when the muscles of your stomach contract suddenly.
Some reasons for vomiting can include infection of the stomach or intestines, ears, lungs, or urinary tract, or motion sickness, especially in children. There are a number of home remedies for vomiting, including diet and other methods.
How to Stop Vomiting Naturally
Drink clear liquids frequently (in small amounts)
Take in frequent, small amounts of clear liquids. Since these are very easy for your body to digest, you are less likely to irritate your stomach and vomit them back up. Clear liquids include water, broth, tea, cranberry juice, popsicles, and Jell-O. Stay away from drinks that are carbonated, like soda, those that contain caffeine, like coffee, or have high acid content, such as lemonade, or orange and grapefruit juice.
Sip ginger tea
Consuming ginger is a known method of lessening nausea. Try ginger tea, or brew your own with ginger and honey. Drinking ginger ale, after allowing the carbonation to subside, or eating small amounts of ginger candy at 45 minute intervals can also be helpful.
Eat a BRAT diet
The BRAT diet stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast and is a known guideline to use for how to stop vomiting with diet changes. These four foods are easily digested and bland to the taste. Other foods can be eaten as well, but these are a good place to start.
It is also a good idea to eat small amounts more often rather than a large meal so that food is more easily digested by your irritated stomach. Try 6 small meals rather than 3 large meals each day. Avoiding foods that are more difficult to digest is also suggested, such as chocolate, fiber-rich vegetables, foods high in dairy or fat, fried or spicy foods, and beans.
Try rice water
Drinking rice water is a good method for how to stop vomiting, especially when you are suffering from gastritis. It is most effective when made with white rice rather than with brown rice because it digests more easily due to its high starch content.
To make rice water, boil 1 to 1.5 cups of water with a cup of rice. Drain and drink.
Brew mint tea
If you have an upset stomach, mint tea can help you to stop vomiting. To make mint tea with dried mint leaves, add a tablespoon of the leaves to 1 cup of hot water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before draining and drinking.
Fresh mint leaves can simply be chewed rather than made into tea as an alternative.
Another option is to mix a teaspoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of mint juice, and a tablespoon of honey and drink it 3 times daily.
A popular remedy for vomiting is to eat crackers. Dry toast or pretzels are also effective. These foods are easy for your body to digest and do not have a strong flavor. They can also help you to get better by providing you with energy and nutrition.
Activate pressure point
Here are some ways that outline how to stop vomiting by activating a pressure point in your wrist.
With the palm of your hand face-up, gently push on and rub the center of your wrist. You can also try placing your wrists together and pushing them towards each other.
Another method is to obtain acupressure bands, which are worn on the wrists and put pressure on the right spot on your wrists in order to relieve nausea and vomiting.
Try those techniques to relax
Relaxation as a home remedy for vomiting can include placing a cool, damp cloth on the back of your neck or forehead, and is especially effective if you are suffering from a headache. Avoid using an ice pack.
Getting some fresh air outside and breathing a bit deeply while going for a short walk can also help you feel better.
Try placing pillows under your feet when lying down to help relieve nausea.
More tips to stop vomiting
Rather than crouching while cradling your stomach or lying down, try sitting up straight and tall. Sometimes it is actually the need to burp that masquerades as nausea.
Avoid crowded areas as they may cause you to feel closed in and decrease the amount of oxygen needed. Try moving to a cool place with a light breeze.
Stay away from areas that contain food smells, smoke or perfume. As well, avoid driving, places that are stuffy, or areas that have flickering lights.
Medications such as antihistamines can help relieve nausea and vomiting that are caused by motion sickness. If you are vomiting because of an upset stomach or bacteria, an antiemetic medication can help.
Try closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. Imagine a calm environment such as a beach, lake or snowy mountainside.
The CDC recommends several procedures to help prevent viral gastroenteritis and associated vomiting. These are listed below.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after changing diapers or using the bathroom
If soap and water are not available, try using alcohol based hand cleansers
Follow hygienic practices when storing, preparing, cooking and serving food.