How to Use Aromatherapy for Nausea

If you’re experiencing nausea, you likely want fast relief! Nausea has many causes, including motion sickness, constipation, pregnancy, indigestion, and illness. No matter what’s causing your symptoms, you may be able to use aromatherapy to feel better. Even the Mayo Clinic has started offering some of their patients aromatherapeutic essential oil treatments for their nausea.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Just keep in mind that you should never ingest essential oils or put it on your skin undiluted, and you should check with your doctor before using essential oils.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Oils

Lemon oil drastically reduces the symptoms of nausea, especially if you’re vomiting or pregnant. Citrus is generally good for the digestive tract and lemon oil likely calms nausea because it settles the stomach. Plus, the light, citrusy scent can drown out other scents that may be causing nausea.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
Tip: While essential oils have been scientifically proven to be helpful for nausea, which scents help you depends entirely on your personal preferences. For example, it doesn’t mean that you’ll love lemon oil when you’re pregnant just because other pregnant people often find citrus scents calming.
2
Choose ginger if your stomach is upset. Drinking or eating ginger has proven to settle an upset stomach, but the aromas may help as well. The scent of ginger is a great way to calm a rough stomach if your nausea is caused by something you ate or other digestive issues.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you’re looking for a quick fix for nausea, drinking some ginger tea is a great way to feel better quickly. It’s not aromatherapy, but it’s a proven fix!^{[4]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
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3
Opt for lavender if your nausea is related to anxiety or stress. Lavender is widely recognized as a powerful stress reliever, which makes it a great option if your nausea is triggered by stress or anxiety. It’s also one the most widely beloved scents for the home, which makes it a great option if you’re diffusing the oil indoors.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Some people find chamomile to be effective for stress and anxiety as well, but it may not help with nausea. It’s worth giving it a shot if you’re not a fan of lavender, though!
4
Choose fennel if you’re nauseous and have other digestive issues. Fennel has the ability to relax the digestive tract if you’re dealing with diarrhea or flatulence. The scent is also quite woody and natural, which makes it a great option for aromatherapy. If you have any digestive issues associated with your nausea and you love the smell of the great outdoors, give fennel a shot.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Some people think that fennel smells a little like licorice or dill. It’s a pretty dynamic scent if you’re looking for something a little more unique than lemon or lavender.
5
Try peppermint oil if you’re looking for a cooling scent. Peppermint is a great option that can make you feel refreshed and settled. Keep in mind that peppermint tends to be quite strong, so you’re better off only diffusing or smelling it for a few minutes to avoid irritating your nostrils.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Do not apply peppermint oils to the skin and avoid using it for aromatherapy if any young children are around. It tends to be more likely to cause an allergic reaction and children with growing lungs may find it irritable.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Peppermint is probably one of the most divisive aromas used in aromatherapy. Many people really dislike the scent of peppermint. If you’re not a fan of minty snacks or candy, it’s probably not the best scent for you.
6
Create an oil blend if you want a dynamic, custom scent. Sometimes, a combination of essential oils works better to combat nausea than a single type alone. For example, a blend of peppermint and ginger may be great if your stomach is a little queasy but you love the cooling aroma of peppermint.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- You can also add other scents that you enjoy to an oil known for calming nausea. Since you aren’t ingesting anything or using the oil topically, there are no dangers of causing a negative reaction by mixing different oils.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Inhaling the Scent

1
Pour a few drops on to a handkerchief to smell the aroma for a moment. Sniffing the entire bottle directly can be kind of overwhelming. To make the aroma more palatable, pour 3-4 drops of the oil directly into a clean cloth or handkerchief. Hold the oily cloth 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) under your nose, close your eyes, and inhale slowly to take the aroma in.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Closing your eyes is especially important if you’re using peppermint, which can really irritate your eyes if the odors are too strong.
- This is the best way to quickly inhale the aroma.
- The oils will dry out on the cloth after a few minutes but the scent should linger for quite some time. When it does dry out, you can either add more oil or use the dry cloth as a way to inhale a softer form of the scent.
2
Diffuse the oil in your home for a longer, smoother form of aromatherapy. Diffusers are designed to release the scent of essential oil into your home. It's a more indirect way of getting the scent, but it can help reduce your nausea if you’re hanging out at home. Different diffusers work differently. Some use heat to help diffuse the scent. Others will have you drop the oil in water to create steam. Follow the directions that come with your diffuser for the best result.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- You typically have to mix the essential oil in a carrier oil, like olive or coconut oil, or water before you put the liquid in your diffuser.
3
Fill a vial with the oil and a cotton swab to take it on the go. Grab a small, airtight vial or bottle. Pour ¹⁄₂–1 teaspoon (2.5–4.9 mL) of the essential oil into the container. Then, stuff 1-2 cotton balls inside of the container and push them down until the bottom of the cotton balls come in contact with the essential oil. This is a great way to take the oil with you and take sniffs as needed to curb your nausea. Inhale the aroma by holding the opening of the bottle 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) away from your nose.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Close your eyes while doing this to keep the fumes out of your eyes.
4
Add a few drops to hot water to inhale the steam and clear your sinuses. If you have a stuffy nose and you’re nauseous, this is probably the best way to deliver the aroma. Boil some tap water on the stove and turn the heat off after the water reaches a rolling boil. Then, pour 3-4 drops into the water. Tilt your head 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) over the water and inhale the steam slowly.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Peppermint and lemon tend to be the best options if you’re trying to clear out your nose.
- This should also make it easier to breathe while your nose is clogged. The steam will loosen up any mucus or blockages in your sinuses.
- The steam should soften the aroma enough that you don’t need to close your eyes. Go ahead and close them if the fumes are too much for you, though.
Massage therapists and acupuncture specialists often use aromatherapy in conjunction with their services. Contact a masseuse or acupuncturist near you and ask them if they can use a specific oil for your session. If they can fulfill your request and you’re interested in getting acupuncture or a massage, schedule an appointment, and show up ready for some relaxation.
Tip: Neither a massage or acupuncture session will do much for your nausea, but they’re great ways to relax and get some good self-care in!
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

When to Seek Medical Care

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Check with your doctor before using essential oils. While essential oils are often safe, they aren’t right for everyone. Some essential oils can trigger an allergic reaction or irritate your skin. Additionally, they might interfere with your medication or cause complications if you have certain conditions. Always talk to your doctor before using essential oils to make sure they’re safe for you.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Tell your doctor which oils you plan to use and what you’re hoping to treat.
- If you’re pregnant, make sure your doctor approves each essential oil you plan to use, as not all of them are safe.
2
Treat your underlying medical condition that’s causing the nausea. If you have general nausea or morning sickness, you might not need to worry about this. However, you may need to use other treatments if an illness is causing your nausea. Aromatherapy only treats the symptom, so you’ll still need to treat your underlying condition to get better. See your doctor for a diagnosis and take your medication as directed.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- If you’re in doubt, call your doctor to see if they recommend coming in for a visit. You might be able to treat your nausea at home.
3
See your doctor if your nausea is persistent or recurring. Your nausea could have many causes, and it’s best to consult your doctor to find out what’s going on. It’s possible that your nausea is a symptom of another condition. Your doctor can figure out what’s causing your nausea so you can finally get relief.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Your nausea is persistent if it lasts for several days, and it’s recurring if it goes away and comes back.
4
Talk to your doctor if nausea is causing you to lose weight. If you’re so nauseous that it’s hard for you to eat, it’s best to see your doctor. This could be a sign that something is wrong. You’re likely fine, but consult your doctor to find out what’s going on.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Your doctor may also be able to give you advice on how to control your nausea so you can eat regular meals.
Sometimes nausea can be a symptom of a serious condition. Try not to worry because you’re likely going to be okay. However, you need to get a proper diagnosis and treatment if you may have a serious medical condition. ^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Seek urgent care if you experience the following serious symptoms:
Nausea with a severe headache.
Nausea with signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark urine, weakness, and dizziness.
Nausea with vomit that looks bloody, like coffee grounds, or green.
Nausea with vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain or cramping, blurred vision, confusion, high fever, stiff neck, rectal bleeding, and fecal odor or material in your vomit.
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Warnings

Always check with your doctor before starting essential oils. If you don't know the cause of your nausea, your doctor may be able to help.
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