The chilly season often brings its own set of challenges—colds, flu, stress, and indulgence in rich holiday (delicious) foods. But one common side effect of these seasonal shifts is nausea, an unpleasant sensation that can QUICKLY ruin your day or night. While over-the-counter medications can help, herbal remedies offer a natural, gentle alternative that you may already have at home!

In this week’s post, we’ll dive deeper into why ginger and mints are effective remedies for nausea, their history of use in herbal medicine, and how you can make herbal tinctures at home to soothe nausea during the cold, flu, and holiday season. Though these aren’t the only things you can try for nausea, it’s great to have on hand if you need them!

Understanding Nausea and Its Causes

Nausea is a complex symptom often caused by various triggers, including:

• Seasonal Illness: The flu, common cold, or a stomach virus can leave you feeling queasy and in need of something to soothe the stomach.
• Overeating: Holiday feasts, with their abundance of rich, greasy foods, can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to gas, bloating, indigestion, and nausea.
• Stress and Anxiety: The pressures of the holiday season, like traveling, hosting, family drama, or managing packed schedules, can certainly result in stress-induced nausea and an upset stomach.
• Motion Sickness: Travel by car, plane, or boat during the holidays can disrupt your equilibrium.

Understanding the root cause of your nausea can help you choose the most effective remedy.

Why Ginger and Mint Work for Nausea Relief

Ginger has been used for over 5,000 years in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western Herbalism, and folk remedies worldwide. This zesty root is famous for its anti-nausea properties, thanks to active compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which relax the stomach muscles and improve gastrointestinal motility.

Scientific studies back its effectiveness for nausea caused by:

• Motion Sickness: Ginger has been shown to reduce dizziness, sweating, and vomiting.
• Pregnancy: It is a safe remedy for morning sickness.
• Post-surgery, ginger can help reduce nausea after anesthesia.

Peppermint: A Time-Tested Remedy for Comfort

Peppermint has been treasured for centuries in herbal medicine, from ancient Egypt and Greece to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This aromatic herb is celebrated for its versatility, particularly for respiratory and digestive support. Its cooling sensation and therapeutic properties come from menthol, an active compound that soothes and refreshes the body.

Scientific studies support peppermint’s benefits in managing:

• Digestive Discomfort: Peppermint relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating bloating, gas, and indigestion.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Peppermint oil capsules have been shown to reduce symptoms like abdominal pain and cramping.
• Respiratory Health: The menthol in peppermint can ease congestion and open airways, making it a common choice for soothing colds and coughs.

Peppermint’s pleasant taste and wide-ranging benefits make it a staple in herbal remedies for both the body and mind.

How to Make Your Own Herbal Remedies

Homemade herbal tinctures are a fantastic way to harness the power of plants. Not only are they potent and effective, but they’re also easy to prepare with just a few ingredients you may have at home or in the garden! These tinctures are made using the folk method. The folk method is a great way for beginners to make their own herbal remedies. Feel free to use the mathematical tincture method for a more precise formula and dosage.

1. Ginger Root Tincture

A ginger tincture is a versatile remedy that’s easy to carry and use when nausea strikes.

Ingredients:

• Dried ginger root
• High-proof alcohol (at least 80 proof)
• A clean, dry glass jar with a tight lid
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

Add Ginger to Clean Jar: Add the dried ginger root to your glass jar, filling it about halfway.

Add Alcohol: Pour alcohol over the ginger, leaving about an inch of space at the top but making sure all plant matter is covered.

Stir: Stir to ensure all plant matter is combined and saturated with the alcohol.

Seal and Store: Place parchment paper on top, tightly seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar daily.

Strain: After 4-6 weeks, strain the tincture through a cheesecloth into a clean jar or dropper bottle.

Label: Clearly label your tincture with the name and preparation date.

How to Use:

Take 1-2 droppers (20-40 drops) diluted in water or tea when feeling nauseous. You can use it up to 3 times a day.

Additional Tips for Combating Nausea Naturally

Staying Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea. Sip on herbal teas like ginger or peppermint throughout the day.

Aromatherapy: The scent of peppermint essential oil has been shown to reduce nausea in some individuals.

Eating Small Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent nausea caused by overeating.

Deep Breathing: Stress-induced nausea can often be relieved with simple relaxation techniques.

When to Use These Remedies

• During Illness: Combat nausea caused by colds, flu, or a stomach virus.
• After Large or Heavy Meals: Relieve digestive discomfort from rich, heavy foods.
• While Traveling: Prevent motion sickness on trips.
• For Stress-Induced Nausea: Calm your stomach when seasonal stress takes its toll.

Why Choose Herbal Remedies?

Herbal remedies like ginger and mint tinctures are natural, cost-effective, and free of the side effects that some over-the-counter medications can cause. They also align with the body’s natural healing process, making them a gentle and effective choice for most people.

By incorporating these remedies into your wellness routine, you’ll be better equipped to handle nausea during the cold, flu, and holiday season. Plus, making your own tinctures is a rewarding way to deepen your connection with herbal medicine and nature. It is a beautiful gift to have these options and knowledge available to help us when we are not feeling our best.

Have you tried using ginger or mint for nausea relief? Have you ever made your own tincture? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below!

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. While herbs are generally safe for most people, it’s important to be mindful of any health conditions or medications you may be taking. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns or are pregnant, as some herbs may interact with medications or have contraindications.