Think Youve Got Food Poisoning?
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Both sound tempting, but nurses have an old-school hack that might work even better: sniffing rubbing alcohol.
Turns out, the strong smell can work wonders to calm an upset stomach.
Read on to learn more about this little-known nausea remedy and why its still a go-to for many nurses.
Its not totally clear why smelling rubbing alcohol works or why it only works for some people.
director of nursing education and product management at theAmerican Nurses Association
However, medical professionals have several theories.
Another theory has to do with how fast rubbing alcohol evaporates.
It creates a cooling sensation in the nasal passages that can ease nausea in some people, Teen says.
It might also help by regulating breathing.
Is it safe?
According to Shepherd, prolonged or repeated exposure to isopropyl alcohol can irritate your nasal passages and respiratory system.
director of nursing education and product management at theAmerican Nurses Association
It also might not be a good idea for people whove dealt withinhalant misuseissues.
If youre unsure, ask your healthcare provider for advice and alternative anti-nausea hacks.
The people in this study just put a drop of peppermint oil under their noses to reap the benefits.
It helps curb nausea bychanging the pain signalsyour nerves send to your brain.
Applying pressure to the P-6 point on the wrist can provide relief, Shepherd says.
Eat small snacks or frequent meals.
Stick to low-fat and bland, starchy foods.
Just be sure to check in with your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement, though.
If home remedies arent cutting it, and youre still feeling queasy, speak with your healthcare provider.
Depending on your situation, they may prescribe you anantiemetic medicationto treat your nausealikeDramamine($3).
But if you cant shake your nausea, your body might be telling you something.
Severe or persistent nausea could be a sign of an underlying condition.
Hines S, Steels E, Chang A, Gibbons K. Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 3.
Accessed 11 October 2024.
2021 Jan;56:102587. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102587.
Epub 2020 Oct 9.
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