Natural Morning Sickness Remedies: 10 Things That Really Work

Looking for natural morning sickness remedies to ease your queasiness? Find the best, sometimes surprising, ways to reduce pregnancy nausea naturally.

Looking for natural morning sickness remedies to ease your queasiness? Find the best, sometimes surprising, ways to reduce pregnancy nausea naturally.

About half of pregnant women will experience vomiting during early pregnancy, and even more—up to 80 percent of women—will experience nausea to some extent along the way. So what can you do to feel better? These natural morning sickness remedies can help you get through those rough weeks (and maybe even avoid morning sickness all together).

How to avoid and treat morning sickness

First and foremost, make sure you are doing the basics… like eating a balanced diet, sleeping at least eight hours a night, and getting fresh air and exercise most days.

Here are some basic tips to eat well even when you’re feeling lousy:

  • Don’t let yourself get too hungry. You may not need a lot of extra calories daily, but you will probably find that you are hungry more often than usual, so a healthy snack (or 4!) is a great idea.
  • Eat nutritionally-dense foods. If you are too nauseous in the first trimester, stick to brown rice with sea salt, gelatin and avocado thrown in smoothies for extra protein, bone broth, fresh fruits (gummies may go down well), and anything else that you can stomach.
  • Eat balanced meals. As best as you can, eat balanced meals with adequate protein, fat, and complex carbs for the best blood sugar regulation.
  • Keep snacks handy. Keep food by your bed to nibble on before getting up in the morning. Some moms do better with carbs to help offset the nausea (think bananas and crackers), while others feel better on protein and fats.
  • Don’t take prenatal supplements on an empty stomach. Consider taking these after dinner when your stomach is full and less susceptible to queasiness. Food-based prenatals are easier on the stomach, too.
  • Try bubbly beverages. Fizzy beverages, like seltzer or ginger ale, may help settle the belly. Kombucha is another option and is safe for most moms.
  • Avoid spicy or greasy food. A bland diet is the way to go when struggling with nausea. Spicy food may contribute to heartburn and greasy food is difficult to digest. Both of these things can lead to increased nausea.
  • Chew gum. Some moms find chewing a piece of gum immediately after a meal takes away some of the nausea. Don’t chew for more than 10 minutes, as too much chewing could cause heartburn.
  • Avoid strong odors. There are studies that suggest offending aromas smell twice as strong to pregnant women.

Natural morning sickness remedies

When the above steps aren’t enough to make those early weeks bearable, consider these morning sickness remedies—but always talk to your doctor before adding any of these products to your regime.

1. Vitamin B6

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Vitamin B6

This is the classic morning sickness remedy. In fact, The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends this over-the-counter vitamin as a remedy for nausea—just note it may not help with vomiting.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any supplementation during pregnancy to see what dosage is right for you, but your doctor of midwife will probably recommend somewhere between 10-25 milligrams every 8 hours.

This is a short-term fix and it takes a couple of days to take effect, but it really can make a difference.

2. Papaya enzymes

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Papaya enzymes

Digestive enzymes can help you break down your food for optimal digestion, which helps avoid queasiness. One of the most popular morning sickness remedies is papaya enzymes, because it contains pepsin—a compound that helps break down proteins and naturally prepare the body for digestion.

Monolaurin supplements are another option for supporting your gut health. Pink Stork makes a monolaurin supplement specifically for morning sickness.

3. Ginger

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Ginger

Numerous studies suggest ginger reduces nausea and vomiting. Because of this, it’s a one of the most popular morning sickness remedies.

Try ginger tea, ginger smoothies, natural ginger ale, and ginger chews or drops at many health food stores including Whole Foods.

4. Peppermint

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Peppermint

Peppermint is great for soothing an upset stomach. You can get relief from things like tea or natural candies. Some moms find peppermint essential oil also provides enough relief.

5. Magnesium

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Magnesium

Some studies suggest magnesium deficiency (a very common problem today!) can exacerbate morning sickness.

If you’re looking for morning sickness remedies, eat plenty of high-magnesium foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and legumes. You can also Increase your magnesium stores through supplements or directly through the skin via epsom salt baths or magnesium oil.

6. Homeopathic remedies

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Homeopathic remedies

Some homeopathic options are gentle and safe morning sickness remedies, but always talk to your doctor before taking anything. Here are some popular options, as recommended by Joette Calabrese, a very well-respected homeopath:

  • Pulsatilla 30cThis is a great remedy to start with and works well for general bouts of nausea.
  • Nux vomica 30This is a good remedy if you’re experiencing vomiting or constipation.
  • Ipecac 30: If you’re constantly nauseas and/or vomiting, try this remedy for a quick fix.
  • Sepia 30c: If you’re nauseas or vomiting, but still hungry, try this natural remedy.
  • Natrum Phos. 6X: Try this if you are also experiencing acid reflux or heartburn.
  • Natrum Muriaticum 6X: This is also used for morning sickness and may even help baby get into an optimal position for birth.

7. Dandelion root tea

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Dandelion root tea

The liver is under a huge strain when you’re pregnant. Not only does it need to keep up with regular maintenance, but it has to process all of the added pregnancy hormones, too. And when the liver isn’t working well, digestion doesn’t work well.

Try dandelion root tea for liver support.

8. Citrus fruits

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Citrus fruits

It may sound counterintuitive, but grapefruit neutralizes stomach acid, which may help stave off morning sickness. (source) Try eating one grapefruit after each meal — I did this with my daughter and it worked wonders! You can also try lemon water or sugar-free lemonade for similar results.

Morning sickness elixir – Combine 1 Tbs. of raw apple cider vinegar in 1 quart of water; add the juice of 2 lemons and 1 Tbs. of raw honey, and mix. Drink throughout the day. This elixir is very alkalizing and great for alleviating a sour stomach.

9. Potatoes

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Potatoes

I found that eating potatoes helped with my morning sickness. It may be because they absorb excess stomach acid or maybe because they have alkalizing properties.

10. Acupressure

Natural Morning Sickness Remedies 10 Things That Really Work post by Mama Natural – Acupressure

Pressure points can be an amazing relief for some women who are suffering from morning sickness. There are three great pressure points you can do at home. To practice acupressure, place firm pressure on the chosen point for two minutes. For maximum benefit, repeat this every two hours.

Here are some points to try:

  1. KID 6 – This point is one thumb width below the protruding bone on your foot.
  2. KID 27 – Feel your collar bone. Use your thumb to notice the depression in the middle of your breastbone. Two thumbs width to either side of that, just below the collar bone is the pressure point.
  3. PC 6 – Look at your inner wrist. Measure three finger widths from the hand up your wrist. This is the pressure point. This is also the pressure point that is targeted with sea bands. Sea bands can be a no-fuss way of getting acupressure benefits.

Pregnant? Get my FREE week-by-week updates! – Week by Week Promo [In-article]

Track your baby’s growth, find safe and natural remedies, and have fun along the way!

Get Pregnancy Updates!

How long does morning sickness usually last?

Morning sickness usually begins around 4–6 weeks (0–2 weeks after a missed period) and usually subsides by 12–14 weeks. However, some women have a condition, hyperemesis gravidarum, that makes morning sickness not only severe, but possibly life-threatening, and it can last throughout the entire pregnancy.

All in all, morning sickness is usually not the end of the world, and will pass in time. Actually, according to this study, morning sickness may be a good sign that your pregnancy is healthy (though lack of morning sickness doesn’t mean it’s an unhealthy pregnancy!). That’s good news for those days when morning sickness hits the hardest.

How about YOU?

Did (or do) you have morning sickness? Did any natural morning sickness remedies work for you? Share with us in the comments below!

Genevieve Howland

About the Author

Genevieve Howland is a doula and childbirth educator. She is the bestselling author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth and creator of the Mama Natural Birth Course. A mother of three, graduate of the University of Colorado, and YouTuber with over 135,000,000 views, she helps mothers and moms-to-be lead healthier and more natural lives.

49 Comments

  1. Magnesium worked for me, 150 mcg before bed! Also am eating lots of small snacks all day, and sipping cold water or water with apple cider vinegar.

  2. I love your article and just made and am sipping on the morning sickness elixer. It is so yummy and I feel my nausea decreasing with each refreshing sip. I get nausea right after a normal sized meal, and mostly after dinner. Your recommendation of magnesium has helped me so much. This helped me with energy levels too. This is my first pregnancy and I am 9 weeks. This baby was a miracle and was so prayed for for years. Pregnancy symptoms have not robbed me of this blessed feeling, but sometimes communicates to my spouse that I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Men can not fully understand and I just reassure him I could never resent my child and at the end of the day, I feel so grateful for every symptom because it is the first evidence you have of that miracle growing inside of you before your baby bump arrives. Morning sickness and the constant fatigue is hard (and I also have hypothyroidism, so energy has always been on the lower side, just now feels worse!). When I discovered your book, it has given me so much knowledge and magnesium works so so well. I use a spray on magnesium oil by Ancient Minerals that you spray onto your body (arms and legs, tummy and chest is what I do), topically and rub it in well. I set my timer for 20 minutes and get dishes done usually. The timer method works well to get things done quickly that may be lingering otherwise. Then after 20 minutes, you just shower it off and it leaves your skin very soft. It also helps improve your quality of sleep. I find it is easier to fall back asleep deeper after I have to get up and pee during the night. I hope this helps some of you blessed mamas who may be suffering through these pregnancy symptoms. You are not alone in your struggle! And there are natural and simple ways to help you through to help you enjoy the miracle growing inside of you more fully. God bless!

  3. MAGNESIUM!!! I’m six weeks pregnant and have had extreme morning sickness that lasts all day. Every days it’s been getting worse and worse. The last two days it was all I could do to get off the couch and feed my kids. I have zero energy and nausea ALL day, I feel lightheaded and dizzy and my body temp is running high around 99.5 and I’m not sick just preggers. I prayed yesterday morning for God to help and I know He brought me to the blog. It was the first thing I read and magnesium stood out. I went to my cupboard and we have the mag from Costco that has the 5 types in it and I have mag lotion. I took both and still felt terrible for about 4 hours. Then around noon I woke up from a nap and literally felt like a new human being. The nausea was still slightly there but I had energy and felt great! So I took another pill (says 3 a day) and by the next morning, you all all I could cry!- I woke early, refreshed, almost zero nausea. please if you are struggling with morning sickness you need to take magnesium! I truly feel like morning sickness is a symptom of a deficiency of sorts. I did also order the b6 and unison (look up that combo on google) but I am 90% better with magnesium alone.

    • Hi! so happy the magnesium worked for you. I would love to try it as i’m just starting to feel my nausea coming on and do not want to feel the way i did with my last pregnancy. What is the specific one from costco that you used?

  4. I ate Cucumber(most especially the peel) and also ginger tea. Before then I couldn’t even stand the sight of water,now i eat normal meals. Instead of vomiting, i burp.

  5. I wish I would have found this article many, many weeks ago. I’ve tried every medication recommended by my O.B. just to have adverse reactions from all of it. The prescriptions have made me feel 10X worse on top of having HG. Your article saved me. A few days after starting magnesium and getting off all prescriptions and I feel amazing. Thank you, THANK YOU!

    • What kind of magnesium did you take?

  6. I took a few homeopathy courses and was taught that pulsatilla and sepia (and apis) can only be used under the guidance of a qualified homeopath, as they have certain abbortive properties. Pulsatilla is however safe to use during the last month of pregnancy as it can help get baby into position for delivery.

  7. Once again I want to thank Dr Odiagbe   for helping me with his herbal medicine to cure my herpes completely, i really suffered from this disease for the past 1 year, Right now I’m herpes negative after using the herbal medicine Dr Odiagbe   sent to me. I gave all thanks to God for leading me to Dr Odiagbe   who was able to cure me completely from herpes virus, Dr Odiagbe   you are the best traditional herbal doctor in the world God bless you sir. Dr Odiagbe on YouTube channel or whatsapp (+2349011108005) OR EMAIL DRODIAGBEHERBALHOME82@GMAIL. COM

  8. I’m in 6th week of pregnancy but have not started taking prenatals but planning to start by next week i.e. week 7. Will it affect my baby in any way?

  9. So; drainage is common with pregnacy? (I know I’ve been draining more lately; probably due to my pregnacy slowly catching up more this week;) (I have trouble with my sinuses; anyway); I haven’t really nauseated; (like the quiz might be right on me having a “boy”; (Glenn Lindy Keyes); but the more I looked the my body the last 3 days; I wondering if I’m having a girl. (An Elsie Renata Keyes). (or maybe even twins). Beth

  10. I started having nausea around week 6 and what has helped most was the homeopathy (Cocculine by Boiron company), anti-nausea wrist bands, pieces of frozen fruit (such as frozen strawberry) and because of severe food aversions I found that fresh green cucumber with sea salt as a starter for every meal helps a lot. Also a few sips of bitter black coffee (no milk no sugar added).

  11. I should mention that I took these enzymes on an empty stomach, so they would help with muscle healing. When taken with a meal, they help with digestion of that meal. Maybe that’s the difference between safe and risky usage.

  12. Ginger is the only thing work for me

  13. After four pregnancies with extreme morning sickness (vomiting upwards of 10 times a day) I didn’t think it could get any worse. It always started at week 6 and ended right on week 12. With my pregnancy now however it turned into all day sickness where I could not even keep drops of water down. I was severely dehydrated, my skin looked like a lizards. I was desperate for some help, and I wish I had done some research for all my previous pregnancy. Around week 9 this time around came onto your website (know about you from your book!) and ordered many of the remedies you have posted off amazon. Next day came just the topical magnesium oil and I used it that night and the next. I used about 30 spritzs which is around 350mg of magnesium that is recommended for pregnant women. I have to say what a miracle, all symptoms completely gone! I did have urgent hunger in the morning but no more nausea or vomiting!! I am so happy that I found the answer for my problem! I hope others try this too! The more I read about symptoms of magnesium deficiency the more I know that is what I have suffered from since first menstrual cycles until pregnancies now (insomnia, Charlie horses, restless legs…). Thank you for posting!!!

    • Hi! Thanks for sharing. Where did you spray the magnesium oil?

      • Mainly torso and legs. I really tried to massage it in until it dried. Helps to use a home shirt for it and it might be itchy first couple times you use but this is normal apparently.

  14. I don’t think I’ve ever shared a comment anywhere before but I felt compelled to here because I want to thank you so so so so much for writing this article/post. This is the best and most thorough article with natural research I’ve come across ever and I’ve read a TON because I had HG with my first pregnancy. I want to get pregnant again but I’m terrified- I was utterly miserable and completely out of commission not even being able to do any normal daily routines. I was so sick and dizzy. I laid on the cold floor and that was about all I could do. It was severe. This article gives me insight into several other things I can try and consider before getting pregnant again! And even if nothing works, I at least know I tried. Thank you!

  15. Peppermint tea is great, but I found that the one I like has licorice in it, not recommended for pregnancy.

    • This is my 3rd pregnancy. My 2nd one I was puking throughout my whole pregnancy even after I gave birth… so annoying! This one seems to have the same effect. Any recommendations?

  16. Hey everyone,
    Im 6 weeks pregnant and started bleeding lightly so went to see the doc. He perscibed me progesterone (duphaston 10 mg) for 2 months without even testing my progesterone levels.. I should be getting my blood test results back soon, but wanted to check if you girls know anything about the side effects of taking this during pregnancy.
    Thanks all.

    • I did IVF, so I’m taking progesterone up until week 10.

  17. Do you need a magnesium supplement if you are taking prenatals? If so, what is a low safe dosage to start at? Also, I typically get severe morning sickness a few weeks after my missed period, but I am already feeling horrible immediately after conception on my third pregnancy. It’s so weird, I literally knew I was pregnant the first week I conceived. I started having symptoms (mildly) right away. Now I am on the week of my missed period and already nauseated with a ton of vertigo. I usually have horrible vertigo during my pregnancies. Does this mean this pregnancy is going to be even worse that I am feeling this so early?

  18. Master Tung style of acupuncture fixed my morning sickness.

    • I got great relief from acupuncture as well. I was really shocked how well it worked.

  19. Hey there – thanks for this list. My wife really struggles so we will be going through this list together to see what we can change.

    John

  20. Great list! Personal hit list:
    1) small bites of rice cake before getting up in morning,
    2) AM Supplements: LoveBug probiotics, B6 (25mg), Biotics Beta-TCP, Fish Oil (200mg DHA),
    3) peppermint tea,
    4) Almond Thin crackers & fresh tart lemonade to nibble & sip throughout day,
    5) Beta-TCP to chew if nausea still hits,
    6) Cottage cheese & organic blueberries
    7) Simple carbs (instant potatoes) and boiled peas when nothing else sounds good for dinner,
    8) PM Supplements: B6, Fish Oil (200mg DHA), Rainbow Light Pre-Natal Vitamin, 1/2 Unisom.

  21. No to morning sickness tea is an organic herbal tea which contains chamomile other than many atural ingredients to stay away from nausea, dizziness, headache and vomiting. I’ve used this herbal tea that helped with my morning sickness with having no preservatives, caffeine or sugar.

  22. Thank you so much for making this website!:I just found it and I’m loving it! I read in Powerfully Pregnant by Donna Young that animal milk consumption can be a leading cause for morning sickness. So I quit eating all dairy and my last two pregnancies have been SO much better! I usually throw up every day and have to have something in my mouth constantly so that i dont feel sick. Now I hardly ever throw up during this morning sickness period. It’s been SO nice to have relief! I also have noticed a big difference from taking food enzymes!

  23. Any specific natural ginger candies (preferably hard, but okay if not) you can recommend? Thanks!

    • Gin-Gins are the best! at most grocery stores and TJMaxx/Home Goods/etc.
      They make hard and chewy ones!

  24. My sister’s doctor, and then my midwife (we are both pregnant!) both recommended vitamin B6 and unisom. I got a sample of Diclegis, a combo of the two, and it really works…. but what is the point of an antihistamine?? It’s giving me pause, not understanding how it is intended to work (even if it does), or what risks there might be in taking a daily antihistime. Any thoughts, Genevieve?

    • I have really wondered this too – why antihistamines help w/the nausea. I don’t have an exact answer but wonder if it has to do with vitamin C depletion. So many different sources suggest that liver burden/toxicity causes the nausea, and vit C plays such a huge role in handling toxic load. Vit C is a natural anti histamine, so maybe when we’re low we become much more histamine sensitive? I used amla – a naturally high vit C source and got really good results from it. I found nettle tea is also a natural antihistamine and rec’d by some midwives for morning sickness. That worked really well for me too!

      • I’m not exactly sure why Diclegis works but it was literally the only thing that worked for me. I am definitely not deficient in Vitamin C as I supplement with high dose liposomal Vit C for years before becoming pregnant. I tried literally everything that is on this natural remedy list and really didn’t want to take medication but after ending up in the hospital many times because I couldn’t even keep little amounts of fluids down. I tried medication and Diclegis is the only thing that actually helped. I am 34 weeks pregnant now and still have severe HG.

  25. I was battling with severe morning sickness and nausea but nothing was helpful to ease me unless I started taking No to morning sickness tea. It ended up my sickness within no time with no side effects.

  26. Hi, I had my gallbladder removed 5 months ago I am now 9 weeks pregnant and I’ve been nauseous, constipated, bloating I feel like I’m not digesting food properly. I really want to take ox bile I have read reviews on them and it seems to really help people. You posted to take ox bile for liver support…can I really take it? I get nervous to take anything that might harm the baby. And I have stress i think its my tummy problems causing my stress. Do you think magnesium glicerate will help? I get dizzy, headaches, anxiety. I’m hoping this will be my miracle..? FYI I felt like this before the pregnancy, I think its gotten worse with the pregnancy. My doctor says there’s nothing wrong, baby’s good and I’m good sorry if this is a long post…I just wanna have a good day. Ive been sick a long time with tummy troubles I mean years and now I don’t have my gallbladder I feel even worse. It was working at 5% causing me gallbladder attacks. I hope you have time to read this and reply, thank you!

    • I don’t see why either would be harmful but check with your doctor.

  27. Love this article! Preventative ideas, especially about nutrition, are the best.

    I share similar ideas in my recent blog about coping with extreme morning sickness, I would love it if you would take a second to check it out 🙂

    Thanks <3

  28. I have 2 children 5 and 6 and I was sick the ENTIRE time with both. I wish that I had put more effort in finding relief for my constant nausea and vomiting that lasted the entire pregnancy for both children.

    I did find, however that sipping on ice chips helped as well as keeping crackers on my nightstand and eating them BEFORE I got up after waiting about 10-15 minutes. It helped A LOT and so did Ginger Ale.

  29. I have had extreme morning sickness with all 4 of my pregnancies! Currently 37 weeks with 4th baby?. 1st pregnancy lost 30 lbs., 2nd lost 20 lbs., 3rd and 4th lost only ten. All the typical natural remedies did not work for me. Even did the dreadful route of medicine with a few to no avail. I want to simple encourage anyone who has morning sickness that doesn’t ease up around the normal time of 12-14 weeks, that your body still can support a beautiful healthy baby! By the grace of God all my children have ranged from 9lbs. – 10.2lbs.! Hang in there dear mamas…it is all worth it in the end! That is why we have done it 4 times!

    • so so so encouraging – thank you so much!! It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut during this time!!

  30. I have suffered almost unbearable morning sickness with all 6 of my pregnancies. I am currently expecting again and it hit less than a week after finding out, as usual. I have tried multiple remedies to no avail until this time and I can’t believe it! I truly wish it was the answer for every woman but I realize each of us is different. Magnesium! I was not supplementing to build my stores ahead of time but started a couple of weeks into my suffering. The difference is amazing. It went from so bad that I couldn’t function to almost never there! When I do get a bit queezy it’s super mild and always when I’m getting hungry. I am so grateful. I literally don’t know pregnancy without severe illness for 12 to 14 weeks.

  31. In the past week I’ve JUST started to feel some relief from 2 months of morning sickness. I tried every natural, homeopathic, oil, tincture under the sun and got no relief.
    The only thing that slightly helped was to nibble on something about every hour. Having an empty stomach made me feel horrible.

  32. Hi there, I think you have a small mistake here. Folate is B9, not B6. I am sure it was just a typo 🙂

    • It is not a typo. Folate is important for preventing neural tube defects, but is not the b vitamin that helps with morning sickness. I am curious about the link to the b complex. I purchased it, since I take b9, b6 and b2 anyway. Then I wondered whether I shouldn’t have since it contains high doses of niacin, which I thought are contraindicated during pregnancy. Mama Natural, please respond!

      • I did a little more research on niacin and have decided not to take a b complex while pregnant. Niacin lowers cholesterol levels. We need all the cholesterol we can get when making a baby! I will continue to take b supplements individually as seems fit and continue with a nutrient rich traditional diet. I’ve been enjoying your latest posts. Even though I already have 3 year old twins, I am still learning/reviewing and want to do all I can for a healthy pregnancy and peaceful 2nd home birth.

        • I’m not seeing where you are seeing B9. I mention B6 for nausea.

  33. I miss your videos! I haven’t seen one since your emf (which I really enjoyed) and your house tour before Christmas. I am grateful I have never had much nausea during my pregnancies.


Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required *

*

Baby Name Finder

Discover thousands of unique and popular baby names with Mama Natural’s NEW Baby Name Finder.