How to Stop Throwing Up and Settle Your Stomach (2025)

To stop throwing up, start by resting your stomach, sipping clear fluids, and gradually introducing bland foods like crackers or toast. Natural remedies such as ginger tea, acupressure, or deep breathing may also help ease nausea and prevent further vomiting.

If symptoms persist or worsen, a healthcare provider can check for dehydration and recommend treatment. In some cases, prescription medications may be needed to control nausea and help your body recover.

Stay Hydrated

When you're nauseous or throwing up, staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to help your body recover. Vomiting causes fluid loss, and without enough fluids, your body cannot function properly.

Even mild dehydration can make nausea worse, leave you feeling weak or dizzy, and slow down your recovery. Drinking small amounts of clear fluids frequently can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, making it easier for your body to stabilize and stop vomiting.

The best fluids for hydration are clear, non-acidic, and low in sugar. Some good options include:

• Water: The best option for hydration
• Electrolyte drinks: Like Pedialyte or Gatorade and other sports drinks
• Clear broth: Such as chicken or vegetable broth
• Ginger ale: Choose a flat, non-carbonated variety
• Fruit juice: Dilute it with water to reduce acidity and sugar
• Coconut water: A natural source of electrolytes
• Sugar-free popsicles or Jell-O: Can help hydrate slowly if you're having trouble keeping fluids down
• Ice chips: Another great option for slow hydration

To prevent nausea from worsening, take small, frequent sips of clear fluids rather than drinking too much at once, which can make it worse. Try sipping a few teaspoons every five to 10 minutes. Using a straw may help control intake and reduce swallowed air, which can trigger more vomiting.

If you can’t keep any liquids down for more than 24 hours, see a healthcare provider immediately to prevent dehydration and other serious complications.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can help keep you hydrated while also providing natural compounds that may soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.

Some of the best options include:

• Ginger tea: Ginger has natural chemicals that help settle your stomach and reduce nausea.
• Peppermint tea: The cooling effect of peppermint can relax your stomach muscles and help with nausea, bloating, and digestion.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile is gentle on the stomach and helps with nausea by relaxing your digestive system. It can also make you feel calmer, which may help if nausea is making you anxious.
• Fennel tea: Fennel can help with nausea by easing bloating and relaxing your stomach muscles.
• Clove tea: Cloves contain natural compounds like eugenol that may help reduce nausea and improve digestion.

If you are feeling sensitive to strong flavors, try brewing the tea lightly and letting it cool before sipping.

Oral Rehydration Solutions

When you vomit, your body loses fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are essential for hydration. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) contain a mix of water, sugar, and electrolytes that helps your body pull in fluids more effectively than drinking plain water alone. This makes ORS a great option if you're having trouble keeping liquids down.

ORS packets are available at more grocery stores and pharmacies. But if you don't have access to them, you can make a simple rehydration drink at home. Simply combine:

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon of table salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar

Eat Bland Foods

Eating bland foods can help quickly reduce nausea and vomiting by being gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Bland foods are low in fiber, fat, and strong flavors, which can prevent further stomach irritation and allow the digestive system to settle.

Some of the best bland foods for soothing nausea and stopping vomiting include:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast
• Plain crackers
• Boiled or baked potatoes (without skin)
• Plain pasta
• Oatmeal
• Boiled or grilled chicken (without seasoning)
• Cereal

The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is a common approach, but it lacks protein and essential nutrients, so it should only be used temporarily.

Return to a Normal Diet Gradually

If you can keep down both clear liquids and bland foods, you may be ready to reintroduce your normal diet. However, it’s best to take it slow—your digestive system may still be sensitive.

Start with small portions of easily digestible foods and gradually work your way back to your usual meals over a day or two. If eating triggers nausea but not vomiting, return to the BRAT diet and try again later. If vomiting resumes, return to clear fluids only and consult your healthcare provider.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a massage-based technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, called acupoints, to relieve symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

One of the best-known acupressure points for nausea relief is P-6 (Neiguan), found on the inside of your wrist. Pressing on this spot is thought to send signals to the brain that help control nausea and reduce the feeling of needing to throw up.

To find the P-6 point on your wrist:

1. Hold one hand with your palm facing up.
2. Place the first three fingers of your other hand horizontally across your wrist, just below the wrist crease.
3. Locate the two large tendons running down the center of your wrist.
4. Place your thumb just below your index finger, between the two tendons—this is pressure point P-6.
5. Press down firmly with your thumb (or index finger if it's easier), applying steady pressure.
6. Move your thumb in a circular motion, either clockwise or counterclockwise, for two to three minutes.
7. Repeat on the other wrist if needed.

You should feel a slight tenderness or aching, but it should not be painful. If you experience pain, reduce the pressure. This technique can be repeated several times a day until nausea subsides.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a natural way to help with nausea by using scents from essential oils. Smelling certain oils can send signals to your brain that help calm your stomach and reduce the feeling of needing to throw up.

Essential oils that may have some benefit include:

• Peppermint: Helps relax your stomach muscles and stop nausea.
• Spearmint: Similar to peppermint but has a gentler scent.
• Cardamom: May help prevent nausea after a C-section.
• Ginger: A well-known remedy for nausea, especially for motion sickness and morning sickness in pregnancy.
• Fennel: Can calm your stomach and help with digestion.
• Lavender: Relieves nausea caused by stress or anxiety.
• Lemon: Can help stop vomiting after surgery.
• Clove: Known to control nausea and vomiting and can aid in other gastrointestinal complaints as well.
• Chamomile: Known to reduce vomiting and has other beneficial properties as well.

You can use essential oils in different ways to help with nausea and vomiting. A diffuser can spread the scent throughout a room, or you can add a few drops to a bowl of hot water, lean over it, and breathe in the steam.

If using the steam method, be careful to use hot—but not scalding—water, and lean over the bowl gently to avoid spills that could cause burns. Also, never ingest essential oils, as many can be toxic if swallowed.

Rest and Relaxation

If you've been vomiting, the first step is to give your stomach a break. After throwing up, wait a few hours before eating or drinking anything. This allows your stomach to recover and lowers the chances of vomiting again.

When you're feeling nauseous, sit quietly and minimize movement, as too much activity can make nausea worse. Avoid lying down right away, as this can cause discomfort. Instead, stay seated after eating to support digestion and reduce the risk of vomiting.

Once you're able to eat, start with small amounts of bland food, eat slowly, and give your stomach time to digest. Resting after eating is just as important—avoid strenuous activity or sudden movements, as these can upset your stomach and increase the risk of vomiting.

Avoid Triggers

Identifying and avoiding your personal nausea triggers can help prevent vomiting. Common triggers include certain foods, strong smells, and motion.

To reduce exposure to triggers, you can:

• Keep rooms well-ventilated. Open windows or use fans to prevent strong food odors from building up, especially when cooking.
• Avoid strong or unpleasant smells. If certain scents make you nauseous, try using unscented products and staying away from areas with strong odors.
• Eat in a calm environment. Loud noises and bright lights can sometimes worsen nausea, so try to eat in a quiet, relaxed space.
• Rinse your mouth before and after eating. This can help remove lingering bad tastes that might make nausea worse.

Pay attention to what worsens your nausea so you can take steps to avoid it.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises can help reduce nausea and vomiting by calming the body, improving breathing, and supporting digestion. Slow, deep breaths send a signal to the brain to relax, which can ease feelings of sickness. Healthcare providers often recommend deep breathing, especially for people undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.

One effective technique is diaphragmatic (belly) breathing:

• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
• Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise while keeping your chest still.
• Hold your breath for two seconds.
• Slowly exhale through your mouth for about six seconds and feel your belly fall.
• Repeat for five to fifteen minutes, focusing on slow, steady breaths.

Another helpful method is 4-7-8 breathing:

• Inhale through your nose for four seconds.
• Hold your breath for seven seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for eight seconds.
• Repeat a few times until you feel relief.

Deep breathing exercises not only ease nausea but also reduce stress and anxiety, helping you feel more in control when discomfort strikes. They can be especially useful for those who experience nausea triggered by stress.

Take Medication

There are both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs that can help control vomiting. Depending on the case, a healthcare provider may decide that one of them will help you feel better.

Prescription anti-nausea medications include:

• Promethazine: An antihistamine, it also helps control nausea and vomiting but is not typically used in children.
• Zofran (ondansetron): Originally used for chemotherapy-related nausea, it has fewer side effects than promethazine and is now commonly prescribed for other causes of vomiting.
• Reglan (metoclopramide): It helps speed up stomach emptying and is often used for nausea caused by migraines, gastroparesis, or chemotherapy.

Over-the-counter options include:

• Dramamine (dimenhydrinate): An antihistamine commonly used to prevent motion sickness
• Meclizine (Bonine, Antivert): Another antihistamine that helps with motion sickness and vertigo
• Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate): Helps soothe an upset stomach by coating the lining, which may reduce nausea from conditions like stomach flu and indigestion, though it won’t prevent vomiting

If you're unsure about the cause of your nausea and vomiting or which medication to take, consult a healthcare provider to find the most effective treatment for you.

Things to Avoid

Making a few lifestyle changes can help reduce nausea and vomiting. Things to avoid include:

• Hard-to-digest foods: Fatty or greasy foods take longer to process and may worsen nausea. Opt for low-fat, easy-to-digest foods instead.
• Strong or unpleasant smells: Cooking odors, especially from greasy foods, can trigger nausea. Try eating cold foods like yogurt, fruit, or sandwiches, and have someone else cook if needed.
• Liquids during meals: Drink fluids 30 to 60 minutes before or after eating instead of with your meals.
• Lying down after eating: Avoid lying down flat for at least two hours to help prevent nausea.
• Alcohol and carbonated drinks: These can irritate your stomach and worsen nausea. Stick to water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks.

If you experience nausea at predictable times, such as with morning sickness or after certain treatments, plan meals accordingly. Also, avoid eating your favorite foods before you get sick—associating them with nausea may make them unappealing in the future.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Most cases of vomiting resolve on their own, but sometimes it can signal a more serious condition. Get immediate medical attention if:

• You suspect poisoning.
• Vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours.
• You're vomiting to the point of being unable to keep fluids down.
• You’re vomiting blood (red, maroon, or resembling coffee grounds).
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You experience a severe headache with a stiff neck.
• You show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, infrequent urination, or dark urine).

Call 911 if someone has seizures, confusion, or difficulty staying conscious after drinking alcohol—these may be signs of alcohol poisoning.

See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you are vomiting and have a high fever—over 102°F for adults, over 100.4°F for infants, or over 101°F for children older than 6 months.

If you are pregnant and experiencing severe morning sickness with dehydration or weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds in a week, it may be hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition that requires medical care.

Summary

Resting your stomach, sipping small amounts of clear fluids, and gradually reintroducing gentle foods can help stop vomiting in most cases. Avoiding triggers like strong smells, heavy foods, and excessive movement may also prevent further nausea.

If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, contact a healthcare provider to check for dehydration and underlying causes. They can recommend treatments, including medications, to help you recover safely.