Does eating a popsicle help with nausea?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, the introduction of ice pops in a hospital setting was shown to reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting in some high-risk patients. This research highlights the tangible benefits that consuming something cold can have on an upset stomach, providing a scientific basis for the long-held home remedy of using a popsicle to help with nausea.

Quick Summary

Popsicles can help combat nausea by providing essential hydration, a soothing cold sensation, and easy-to-digest sugars. Their low-odor nature makes them palatable for sensitive stomachs.

Key Points

Hydration: Popsicles, especially those made with juice or electrolyte solutions, are an easy and palatable way to stay hydrated during nausea.
Soothes with Cold: The cold temperature has a numbing effect on the throat and can help calm an upset stomach, a benefit supported by some medical literature.
Low Odor: Unlike hot foods, popsicles have minimal aroma, reducing the risk of triggering nausea through sensitive scent receptors.
Provides Quick Energy: Simple sugars in popsicles offer a fast source of energy (glucose) when solid foods are unappetizing or hard to digest.
Customizable: Homemade popsicles allow you to add natural anti-nausea ingredients like ginger or peppermint while controlling the sugar content.
Best for Mild to Moderate Nausea: While effective for symptom management, popsicles are not a substitute for medical treatment for severe or persistent nausea.

The Science Behind Soothing Nausea

When you feel nauseous, your body is often sensitive to strong smells, warm temperatures, and heavy textures. Popsicles offer several therapeutic benefits that directly counter these discomforts, providing relief through a combination of hydration, temperature, and simple nourishment. The sensation of cold from a popsicle can have a numbing or soothing effect on the throat and stomach lining. Scientific literature also suggests that cold therapy can help to suppress the parasympathetic nervous system, which is sometimes overactive during nausea. This mechanism is believed to calm the stomach and reduce the feeling of queasiness. Furthermore, the low-odor nature of frozen treats is a major advantage. Warm or hot foods release stronger aromas, which can trigger or worsen nausea, especially in individuals with heightened senses like those experiencing pregnancy-related morning sickness.

Hydration and Electrolyte Replenishment

Staying hydrated is crucial when dealing with nausea, especially if accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. Replenishing fluids and electrolytes is essential to prevent dehydration, which can compound feelings of illness. Plain water can sometimes be unappealing, but popsicles made from juice, an oral rehydration solution, or even frozen sports drinks can be a more palatable and motivating way to get fluids into the body. This is particularly beneficial for children, who may be more receptive to a fun frozen treat than a glass of water.

Providing Gentle Energy

When you can't tolerate solid food, your body still needs energy to function and recover. The sugar in popsicles provides a readily available source of glucose, which the brain and body can use for fuel when other foods are too difficult to consume. While it's important not to overdo sugary treats, a small amount of sugar can prevent the weakness that comes from low blood sugar. Dietitians suggest that during sickness, the immediate comfort and energy gain from a palatable food like a popsicle can outweigh the nutritional concerns of a high-sugar item. Opting for popsicles made from 100% fruit juice can provide a small nutritional boost with vitamins and antioxidants.

Making Your Own Nausea-Fighting Popsicles

For a natural, customized approach, consider making your own popsicles with ingredients known to soothe an upset stomach. This allows you to control the sugar content and incorporate helpful herbs.

Ginger and Lemon: Ginger is a well-documented anti-nausea remedy. Combining fresh grated ginger with lemon juice, which contains soothing citric acid, creates a potent and refreshing popsicle.
Peppermint Tea: Brew a strong peppermint tea, sweeten lightly with honey if desired, and freeze it into molds. Peppermint is known to aid digestion and reduce nausea.
Coconut Water and Fruit: Blend coconut water, which contains electrolytes, with chilled fruits like watermelon or cantaloupe for a hydrating, nutrient-rich option.

Popsicles vs. Other Nausea Remedies: A Comparison

When nausea strikes, several home remedies are available. Here is a comparison to help you decide which might be best for your situation.


Remedy	Pros	Cons
Popsicles	- Excellent for hydration and electrolyte replacement. - Soothing cold temperature helps calm the stomach. - Low odor, won't trigger sensitive gag reflexes. - Provides quick energy from sugar.	- High sugar content in some varieties. - May not address the root cause of nausea. - Can be too cold for some individuals.
Crackers / Toast	- Bland, easily digestible starches absorb stomach acid. - Simple and widely available. - Good for settling the stomach.	- Can be too dry for some people. - Less effective for severe dehydration. - No temperature-related soothing effect.
Ginger Tea	- Proven anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. - Can be soothing and hydrating. - Customizable strength.	- Hot beverages can increase odor and worsen nausea for some. - Not as effective for dehydration as popsicles. - Some people dislike the taste.

Conclusion: A Simple Solution for a Complex Problem

While not a cure for the underlying cause of nausea, eating a popsicle can be a highly effective and simple tool for managing symptoms. The combination of easy hydration, a soothing cold sensation, and a palatable energy source makes it a go-to remedy, especially when other foods or liquids are difficult to keep down. Whether store-bought or homemade, popsicles are a low-risk option to help you feel more comfortable. For persistent or severe nausea, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional to identify the root cause. For further reading on managing nausea, you can consult resources like the Cleveland Clinic's information on stomach flu and recovery: Cleveland Clinic on Stomach Flu.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best popsicles are those made from 100% fruit juice, as they offer some vitamins and are usually easy to digest. You can also make your own with ginger, lemon, or peppermint tea for added soothing benefits.

While it is generally good to be mindful of sugar, a small amount provides a quick source of energy when you can't eat solid foods. The primary goal is hydration and comfort, and the palatability of a sugary popsicle can help achieve this.

Yes. Popsicles are a great way to rehydrate slowly and steadily, especially if you have trouble drinking plain water. Sucking on the ice allows for gradual fluid intake, and electrolyte-based popsicles can replace lost minerals.

It depends on your symptoms. If dehydration is a concern, popsicles are a better choice for fluids. If you need to absorb stomach acid and can tolerate something solid, bland crackers are a good option. Many people alternate between the two as they recover.

Yes, absolutely. Making popsicles with ginger tea or a combination of ginger and lemon is an excellent strategy. Ginger is a well-researched and potent natural remedy for nausea.

Warm foods release more powerful aromas, which can trigger or worsen nausea for some individuals. Cold foods, like popsicles, have less odor, making them easier to consume when your sense of smell is sensitive.

While popsicles can help with mild cases, you should see a doctor if nausea and vomiting persist for more than 24-48 hours, if you have signs of dehydration, or if it is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, a high fever, or confusion.