What is the best edible for nausea? A guide to soothing remedies

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 50% of adults experience nausea at some point each year, an unpleasant sensation that can significantly disrupt daily life. When this happens, finding what is the best edible for nausea becomes a top priority, with a range of options from herbal remedies to bland foods offering much-needed relief.

Quick Summary

This article explores different edible options for managing nausea, detailing the benefits of ginger, bland foods, and other soothing remedies. It provides practical tips on how to use these edibles effectively to calm an upset stomach and find relief.

Key Points

Ginger is a top contender: Containing compounds that accelerate stomach emptying, ginger tea or candied ginger is a scientifically supported remedy for various types of nausea.
Bland foods absorb acid: Dry, starchy foods like saltines, toast, and rice can help absorb excess stomach acid and are easy on a queasy stomach.
Peppermint can relax muscles: Peppermint tea or aromatherapy can help relax the smooth muscles of the digestive system, soothing discomfort and easing nausea.
Hydration is paramount: Sipping on clear, cool fluids like water, broth, or flat ginger ale is crucial to stay hydrated, especially after vomiting.
Cannabis requires caution: Medical cannabis edibles may be effective for specific conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea, but require medical guidance and a balanced CBD-to-THC ratio.
Small, frequent meals are best: Eating small portions throughout the day prevents an empty stomach from worsening nausea and avoids over-straining your digestive system.
Cold foods reduce triggers: Cold dishes and frozen items like popsicles often have less odor than hot foods, which can be a trigger for nausea, particularly during pregnancy.

Understanding Nausea and Dietary Choices

Nausea can be triggered by various factors, including illness, motion sickness, pregnancy, and strong odors. The right dietary choices can make a significant difference in managing symptoms, while the wrong ones, like greasy or spicy foods, can make the feeling worse. The key is often to stick to easily digestible, low-odor foods and to stay well-hydrated.

The Power of Ginger: A Time-Tested Remedy

Ginger is arguably the most popular and scientifically supported edible for nausea relief. Its anti-nausea effects are attributed to bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which help relax the digestive tract muscles and accelerate stomach emptying.

How to consume ginger for nausea:

Ginger Tea: Steep fresh, peeled ginger root or a high-quality tea bag in hot water for at least 5-10 minutes. Sip it slowly.
Candied Ginger: Sucking on a piece of crystallized or candied ginger provides a sweet and spicy kick that can help settle your stomach.
Ginger Ale: Choose a ginger ale made with real ginger for the best effect. Letting it go flat before drinking may also be more soothing.

Bland Foods and the BRAT Diet

When your stomach feels queasy, bland, starchy foods are your best friend. They are easy to digest, lack strong flavors or odors, and can help absorb excess stomach acid. A classic example is the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Core components of a bland diet:

Crackers, Pretzels, and Toast: Dry, crunchy, and salty snacks like saltines, pretzels, and plain toast can help absorb stomach acid and provide quick, gentle energy.
Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help replace electrolytes that may be lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Their bland nature and soft texture make them easy to stomach.
Plain Rice and Applesauce: These simple, low-fiber foods are easy to digest and can help settle your system. Opt for plain, white rice and unsweetened applesauce.
Clear Broths and Liquids: Staying hydrated is crucial. Sipping clear chicken or vegetable broth can replenish sodium and other electrolytes without irritating your stomach.

Other Soothing and Hydrating Edibles

Peppermint: Both peppermint tea and inhaling peppermint oil through aromatherapy have been shown to help relieve nausea in some cases. Peppermint contains menthol, which can help relax the digestive muscles.
Cold Foods: Sometimes the smell of hot food is a trigger. Cold foods like popsicles, ice chips, or chilled fruit can be more tolerable. Sucking on an ice cube also helps with slow fluid replenishment.
Electrolyte-Rich Beverages: Sports drinks or coconut water can help rehydrate your body and replenish lost electrolytes if you have been vomiting.

Medical Cannabis Edibles: A Specialized Option

For specific conditions, particularly chemotherapy-induced nausea, medical cannabis edibles with a balanced THC-to-CBD ratio have shown effectiveness for some patients.

Important Considerations:

Balanced Ratio: A 1:1 or 2:1 CBD-to-THC ratio can help ease nausea without the intense psychoactive effects of THC, which can sometimes worsen anxiety and nausea.
Onset and Duration: The effects of cannabis edibles last longer than other forms of consumption, but they also take longer to kick in, which is an important factor when immediate relief is needed.
Medical Supervision: This option should only be pursued under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for conditions like cancer treatment.

Tips for Consuming Edibles with Nausea

Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, eat smaller amounts of food every 1-2 hours to avoid overwhelming your stomach.
Eat and Drink Slowly: Sip liquids and chew food slowly to aid digestion.
Avoid Lying Down After Eating: Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating to prevent acid reflux and pressure on the stomach.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Pay attention to what foods and smells make you feel worse. Common triggers include spicy, greasy, or high-fat foods, and certain strong odors from cooking.

Comparison of Anti-Nausea Edibles


Edible/Remedy	Primary Benefit	Speed of Relief	Best For	Considerations
Ginger (Tea/Candies)	Accelerates stomach emptying	Moderate (20-30 mins for tea)	Motion sickness, pregnancy, general nausea	Dosage should not exceed 4g/day
Plain Crackers	Absorbs stomach acid	Fast (Almost immediate)	Empty stomach, morning sickness	Temporary solution, low nutritional value
Peppermint (Tea/Oil)	Relaxes digestive muscles	Fast (Aromatherapy)	Indigestion, stress-related nausea	Oral oil can worsen symptoms for some; consult doctor if pregnant
BRAT Diet Foods	Easy to digest	Slow (Consistent intake)	Reintroducing solids after vomiting	Not nutritionally complete for long-term use
Cold Foods (Popsicles)	Hydration, low odor	Immediate (Soothing)	Odor-sensitive nausea, post-vomiting	May not provide significant calories or nutrients

Conclusion

There is no single universal 'best' edible for nausea, as the most effective remedy depends on the individual and the underlying cause. For many, ginger and bland foods like crackers provide reliable relief, while peppermint and cold foods offer alternatives, especially for specific triggers. For severe or persistent nausea, a healthcare provider should be consulted. Remember to prioritize hydration, eat small, frequent meals, and listen to your body's signals about what it can tolerate. By starting with these gentle options, you can find a soothing dietary solution to calm your stomach and feel better faster. Learn more about ginger's specific benefits on the digestive system from reputable sources like Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

While ginger tea is effective for many, it does not typically work instantly. For mild nausea, relief might come within 20 to 30 minutes, but for severe cases, it may take longer or require additional treatment.

Yes, dry, plain crackers like saltines or pretzels are recommended. They are low in flavor and odor, which are less likely to trigger nausea. Their starch can also help absorb stomach acid.

No, the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is best used for a day or two to manage symptoms during a bout of illness. It is not nutritionally complete and should not be followed for long-term health.

Cold foods are often easier to tolerate because they tend to have less odor than hot foods. Since strong smells can trigger or worsen nausea, cold items like popsicles, yogurt, or chilled fruits can be more palatable.

For conditions like chemotherapy, medical cannabis can be helpful, but it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and CBD-to-THC ratio to avoid unwanted side effects.

Avoid highly acidic, fatty, caffeinated, or overly sweet beverages. This includes citrus juices, whole milk, coffee, and sugary sodas, which can all exacerbate nausea.

Besides ginger and peppermint, some people find relief with herbal supplements. However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you are pregnant or on medication.