Why do olives help with nausea? Unpacking the Science

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to anecdotal evidence and folk remedies, eating olives can be a surprisingly effective way to combat feelings of nausea. This common kitchen cupboard staple is often overlooked as a natural cure for a queasy stomach, but its active compounds provide a surprisingly effective solution for many people.

Quick Summary

Olives can help with nausea, particularly motion sickness and morning sickness, due to their tannin content, which dries out the mouth and reduces excess saliva, and their high sodium levels, which help restore lost electrolytes. This combination addresses key physiological symptoms associated with feeling sick, offering a simple and natural remedy.

Key Points

Tannins Reduce Salivation: The astringent compounds in olives, called tannins, help dry out the mouth and decrease the excess saliva often produced during bouts of nausea.
Replenishes Electrolytes: Olives are high in sodium, which helps replace lost electrolytes, a beneficial effect for people experiencing nausea and vomiting, such as with morning sickness.
Supports Gut Health: Fermented olives can provide beneficial probiotics, which promote a healthy digestive system and may help alleviate some forms of nausea.
Offers Sensory Distraction: The strong, briny flavor of olives can distract the brain and taste buds from the unpleasant sensation of nausea.
Addresses Multiple Nausea Causes: The combined effects of tannins and sodium make olives a multi-functional remedy, addressing both the physical symptoms of excess saliva and the electrolyte imbalance caused by fluid loss.

The Tannins in Olives Combat Excess Salivation

One of the most well-documented reasons why olives help with nausea is their tannin content. Tannins are a class of astringent, bitter polyphenols found in many plants. When consumed, they cause the tissues in the mouth to contract, producing a drying or puckering sensation. This is the same effect found in red wine or strong black tea.

The Nausea-Salivation Connection

When a person feels nauseous, particularly from motion sickness, the body often produces an excess of saliva. This is a reflexive protective mechanism, as the body attempts to prepare for potential vomiting by protecting the teeth from stomach acid. The increase in saliva can, however, exacerbate the feeling of sickness and make the urge to vomit stronger. By drying out the mouth, the tannins in olives can interrupt this reflex, thereby reducing the feeling of nausea before it escalates.

The Role of Sodium in Electrolyte Balance

Another important factor, especially for cases involving prolonged sickness or vomiting, is the high sodium content of olives. Sodium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in the body.

Restoring Electrolytes

Vomiting and persistent nausea can lead to a loss of fluids and key electrolytes. While drinking water helps with hydration, it doesn't always replace lost minerals like sodium. For individuals experiencing morning sickness or other conditions causing frequent vomiting, consuming a few olives can help replenish some of this lost sodium, potentially stabilizing the body's internal balance and reducing the sensation of nausea. This is similar to why many people crave salty foods like crackers when they feel unwell.

Probiotics and Digestive Health

Beyond tannins and sodium, the digestive benefits of olives also contribute to their ability to soothe an upset stomach. Many table olives are fermented, a process that can introduce beneficial probiotics.

Supporting a Healthy Gut

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. A healthy and balanced gut microbiome is linked to overall well-being and can influence how the body handles digestive distress. By supporting a healthy gut, the probiotics in fermented olives can help promote healthy digestion and may indirectly help alleviate nausea caused by digestive issues.

Distraction and Palate Stimulation

Sometimes, a powerful and distinct taste can help distract the brain from the feeling of nausea. The strong, briny flavor of olives can serve as a potent sensory distraction. This works by shifting the focus of the taste buds and brain away from the unpleasant sensation of queasiness.

Shifting Focus

For those who feel sick, the mere thought of food can be unappetizing. However, the unique, salty taste of an olive is often palatable even when other foods are not. The act of eating and savoring a strong flavor can help ground the senses and provide a necessary mental and physical distraction from the stomach-churning feelings.

Comparison of Anti-Nausea Remedies

While olives offer a multi-faceted approach to relieving nausea, it's useful to compare them to other common remedies to understand their specific advantages.


Remedy	Primary Mechanism	Advantages	Disadvantages
Olives	Tannins reduce saliva; Sodium replaces electrolytes	All-natural, portable, addresses multiple symptoms	High sodium content can be a concern for some people
Ginger	Active compounds (gingerols) speed up stomach emptying	Well-researched, can be consumed in many forms (tea, capsules)	Some find the taste too strong; can interact with certain medications
Salty Crackers	Provides easily digestible carbohydrates; helps settle the stomach	Readily available, bland taste is gentle on the stomach	Limited effectiveness for severe nausea; provides little nutritional value
Lemon/Tart Foods	Astringency helps dry the mouth and distract the palate	Simple, easy to find	The acidity can irritate some sensitive stomachs

A Simple and Effective Approach

The next time you feel a wave of nausea, try keeping a few olives on hand. Their combined effects—reducing excess saliva, replenishing lost electrolytes, supporting gut health, and providing a powerful taste distraction—make them a surprisingly comprehensive and effective remedy. Just be mindful of their high sodium content, especially if you have blood pressure concerns.

Conclusion: Olives as a Natural Nausea Aid

In conclusion, the ability of olives to help with nausea is not a myth but a result of several active properties. The key is their tannin content, which acts as a natural astringent to combat the excess salivation that often precedes vomiting. For those experiencing sickness due to vomiting, the high sodium content provides a crucial boost to electrolyte levels. Furthermore, their probiotic content can aid long-term digestive health, and their strong flavor can serve as a powerful distraction during an episode of queasiness. This combination of physiological and psychological effects makes olives a valuable addition to a list of natural remedies for an upset stomach. For those seeking drug-free options for motion or morning sickness, reaching for a few olives at the first sign of discomfort is a simple and effective strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, both green and black olives contain tannins and sodium, the primary compounds that help combat nausea. The specific effectiveness may vary slightly depending on the preparation and ripeness, but the core properties remain consistent.

Olives can work quite quickly, often providing relief within a few minutes, especially when consumed at the first sign of queasiness. The effect of the tannins on saliva production is almost immediate.

There is no set amount, but a few olives (around 4-6) are typically sufficient to produce the desired effect. Starting with a small number is a good strategy to see how your body responds.

Yes, due to their high sodium content, it is best to eat olives in moderation. Overconsumption can be an issue for individuals with high blood pressure or those who are sensitive to salt.

Many pregnant women report success using olives for morning sickness. The high sodium can help replenish lost electrolytes from vomiting, and the tannins reduce excess saliva, offering a dual-action remedy.

Olives are particularly effective for motion sickness because they counteract the excess salivation and subsequent nausea that often accompanies it. Eating them at the onset of symptoms is most effective.

Yes, besides their anti-nausea properties, many table olives are fermented and contain probiotics that support healthy digestion and gut health. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids regularity.