Herbal Remedies for Morning Sickness and Pregnancy Nausea

Mama, if you are pregnant and are experiencing morning sickness, you are not alone. While no woman enters into pregnancy excited about the prospect of morning sickness, it might be something that you’ll have to navigate your way through. The good news is that you don’t have to go at it alone!

There are many things you can do both with nutrition and lifestyle that can help ease your morning sickness, including herbal remedies that can help reduce or eliminate this unpleasant symptom. In this article we’ll look at 4 specific herbal remedies that can help ease your pregnancy nausea and vomiting. 

What is Morning Sickness?

It’s exactly what it sounds like! Unfortunately, it’s estimated that 3 out of 4 women suffer from pregnancy nausea and vomiting, which is a result of the body’s reaction to the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). 

At the point of fertilization and well through the 1st trimester, the hCG hormone rises rapidly. This hormone is made by the placenta and is responsible for nourishing and maintaining the egg after it’s been fertilized and attaches to the uterine wall. 

In fact, hCG levels will double every 72 hours, reaching its peak in the first 8-11 weeks of pregnancy. From there, it declines. It’s theorized that the surge in this hormone is what can cause nausea and morning sickness, and that in fact, can help reduce the risk of miscarriage. But don’t worry — if you don’t experience morning sickness, it doesn’t mean you have a higher risk or that you won’t have a healthy pregnancy. 

Estrogen, another hormone that’s very active during pregnancy can also cause nausea and morning sickness. 

If you have severe morning sickness — clinically referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum — that means you have higher hCG levels than most pregnant women. This is also likely if you have twins or multiples. 

Other Factors to Consider With Morning Sickness

Despite what many women are told by their healthcare providers, factors like diet and lifestyle and a woman’s overall health prior to pregnancy do factor into whether or not you will experience pregnancy nausea or morning sickness, and the degree to which you will experience it. The overall health of your liver, your blood sugar levels, nutritional status (i.e. the foods you eat), nutrient deficiencies and underlying unaddressed chronic health issues can all impact pregnancy nausea and morning sickness.

Genetics can also be a factor to consider, but there’s so much you can do to support the body during this delicate time. 

For example, although I had healthy and rising levels of hCG in the 1st trimester, I only experienced some mild-to-moderate pregnancy nausea during those first few weeks. I do believe that this was because my body was in a relatively healthy state prior to getting pregnant. I had balanced blood sugar and healthy liver function (as a result of a good diet and good detoxification pathways). I was eating nutrient dense food, prioritizing whole, real foods, high in animal protein, healthy fats and balanced carbohydrates from things like root vegetables, potatoes and rice. Michael was really great in making sure I got the proper nutrition and supplementation I needed both prior to and during pregnancy.

While we don’t cover that here, perhaps in another article we can dive into what diet and lifestyle factors to focus on prior to pregnancy. In his practice, my husband has helped many women — even those who have struggled with fertility and miscarriage — prepare their bodies for a healthy, successful pregnancy. If you are feeling defeated or hopeless, just know that it can be possible.

Herbal Remedies for Morning Sickness

Although the tendency of our mainstream healthcare model is to go straight to medications, there are many natural, God-given herbs that are safe to take during pregnancy and can help ease pregnancy nausea and morning sickness symptoms without harsh side effects. 

Ginger 

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for digestive issues, inflammation, and immune support. 

In fact, ginger is one of the most well-known and widely used natural remedies for nausea, including nausea associated with pregnancy, or morning sickness. Studies suggest that ginger’s active compounds, gingerol and shogaol, have anti-inflammatory and antiemetic, or anti-nausea, properties that help reduce the sensation of nausea by promoting digestive health and soothing the stomach lining.

Multiple studies have found ginger to be safe and effective for pregnant women when used in moderate amounts (up to 1 gram daily). However, some healthcare providers may advise caution in the later stages of pregnancy, particularly in high doses, due to ginger's potential effect on blood clotting.

The best way to enjoy ginger is in a tea! You can buy this at your local health food store, or purchase the dried ginger root in bulk and steep at home in your own silicone or stainless steel tea strainer. You can even use fresh ginger if you wish. 

Other forms include ginger capsules, fresh grated ginger in your meals/soups or commercial ginger chews, although those can be high in sugar and processed ingredients.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is commonly used for digestive complaints, such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. It’s available as tea, essential oil, or capsules, and it has been a staple in traditional medicine systems for centuries.

The peppermint leaf has soothing and antispasmodic effects, making it useful for calming the stomach and relieving nausea. The menthol in peppermint relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce feelings of nausea and bloating. It's often used for its cooling and refreshing properties, providing relief from queasiness.

Peppermint tea is a popular and gentle way to ease nausea and is generally considered safe in moderation during pregnancy. Inhaling peppermint essential oil (through a diffuser) can also help relieve nausea, however direct ingestion of the oil is not advised during pregnancy without professional guidance, as the concentrated form may have a more intense effect. Some women may also experience heartburn after consuming peppermint, so it’s important to assess individual tolerance.

Bonus — if you experience headaches or migraines during pregnancy, rubbing peppermint essential oil on the temples and other affected areas works wonders. Just trust me on that.

Alfalfa 

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is highly nutritious and rich in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like calcium and iron. It is commonly used to support general health, promote milk production in breastfeeding women, and balance blood sugar levels.

Although Alfalfa is not a traditional herb for treating nausea directly, it may help support overall digestive health. It contains digestive enzymes that can help improve nutrient absorption and reduce bloating, which may indirectly help with feelings of nausea.

Alfalfa is generally considered safe in moderate amounts when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, pregnant women should avoid alfalfa sprouts, as they can carry a risk of bacterial contamination. Additionally, alfalfa contains phytoestrogens, so it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider before use.

Alfalfa can be taken as a tea, capsule, or as part of a supplement blend. Many women add alfalfa to their diets in dried leaf form, which can be brewed as a mild tea — like in our NORA and NOA pregnancy tea blends! 

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a gentle herb that’s been commonly used for centuries as a calming tea to reduce anxiety, promote sleep and soothe digestive discomfort. 

Chamomile has mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the digestive system and reduce nausea. Its relaxing effect on the gastrointestinal muscles helps ease symptoms of indigestion and upset stomach, which are often triggers for nausea during pregnancy.

Chamomile tea in moderate amounts is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it is important to limit its intake to avoid excessive consumption, as high doses could potentially stimulate uterine contractions. Some sources recommend avoiding it in large amounts during the first trimester, so it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Combining Herbs

You might consider combining these herbs in teas or capsules to provide a synergistic effect, offering gentle, natural relief from nausea throughout your pregnancy. I consistently drank chamomile and ginger tea together whenever the nausea hit me during my pregnancy. Not only did it help, but it was also incredibly tasty! 

Please remember that while these herbs can be helpful for pregnancy nausea and morning sickness, it’s always crucial to consult your healthcare providers before adding any new herbs or supplements to your routine, especially during pregnancy. 

Digestive Bitters for Morning Sickness

Another really great option to ease pregnancy nausea and morning sickness is pregnancy safe digestive bitters. Digestive bitters are distilled bitter-tasting botanicals (herbs, spices, barks, fruits, flowers or roots) infused in high-proof alcohol or vegetable glycerin blend that are designed to activate your digestive system! 

The only problem is that most on the market use herbs that aren’t safe for pregnancy.  That’s why we created our own Prenatal Digestive Bitters. Our blend contains herbs like ginger, fennel, cinnamon and dandelion root and we offer both an alcohol and glycerin option! 

I used these before every meal and whenever the nausea started to hit and it really was such a huge relief. This is hands down my favorite pregnancy product, and I am still using them now to support digestion during mealtimes! 

Snag your Freebie!

We know that morning sickness is just one of many potential symptoms you may experience throughout your pregnancy. That’s why we created a free PDF guide that’s designed to offer you safe, natural herbal solutions to some of the most common pregnancy struggles — insomnia, heartburn, fatigue, and more!

Download your free PDF on our homepage to learn more!