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Nausea can come from medicines, pregnancy, infections and more. Here is what to note, when medical help comes first and how Christine discusses herbal granules in Lane Cove.

An unsettled stomach deserves a closer look

When your stomach is churning, an article listing herbs for nausea can feel like exactly what you need. Nausea, though, has many possible causes, from medicines and pregnancy to infections and other illnesses, and a general article cannot tell you which applies to you or which product might be suitable. Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, who sees people for herbal consultations in Lane Cove, prefers to understand the situation before any herbal option is discussed.

Familiar is not always suitable

Ginger and peppermint may be familiar from the kitchen, yet concentrated herbal granules are quite different from a cup of tea. Something everyday in food may not suit everyone in medicinal form, particularly people taking several medicines or who are pregnant.

Helpful details to share

• when the nausea tends to happen, such as mornings, after meals or after medicines;
• anything that comes with it, like dizziness, headache or tummy pain;
• a full list of medicines and supplements;
• any herbal bottles you already have, with their labels and earlier instructions.

For carers looking after an older relative, a simple diary over a few days can make this much easier to describe.

When to seek medical help first

Some situations call for medical assessment rather than trying one product after another:

• vomiting that keeps happening;
• signs of dehydration, such as very little urine, dizziness or a dry mouth;
• significant or worsening pain.

Please contact your GP, or seek urgent care if you are very unwell. If you are pregnant, your midwife, doctor or maternity team should be part of the conversation, and Christine will encourage that link.

If granules are suggested

Christine's herbal medicine comes as granules in labelled bottles with written directions for measuring and storage. Keep that sheet beside the bottle, tell her when another medicine changes, and if you cannot tell whether a symptom is linked, call for advice instead of altering the dose yourself.

Nausea can be draining and worrying, especially in someone you care for. A gentle appointment in Lane Cove begins by listening, and any herbal suggestion follows only after your own circumstances have been carefully considered.