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Feeling sick can stem from medicines, pregnancy, infection, stress and more. Describe your symptoms fully, bring any earlier bottle details, and seek medical care first for vomiting, dehydration or strong pain.

When your stomach is unsettled, an article listing herbs for nausea can look like an easy answer. Ginger tea, a capsule from the health food shop or a remedy a friend swears by all seem harmless enough. Before reaching for any of them, step back and look at the wider picture.

Many roads lead to nausea

Feeling sick can be linked to medicines, pregnancy, infections, digestive conditions, migraine, anxiety and much more. The gut and the nervous system are closely connected, so stress can play a part, but it should never be assumed to be the only reason. A general article cannot tell you which possibility applies to you, or which product might be suitable.

Kitchen spice, concentrated granules

Using ginger in cooking is quite different from taking a concentrated herbal preparation. Herbal products from the Lane Cove clinic take the form of bottled granules, each with its own written directions. Familiarity from the kitchen does not mean a concentrated product suits everyone, particularly during pregnancy or alongside other medicines.

What to describe at your appointment

If you are considering Chinese herbal medicine, Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, will want a clear account of your symptoms. Think about:

• When the nausea comes on and how long it lasts
• What tends to accompany it, such as headaches, reflux or dizziness
• What you have tried already, including any earlier bottle and its directions
• Every medicine and supplement you currently take

When medical care comes first

Ongoing vomiting, signs of dehydration such as dizziness or very little urine, or significant abdominal pain need prompt assessment through your GP or an emergency department. Moving from one product to another in these situations can delay care that matters.

If a herbal plan is agreed

Ask for the product name, measuring and storage directions, and a plan for review. Keep the instructions with the bottle, and let Christine and your pharmacist know if a doctor changes any of your medicines. Should a new symptom appear and its link to the granules be unclear, phone the clinic instead of altering the dose yourself.

Small regular meals, a little extra rest and noticing the stresses of the week can all sit comfortably beside this conversation, as part of looking after yourself as a whole person.