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Nausea can stem from many causes, so a herb list is not the place to start. Here is what to describe at your appointment and when medical care comes first.

When your stomach is unsettled, a web page listing herbs for nausea can look like an easy answer. Patients sometimes mention these lists during acupuncture appointments at the Lane Cove clinic. The trouble is that nausea is a symptom with many possible sources, and a list of ingredients cannot tell you which one applies to you.

Many roads lead to nausea

Feeling sick can be linked to:

• side effects of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines
• pregnancy
• infections and other illnesses
• digestive conditions, travel or anxiety

Because the causes differ so widely, the right response differs too. A herb that is common in cooking may still be unsuitable as a concentrated product, particularly during pregnancy or alongside certain medicines.

What to describe at your appointment

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, will want a clear picture before any herbal option is discussed. It helps to note:

• when the nausea happens and how long it lasts
• what comes with it, such as headache, pain or dizziness
• what you have already tried and how it went
• every medicine and supplement you are taking

When medical care comes first

Some situations need prompt assessment by a GP or hospital rather than a series of home remedies. Seek medical help if you have persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration such as very little urine or dizziness on standing, or significant abdominal pain. If you are pregnant and cannot keep fluids down, contact your midwife or doctor.

If a herbal product is agreed

Ask for the product name, written directions and a review date, and keep them with the packaging. Tell Christine when other medicines change. If a new symptom appears and you suspect the product, phone for advice instead of adjusting the amount yourself.

North Shore patients troubled by recurring queasiness can describe the pattern at their next Lane Cove appointment, and Christine will help work out what needs medical review and what might be discussed further.