DIY Herbal Infusions for Nausea: Home Recipes with Turmeric, Lemon Balm & Licorice

May, 4 2025

Get to Know the Nausea-Fighting Herbs: Turmeric, Lemon Balm, and Licorice Root

Nausea doesn’t care if you’re trying to enjoy a Sunday roast or you’re just trying to get through a train commute. It strikes out of nowhere, and you just want it to go away—fast. That’s where certain herbs, cherished by grandmothers and backed by research, can come to the rescue. Turmeric, lemon balm, and licorice root have each earned their place in the home remedy toolkit, but they tackle an uneasy stomach in different ways.

First up, turmeric. That bright yellow spice in the back of your spice drawer isn’t just for curry night. Turmeric’s main claim to fame is curcumin. When it comes to fighting nausea, it works a double shift: calming inflammation in your gut and helping food move more smoothly through your digestive tract. Studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and—you guessed it—nausea. Turmeric’s been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries, and for good reason. It’s gentle enough for daily use but powerful enough to make a difference when your stomach feels off.

Lemon balm isn’t just a pretty plant you find in tea blends—it’s a real charmer for settling butterflies in your tummy. The plant is part of the mint family and it’s loaded with essential oils that have natural antispasmodic qualities, meaning they relax the muscles in your digestive system. This isn’t just an old wives’ tale: in a 2015 clinical trial, lemon balm tea was shown to significantly improve symptoms of mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and cramping. Plus, the citrusy-herbal taste is a bonus, especially when other remedies taste more like medicine than a treat.

Then there’s licorice root, a classic ingredient in traditional remedies from Europe to Asia. Licorice gets its power from glycyrrhizin, a natural sweet compound that soothes and coats your stomach lining. Licorice root tea has a reputation for calming inflammation, easing throat irritation, and helping with those unsettled belly moments after a heavy meal or during a stomach bug. Just keep in mind that too much licorice can mess with blood pressure, so moderation is key.

If you’re craving more ways to use herbs for relief beyond these, check out this handy list of herbal teas for stomach ache—packed with ideas and tips to help your tummy feel better.

Ready to play kitchen apothecary? Let’s dive into each herb’s unique blend, what makes them tick, and how to get the best out of every cup. You might be surprised at how easy—and tasty—nausea relief can be.

Step-by-Step Recipes: How to Brew Herbal Infusions for Nausea Relief

No one wants to fumble through a complicated recipe when nausea hits, so let’s keep this straightforward. Each of these herbal infusions uses whole, real ingredients you can find in most supermarkets or health food shops. Always use filtered or fresh water for the best-tasting brew. And if you want to adjust the strength, just tinker with the steeping time or add a few extra pinches of the herbs.

Turmeric Tummy Soother

Bring 300ml (about 1.25 cups) of water to a gentle boil.
Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh turmeric (or ½ teaspoon dried, but fresh gives more zing).
If you like, toss in a couple of thin slices of fresh ginger—it works hand in hand with turmeric to calm queasiness.
Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. Don’t let it boil too hard—gentle heat draws out the best flavor and benefits.
Strain it into a mug, and if you fancy a bit of sweetness, stir in a little raw honey or maple syrup.
Squeeze in a dash of lemon right before drinking to brighten the flavor and help soothe.
Sip slowly while it’s warm. You can experiment with adding a pinch of black pepper—this helps your body absorb more curcumin (that magical turmeric compound).

Lemon Balm Comfort Brew

Bring 250ml (about a cup) of water to the boil.
Add 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm or a big handful of fresh leaves (if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, it grows like a weed!).
Turn off the heat, cover, and let it steep for 8-10 minutes. This keeps the precious essential oils from escaping as steam.
Strain out the leaves, and enjoy it as-is or with a teaspoon of local honey.
If you want a zingy twist, drop in a few slices of cucumber or a piece of apple before serving. Lemon balm pairs wonderfully with subtly sweet or crisp flavors, making it even easier on queasy bellies.

Licorice Root Gentle Relief

Boil 300ml of water in a small saucepan.
Add a rounded teaspoon of dried licorice root pieces. Avoid the powder—whole root tastes smoother and is easier to strain.
Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer on low for 10 minutes. Don’t let it boil hard or for too long, or you might end up with a bitter brew.
Strain and pour into your favorite mug. Taste it first—licorice is naturally sweet, so most people don’t need to add any sugar or honey.
If the taste is too strong, dilute with another splash of hot water.

For all these infusions, store leftovers in a thermos or glass jar. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours, so you can gently reheat or even sip them cold if a warm drink isn’t appealing.

Personalizing Your Herbal Brews and Tips for the Best Results

Making herbal infusions is as much about personal preference as it is about following a recipe. Start with the basics, but don’t be afraid to experiment—that’s how you discover the combo that works best for you. Turmeric pairs well with ginger, lemon balm loves fruity additions, and licorice root goes surprisingly well with peppermint or fennel. Try out different amounts, steeping times, or blends. A touch of cinnamon or a splash of chamomile can add aroma or boost the effect, especially in the colder months.

If you have a sensitive stomach or you’re taking medication, check in with your GP or pharmacist before jumping into herbal teas—especially with licorice root, which can raise blood pressure or interact with certain prescriptions. For everyone else, these teas are gentle, safe, and flexible enough to fit any daily routine. Want to wind down before bed? Lemon balm’s mild sedative effects help ease you into sleep as it calms your belly. Feeling sluggish after a heavy meal? A turmeric brew can kick-start digestion while soothing an uneasy feeling.

Here’s something people often miss: the cup you choose matters. A sturdy mug that feels good in your hands will encourage slow sipping, and that, oddly enough, can help your body process the herbs more effectively. If you want to take results up a notch, try drinking your infusions alongside bland, easy-to-digest snacks like plain crackers or toast. The combo can work wonders during a tricky day.

To make this all a bit clearer, here’s a quick snapshot of the best conditions and pairings for each herb:

Herb	Best Time to Drink	Flavor Boosters	Best for...
Turmeric	Just after meals	Ginger, lemon, black pepper	Heavy meals, bloating, slow digestion
Lemon Balm	Midday or before bed	Apple, cucumber, honey	Nervous tummy, pre-bedtime queasiness
Licorice Root	Morning or afternoon	Peppermint, fennel	Occasional heartburn, sweet tooth, stomach irritation

Finally, don’t forget about the power of smell and ritual. Take a deep breath and savor the aroma before you drink. Even that can work wonders on a tense, rollercoaster stomach. Don’t have time to brew tea? Lemon balm and licorice root can also be chewed raw in small amounts, and turmeric can be added straight to soups and stews for an all-day effect. You can even blend the herbs to create your own signature remedy—a little turmeric and lemon balm in the same teapot is particularly popular here in Bristol, as neighbors swap their favorite mixtures at local markets.

So next time nausea starts sneaking up on you, skip the shop-bought syrups and pills. Reach for your herb jar (or backyard patch if you’re lucky), and whip up one of these infusions. There’s something about soothing your own stomach that just feels, well, comforting. And after all, your body deserves a little nurture while you wait for the world to stop spinning.