Hiccups occur due to involuntary and sudden constriction of the diaphragm, which is the primary breathing muscle present under the lungs. This results when one of the branches of the vagus nerve (or the nerve itself) gets irritated (Vagus nerve runs along the brain to the abdominal area).
The home remedies that are used to stop the bout of hiccups works on 2 main principles. Some remedies fundamentally rely on over-stimulating the vagus nerve, which has a range of sensations from taste to temperature. Another way to suppress hiccups is to stimulate the nerve with a different sensation so that it sends signals and alerts the brain that more significant matters are waiting and therefore the hiccups are stopped.
Home Remedies for Hiccups
Cardamom
This is one of the effective remedies for hiccups. Add fresh cardamom powder (1 tsp) to water (11/2 cups) and bring it to boil on low heat for about 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and drink once it is cool. This will help in relaxing the muscles of the diaphragm, which will end the hiccups. This home remedy is also considered to be one of the excellent ways to stop alcoholic hiccups, as it will help to flush excess alcohol from the system.
Ginger
Peel a fresh piece of ginger. Chew on it to get rid of the hiccups. Although it might taste a bit unpleasant, this remedy is quite effective.
Peanut Butter
This tasty and effective remedy is best for children, as they usually hesitate to try foods that are unfamiliar. A teaspoon of peanut butter can stop continuous hiccups.
Papaya
As hiccups can be an indication of digestive problems, digestive tablets of papaya can be quite helpful in this regard. Also, you can eat fresh pineapple or papaya, as these fruits contain digestive enzymes that the stomach requires.
Baking Soda
This a rather uncommon remedy for hiccups. However, it is considered to be useful in curing the spasms. Mix baking soda (2 tsp) and fragrant spirits of ammonia (2 tsp) in peppermint water (4 ounces) and take about a teaspoon of this mixture to get rid of hiccups.
Yogurt
Add salt (1 tbsp) to yogurt (1 cup) and mix until the salt is dissolved completely. Consume this mixture slowly and you’ll find that the hiccups stop by taking a few spoons of this mix.
Sugar
This home remedy is suitable for toddlers as well as small kids, as they will not be able to follow instructions on breathing techniques. Eat a dollop of sugar and let it melt gradually without chewing it.
Water
Take quick sips of water in a row. The diaphragm spasms are stopped due to regular contractions of the gullet while gulping water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although it might seem as a challenge to handle the assault on your taste buds, this is a quick cure. Take 1 tsp of vinegar to stop hiccups. Alternatively, another vinegary way is to slowly suck on some dill pickle.
Yummy Chocolate
Eat some chocolate powder drink mix like ovaltine or cocoa. Swallowing the spoonful of powder isn’t easy and will get rid of the hiccups.
Hot Sauce
Perhaps this works because the burn and heat is too distracting and hence the focus of the body is shifted to the burn instead of the hiccups.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.