Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Nausea termed Hrillasa or Utklesha in Ayurveda is characterized by a sensation of oppression in the chest and an urge to vomit without immediate expulsion. It arises from the agitation of Kapha and Pitta doshas in the stomach often triggered by incompatible foods indigestion or repulsive sensory stimuli. It serves as a prodromal symptom of Chardi or vomiting. Key symptoms include excessive salivation known as Praseka and anorexia. Management focuses on restoring digestive fire through Langhana or fasting and consuming light dry foods like parched rice. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India recommends formulations such as Eladi Gutika and Bilvadi Gutika to settle the stomach. Natural remedies like Matulunga or citron juice mixed with honey and ginger are also prescribed to check the upward urge.
Nausea is a sensation of unease and discomfort in the upper stomach with an involuntary urge to vomit. In Ayurveda, this condition is technically termed Hrillasa (oppression in the chest/heart region) or Utklesha (upward excitation of Doshas). It is rarely treated as an isolated disease but is widely recognized as a prodromal symptom (Purvarupa) of Chardi (Vomiting) or a symptom of Amlapitta (Gastritis/Acid Peptic Disorder) and Kaphaja disorders.
Nausea arises from factors that aggravate Kapha and Pitta, or disturb the stomach's harmony.
While Nausea is a symptom, its presentation varies by the dominant Dosha (usually classified under the heading of Chardi or Arocaka):
The primary principle for treating nausea originating in the stomach is Langhana (Fasting) to digest the Ama, followed by light, dry diets.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Digestive system symptoms
https://www.who.int/teams/health-product-policy-and-standards/standards-and-specifications
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK – NIH) – Nausea and vomiting
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/nausea-vomiting
Mayo Clinic – Nausea
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nausea/basics/definition/sym-20050736
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) – Nausea and Vomiting
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470441/
National Health Portal of India – मतली (Nausea)
https://www.nhp.gov.in/symptoms/nausea
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India – पाचन तंत्र के लक्षण
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
Q: What is the best immediate Ayurvedic home remedy for nausea?
A: A mixture of Honey and Matulunga (Citron juice) or simple Lemon juice (Jambira) is highly effective. Licking a powder of parched rice (Laja) mixed with honey also helps settle the stomach.
Q: Should I eat if I feel nauseous?
A: Ayurveda generally recommends Langhana (fasting) or eating very light food like Mung soup or parched rice. Eating heavy food when nauseous will aggravate the Ama (toxins) and worsen the condition.
Q: Is cardamom good for nausea?
A: Yes. Ela (Cardamom) is a key ingredient in Eladi Churna and Eladi Gutika, which are classical formulations specifically designed to treat nausea, excessive salivation, and vomiting.
Q: Can worms cause nausea according to Ayurveda?
A: Yes. The presence of Krimi (parasites/worms) is a documented cause of nausea (Hrillasa), abdominal pain, and salivation.
Q: What is "Hrillasa"?
A: Hrillasa is the Ayurvedic term closest to nausea. It describes a feeling of heaviness or oppression in the chest and stomach, accompanied by salivation and a lack of appetite, often preceding vomiting.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Oct 22, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Ayurvedic view of nausea as Hrillasa: ginger, fennel and mint as comfort measures, limited evidence and cautions.
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Nausea diet: small sips, bland dry food, gentle recovery meals, foods to avoid and notes for children and pregnancy.
Nausea symptoms: queasiness, sweating, dizziness and clues to the cause, with warning signs that need urgent care.
Causes of nausea: gut infections, indigestion, migraine, pregnancy, medicines and other conditions, and serious causes.
How nausea is treated: check red flags, ease symptoms, replace fluids, find and treat the cause.
