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A common condition which involves short, involuntary intakes of
breath.
What to look for
Hiccups (involuntary spasms
of the diaphragm) are usually a minor annoyance and last only for a short time. They can
affect anyone, and most pregnant women will tell you that they have even felt their unborn
child hiccup in the womb.
Causes
It is caused by an
irritation of the nerves of the diaphragm usually because they have been irritated by
indigestion, carbonated drinks or eating too quickly, not chewing the food and swallowing
properly.
Traditional Treatment
Most cases of hiccups will
usually only last for a very short time. However there are numerous remedies for this
condition.
Convention medicine is not
needed terribly often, but if a case of hiccups fails to stop after a day, a visit to your
Doctor may be a good idea to rule out disease-related causes.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies -
To
stop the hiccups, herbalists recommend warm
chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) tea, which is said to act as an antispasmodic agent. Another remedy
that may bring relief is a tea combining 1/2 tsp of tinctures of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) with a few drops of cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) and the juice of a quarter
lemon in 1 cup hot water. To
stop the hiccups, herbalists recommend warm
chamomile
(Matricaria recutita) tea, which is said to act as an antispasmodic agent. Another remedy
that may bring relief is a tea combining 1/2 tsp of tinctures of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) with a few drops of cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) and the juice of a quarter
lemon in 1 cup hot water.
Homoeopathy -
Spasming
of the diaphragm may be eased by
Ignatia, Cuprum
metallicum, or
Nux vomica. You will need
professional help to ensure that you get the right medication in the right doses. Spasming
of the diaphragm may be eased by
Ignatia, Cuprum
metallicum, or
Nux vomica. You will need
professional help to ensure that you get the right medication in the right doses.
Aromatherapy -
Try
using
tangerine massaged into the abdomen.
Dilute the oil in a carrier oil. (see
our section on aromatherapy). Try
using
tangerine massaged into the abdomen.
Dilute the oil in a carrier oil. (see
our section on aromatherapy).
Personal Care
Most doctors believe that
high blood levels of carbon dioxide inhibit hiccups, while low levels will aggravate
them. Here are some other remidies that may or may not work for you.
Place a brown paper bag
over your mouth and breathe in and out for a minute or two. You will be breathing in your
own carbon dioxide which should help your hiccups. Be sure NEVER to use a
plastic bag.
Hold your breath and
swallow at the same time you feel the urge to hiccup.
If your child has the
hiccups, tickle him gently while instructing him to hold his breath and not to laugh.
Hold your breath and
count to ten.
Drink a teaspoon of
raspberry cordial with no water.
When to seek further
professional advice
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