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10 natural home remedies for hiccups

by Arun Raj on August 06, 2025

Introduction:

Hiccups are a common and usually harmless reflex, but they can be annoying—especially when they won’t stop. Whether you’ve had a hiccup spell after a spicy meal or during a moment of laughter, we’ve all asked: How do I stop hiccups fast? Lets check some home remedies for hiccups.

Before reaching for medication, it’s worth trying natural and home remedies for hiccups. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 proven home remedies for hiccups, understand their possible causes, and answer common questions like why do hiccups occur and when should you see a doctor.


What Causes Hiccups?

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, the muscle that helps us breathe, suddenly contracts. This involuntary spasm causes the vocal cords to snap shut, producing the familiar “hic” sound.

Common triggers include:

  • Eating too fast or overeating
  • Drinking carbonated beverages
  • Sudden excitement or stress
  • Spicy or hot foods
  • Swallowing air (while chewing gum, for example)

While occasional hiccups are harmless, persistent hiccups lasting over 48 hours might require medical attention.


10 Effective Home Remedies for Hiccups

1. Hold Your Breath

One of the most well-known tricks to stop hiccups is holding your breath for 10–20 seconds. This increases carbon dioxide in your bloodstream, which can help stop diaphragm spasms.

Tip: Repeat 2–3 times if the hiccups persist.

2. Drink Cold Water Slowly

Sipping cold water slowly can help stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a role in stopping hiccups. Some even suggest drinking from the opposite side of the glass for a distraction effect.

3. Swallow a Teaspoon of Sugar

A spoonful of sugar can stimulate the throat’s nerve endings and stop the hiccup reflex. Let it dissolve slowly in your mouth.

Variation: Try honey or jaggery as an alternative.

4. Bite on a Lemon

The sourness of lemon activates taste receptors and might interrupt the hiccup cycle. Suck on a small slice for a few seconds.

For sensitive teeth, dilute lemon juice in a glass of warm water.

5. Use the Paper Towel Trick

Drink a glass of water through a paper towel or clean cloth. The extra effort needed to suck water through it can calm the diaphragm.

6. Apply Gentle Pressure

Press gently on your diaphragm, the bridge of your nose, or your eyeballs (closed, of course!). These techniques stimulate the vagus nerve and may help.

7. Eat a Spoonful of Peanut Butter

The sticky texture forces you to focus on swallowing, resetting your breathing rhythm and stopping hiccups.

Allergy alert: Avoid if you have a peanut allergy. You can try almond butter or ghee as an alternative.

8. Gargle with Cold Water

Gargling can also stimulate nerves in the throat. Use cold water and gargle for 30 seconds.

9. Breathe into a Paper Bag

This increases carbon dioxide levels, encouraging the diaphragm to relax. Do not use a plastic bag, and avoid this method if you have heart or lung conditions.

10. Try Gentle Burping

Sometimes, hiccups are caused by swallowed air. Try to burp gently—it can relieve stomach pressure and stop hiccups.


Ayurvedic and Natural Remedies for Hiccups

In Ayurveda, hiccups are linked to imbalances in Vata dosha. Remedies include:

  • Drinking warm water with ginger or tulsi leaves
  • Inhaling cardamom or clove vapors
  • Consuming fennel seeds after meals

These natural hiccup remedies calm the nervous system and aid digestion.


When to Seek Medical Help

Most hiccups go away within a few minutes. But consult a doctor if you experience:

  • Hiccups lasting more than 48 hours
  • Disrupted sleep or eating
  • Severe pain or vomiting with hiccups

Persistent hiccups may be linked to conditions like GERD, stroke, or nerve damage.


Preventing Hiccups: Lifestyle Tips

While remedies help, prevention is better. Here are a few tips:

  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
  • Avoid spicy foods and carbonated drinks
  • Don’t talk while eating
  • Manage stress with breathing exercises

Incorporating mindful eating and gut-friendly habits also promotes better digestion and reduces hiccup risk.


Final Thoughts

Hiccups are a quirky yet common part of life. Most of the time, they’re nothing to worry about. With these simple home remedies for hiccups, you can find quick relief naturally—without any medication.

Next time someone asks, “How to stop hiccups fast?”—you’ll have all the answers!


FAQs

Q: Are hiccups dangerous?
A: Usually not. But chronic hiccups may signal an underlying condition.

Q: Can kids try these home remedies?
A: Yes, but stick to gentle options like sipping water, holding breath, or honey (if over 1 year old).

Q: Do hiccups go away on their own?
A: In most cases, yes. But if they persist beyond two days, consult a doctor.

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