Can Sniffing Alcohol Really Soothe Nausea?

No one enjoys an upset stomach, and most of us will try almost anything to ease the discomfort and avoid vomiting. You might have heard that sniffing alcohol can help with nausea—but is it true? Does it work? Here’s what you need to know about nausea, alcohol, and whether smelling it can bring relief.

Nausea: Your Body’s Urge to Purge

Nausea is that queasy, uneasy feeling in your stomach, often accompanied by the urge to vomit. Vomiting is your body’s way of forcibly emptying the stomach’s contents. While nausea and vomiting aren’t diseases themselves, they’re symptoms of various conditions. Common causes include:

• Illnesses like stomach flu, viruses, or infections
• Food poisoning
• Motion sickness, vertigo, or migraines
• Pregnancy
• Gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers or gastritis
• Intense pain
• Certain medications, including chemotherapy
• Overconsumption of alcohol

Though usually harmless, nausea and vomiting can sometimes signal something more serious—like encephalitis, meningitis, heart attack, or appendicitis. If you suspect a serious condition, seek medical help right away.

Can Alcohol Cause Nausea?

Yes! It’s common to feel nauseous after drinking alcohol. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, slows digestion, and prompts the brain’s “vomiting center” to react to toxins. This can lead to vomiting as your body tries to expel the irritants. So, if alcohol can cause nausea, how could smelling it possibly help?

Isopropyl Alcohol vs. Ethanol

To understand, it’s important to distinguish between types of alcohol:

• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA): Made from petroleum derivatives, IPA is used in disinfectants, antiseptics, and solvents. It’s found in rubbing alcohol and cleaning products. Drinking IPA can cause nausea, dizziness, or even be fatal.
• Rubbing alcohol: This is simply IPA diluted with water—safe for cleaning but dangerous to consume.
• Ethanol: This is the type of alcohol in beverages, made from fermented plant sources like sugar cane or wheat. It’s also used in some pharmaceuticals and personal care items.

When people suggest sniffing alcohol for nausea, they’re referring to isopropyl alcohol—not the ethanol in drinks.

Does Smelling Alcohol Help With Nausea?

In some cases, taking a few deep whiffs of rubbing alcohol may ease nausea, but scientific evidence is limited. One study found that isopropyl alcohol vapor provided faster nausea relief and reduced the need for anti-nausea drugs. Another observed benefits for emergency room patients. Still, results aren’t guaranteed, and inhaling too much IPA can irritate or paralyze the respiratory system. Use caution, and remember it might not work for everyone.

Why Might It Work?

With limited research, the exact mechanism isn’t clear. Some believe the strong smell distracts from nausea, while others think it overloads the sense of smell, making the brain prioritize scent over discomfort. Much of the support comes from anecdotal reports, so while it helps some people, the science isn’t definitive.

Other Ways to Ease Nausea

If sniffing alcohol doesn’t help, try these alternatives:

• Drink ginger or peppermint tea
• Eat ginger-containing foods
• Use acupressure
• Sip cold water
• Sit upright
• Stay hydrated
• Get fresh air
• Try acupuncture
• Avoid alcohol

If nausea persists, see a doctor. They may prescribe anti-nausea medications like Ondansetron or Metoclopramide.

Key Takeaways

Sniffing isopropyl alcohol might relieve nausea for some, but evidence is limited. Remember: isopropyl alcohol is not for drinking, and sniffing ethanol won’t help. Reducing or quitting alcohol consumption can prevent nausea in the first place. If you’re looking to cut back, consider using Quitemate for support.