A hiccup is an involuntary spasm of the diaphragm which is repeated several times a minute. The characteristic sound of a hiccup is at times preceded by a small tightening sensation in the chest, abdomen or throat.
A very full stomach can also cause bouts of hiccups that go off on their own. Eating food very quickly, drinking too much alcohol, swallowing too much air, smoking, suddenly drinking a hot beverage, emotional stress all these can cause hiccups.
Hiccups can be persistent if they last over 48 hours and rare ones are known as intractable hiccups. The latter can cause exhaustion, lack of sleep and weight loss. Both can indicate serious health problems and it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Home Remedies for Hiccups
Below are some of the effective home remedies for hiccups –
- Breathing into a brown paper bag. The forced breathing may restore the natural contractions of the diaphragm
- Swallowing dry ingredients, for instance dry sugar which stimulates the throat and releases the air
- Swallowing liquids
- Holding the breath
- Resistance to laughter
- Blowing air out in steady, controlled manner
- Gargling with water
- Sip ice water
- Close the eyes and massage the eyeballs
- Eat 1 tsp of peanut butter everyday
- Deep breathing exercises
- A mixture of honey and castor oil. Dip your finger every 2 to 3 minutes and lick it
Ayurveda and Herbal Remedy for Hiccups
- Black pepper causes sneezing, which puts an end to hiccups
- For persistent hiccups half teaspoon of cardamom powder can be mixed in a cup of water and then boiled to half its quantity. Then filter it and drink it
- Mustard stimulates the nerves in the throat region. One should slowly swallow a tablespoonful of mustard seeds mixed with ghee to help reduce hiccups
- Cinnamon also help stop hiccups
- Acute hiccups can be treated by Mayurpichcha mashi which is the ash of burnt peacock feather which is given with ginger and honey. One has to lick it repeatedly, after every few minutes in order to stop the hiccups in course of time
Hiccups are irritating. Simple methods can be adopted to check them. Try them out. For prolonged hiccups you should consult a doctor.
