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Remedies for Getting Rid of Hiccups

Hiccups affect nearly everyone and is a common condition that involves a contraction of the diaphragm. By interrupting this pattern, many people have success of getting rid of the hiccups. Hiccups can be a result of alcoholic beverages, a large meal or sudden excitement. A variety of home remedies can be used to get rid of annoying hiccups.

  1. Hold Your Breath

    • Holding your breath is one of the most common remedies for stopping hiccups. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds and then release. This causes the lungs to expand and push down on the diaphragm, which should stop hiccups immediately.

      Drinking water for a count of 30 seconds will also do the same thing.

    Honey

    • Take a spoon full of honey or dry sugar to stop hiccups.

    Paper Bag

    • Breathe into a paper bag for approximately one minute. This works in the same way holding your breath does, by expanding the lungs and pushing down on the diaphragm.

      An alternative paper-bag remedy involves putting one drop of chamomile essential oil in the paper bag. Make sure to hold the bag over your mouth and nose, and then take slow, deep breaths, in and out, for about one minute. Chamomile essential oil can be purchased at most health food stores and online.

    Lemon

    • Mix the juice of one lemon with 8 ounces of water and drink. If the hiccups do not stop, repeat with another glass.

      Another remedy with lemon is to put a teaspoon of salt on a half a lemon and suck the juice out of the lemon.

    Baking Soda

    • Mix two teaspoons of baking soda, two teaspoons of aromatic spirits of ammonia and 4 ounces of peppermint water. After mixing, take 1 tablespoon of this mixture and hiccups should stop. Ingredients can be found online or at your local grocery store.

    Peanut Butter

    • Eat 1 teaspoon of peanut butter to cure hiccups. Repeat with another teaspoon if the first one does not stop the hiccups. This remedy works well for children too.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Sip on a glass of warm apple cider vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar.

    Lime

    • Suck on a fresh slice of lime very slowly. Do not eat the lime. Just suck on it, swallowing the juices slowly.

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