Digestion2 min
Quick home fixes for hiccups
Most hiccups stop on their own in minutes, but a spoon of sugar or honey, a few slow sips of water or a breath-hold trick can speed things along.
The Ayurvedic view
Hiccups are sudden spasms of the diaphragm. Ayurveda names them hikka and links them to disturbed vata moving upwards — brought on by eating too fast, very spicy or very cold food, fizzy drinks, excitement or a sudden change in temperature. Traditional fixes aim to calm that upward movement: something sweet and slow to swallow, controlled breathing, or a mild distraction that resets the rhythm.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sugar, or ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 glass of room-temperature water
- Optionally, a pinch of dry ginger powder mixed into the honey
How to prepare
- Keep the sugar or honey on a spoon; mix in dry ginger if using.
How to use
- Hold the sugar or honey on the tongue for a few seconds, then swallow slowly.
- Or drink the water in 10 slow, small sips without pausing for breath.
- Or breathe in fully, hold for about 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly; repeat three or four times.
Helpful habits
- Eat slowly, avoid gulping air and go easy on fizzy drinks and very spicy food.
- Don't lie down immediately after a big meal.
Precautions
- Don't give honey to babies under one year.
- People with diabetes should prefer the water or breathing methods.
- Never try to startle or frighten a child, and don't press on the eyes.
- Hiccups that last more than 48 hours, disturb sleep or eating, or come with chest pain or breathlessness need a doctor.
