Hiccups

Definition

Hiccups, also known as hiccoughs, occur due to the vocal chords suddenly closing in response to a sudden contraction from the diaphragm.

Symptoms

Hiccups are very typical and usually are not serious. Prolonged hiccups occur rarely, but when they do, they cause severe exhaustion and may require medicine or surgical treatment.

Natural Cures

Diet plan: Chew a piece of dry burnt toast very slowly, or sip a glass of water while walking slowly, until hiccups stop.

Herbs: Mix the tinctures of black cohosh, skullcap, and vervain. Sip a warm infusion of lavender tea.

Homeopathy: Nux vomica., Mag phos., Ignatia, Lycopodium, Ginseng., as well as Acidum sulfare are all useful homeopathic remedies.

Nutrition: Charcoal tablets or chewable papaya enzymes can ease hiccup attacks

Optional Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following expert therapies have all proven useful for treating hiccups: Acupressure, Bodywork, Chiropractic Medicine, Environment Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of those alternative treatments.)