Home Remedies for Hiccups: The Best Natural Ways to Stop Hiccups

Hiccups are stubborn, but these home remedies are even tougher!

Hiccups can often be stopped with simple home remedies, but the debate over which method works best is far from settled. What actually causes hiccups? If you’re curious about the most common triggers, our FAQ on hiccups and their causes has the answers.
Most home remedies for hiccups target one of two mechanisms:
The first approach focuses on increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood to relax the diaphragm and reduce spasms—methods like holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag fall into this category. But what if your hiccups don’t go away? In some cases, persistent hiccups could be a sign of an underlying condition. Learn more about the medical causes of hiccups and when to seek professional advice.
The alternative approach involves stimulating the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the abdomen and helps coordinate breathing and swallowing. Remedies like drinking water, chewing on a lemon, or sucking on crushed ice work by triggering this reflex.

One of the most common ways to stop hiccups is by increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This helps relax the diaphragm and reduce spasms, ultimately stopping the hiccups.
Simple breathing techniques, such as holding your breath or breathing into a paper bag, encourage the body to retain more carbon dioxide, which can quickly put an end to hiccups.
In this section, we explore proven exercises that use this method to stop hiccups. Try them out and find the one that works best for you!
A woman pinching her nose while holding her breath, demonstrating the Carbon Dioxide Method to stop hiccups

Stopping Hiccups with the Carbon Dioxide Method

A woman performing the 'Hands Up!' exercise to stop hiccups. She stretches her arms upward while standing on her toes, focusing on breath control
If you're struggling with hiccups, try this simple yet effective home remedy. Stand up straight, relax your shoulders, and take a deep breath. Hold your breath while slowly raising your arms as high as possible, stretching your shoulders and back.
Continue to hold your breath for as long as you can while keeping your arms stretched upward. Then, slowly lower your arms and exhale in a controlled manner.
This method works because deep breathing and stretching help reset the diaphragm and regulate carbon dioxide levels, which may stop hiccups. Give it a try and see the results for yourself! This method is especially effective if your hiccups were triggered by alcohol, as deep breathing helps counteract diaphragm irritation caused by drinking.
Another effective way to get rid of hiccups is by stimulating the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in regulating breathing and swallowing. These methods help interrupt the hiccup reflex by sending signals to the brain that suppress diaphragm spasms. Simple actions like chewing on a lemon or sucking on crushed ice can activate this nerve and quickly stop hiccups.
Want to get rid of hiccups right now? Check out the most popular methods that actually work and find the one that will help you in just a few seconds! 🚀
A woman pinching her nose while holding her breath, demonstrating the Carbon Dioxide Method to stop hiccups

Stopping Hiccups by Stimulating the Vagus Nerve

This simple yet effective trick may help stop hiccups instantly. Firmly clench your fingers into a tight fist or press your thumb hard against the palm of your other hand. The stronger the pressure, the better.
Why It Works:
Applying pressure creates a mild discomfort that distracts your nervous system from the hiccup reflex, helping to reset it.
When to Use:
This method is perfect for situations where you need a discreet solution, like during a meeting or while commuting.
Try it next time hiccups strike—you might be surprised how well it works!

Unexpected but Apparently
Effective Methods

Not all hiccup remedies seem logical, but sometimes the strangest methods turn out to be surprisingly effective. Try these three unconventional techniques - who knows, they might just work for you!

Trigger the Gag
Reflex

Run a cotton swab or the tip of a toothbrush along the roof of your mouth to stimulate the gag reflex. This activates the vagus nerve, which may help stop hiccups.

Take a Hot Shower

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Stand under a warm shower, letting the water flow over your back and chest. Breathe deeply and relax for a few minutes.
The heat helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system, which can interrupt the hiccup cycle.

Take a Small Sip of a Strong Drink

Drink a small sip of a strong alcoholic beverage, such as whiskey or brandy, and swallow slowly, feeling the warmth spread through your throat.
Alcohol can act as a relaxant for the nervous system, helping to stop involuntary diaphragm spasms. (Note: Avoid this method if your hiccups are alcohol-induced.)
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This may sound odd, but it distracts the brain and interrupts the hiccup cycle. Simply take a glass of water, place it against your chin, wrap your lips around the far rim, and take a few sips.

Drink from the Opposite Side of the Glass

A long, deep kiss can actually stop hiccups! The change in breathing rhythm and sensory distraction might do the trick. So if you spot a free prince (or princess) nearby—go for it! Just make sure the kiss lasts long enough for your breathing to reset.

A Long French Kiss 💋

How to Stop Someone’s Hiccups: Fun and Easy Scare Techniques

Hiccups can be annoying, and sometimes the usual remedies just don’t work. One of the classic tricks to stop hiccups is to startle the person—but since scaring yourself isn’t exactly an option, it’s up to those nearby to step in. If you’re wondering how to help someone get rid of hiccups fast, this guide will show you simple and fun scare tactics that might do the trick.
From unexpected sounds to surprise movements, these methods can help stop hiccups instantly! And if you’re curious about the weirdest and funniest hiccup remedies people swear by, check out our Fun section for some hilarious hiccup stories and quirky tricks!
"I just got fired"
"There’s a spider on your shoulder!"
"Wait… wasn’t your purse right here?"
"I forgot to book our flight"
"Your ex just texted you"
"Babe, don’t freak out, but…"

Want to Stop Her Hiccups? Just Say One of These!

A confident young man with a charming smile says something unexpected to a hiccuping woman, helping her stop her hiccups instantly.
Friendly Pranks for Guys:
"Dude, your back is completely white!"
"Bro, don’t move… but there’s a huge spider on your shoulder!"
"Hey, your phone just fell… I think the screen cracked!"
"The IRS just called you."
"Dude, your girlfriend is coming… and she looks REALLY mad."

Friendly Pranks for Girls:
"Don’t move, but something is crawling in your hair!"
"Oh… are you sure you turned off your straightener before leaving?"
"I just saw your ex – he's walking this way!"
"Wait… are you SURE you didn’t send that message to the group chat?"
"Oh my god, don’t freak out, but…"

Want to Stop Your Friend’s Hiccups? Just Say One of These!

A vintage pin-up style illustration of a playful man in a red blazer surprising a stylish woman in a red dress, as if trying to startle her to stop her hiccups.
"I'm pregnant"
"My mom is coming to stay with us for a month"
"We need to talk"
"You do remember what today is, right?"
"You did lock the front door, right?"
"I saw your messages"

Want to Stop His Hiccups? Just Say One of These!

A woman casually says a surprising phrase to a hiccuping man, helping him stop his hiccups.
These are just fun examples—you know your friends and loved ones best, so choose a phrase that suits the situation. And remember, the goal is to stop the hiccups, not cause a heart attack!
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Is Your Hiccups Still Not Gone?
Distraction is actually one of the most effective ways to get rid of hiccups. If you're still hiccuping and the methods above didn’t do the trick, just keep reading! Up next, we dive into the medical side of hiccups—why they happen, what’s going on in your body, and the science behind the cures. Trust us, it’s not just useful—it’s fascinating!
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Got a unique hiccup remedy that’s not on our site? Share it with us! We’d love to feature the best methods.
Disclaimer
All content on this website is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
HiccupHub does not assume responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of the information, methods, or advice presented on this site. Any actions taken based on the content of this website are at your own risk.
If you experience health issues, always consult a qualified medical professional. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.
HiccupHub is not liable for any injuries, health complications, or other outcomes that may result from applying the information provided.
This website may contain links to external resources. HiccupHub has no control over third-party content, does not endorse external advice, and is not responsible for its accuracy or any consequences arising from its use. Visiting external links is at your own discretion and risk.
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