Vomiting is the body’s defense mechanism in response to the intake of any harmful or undesirable thing. Toxic chemicals or products, if swallowed, also need to be removed immediately before they enter the bloodstream or damage the stomach. If you or someone in your family swallows anything harmful, immediately contact your doctor. Vomiting can minimize the content in the stomach but can never completely cleanse it. Inducing vomit can have harmful side effects like dehydration, damage to tissue in the mouth or throat, and chemical burns. It should be the resort when immediate attention by a doctor is not possible.
How to Induce Vomit
1. Putting Your Finger Down Your Throat
Putting your finger against the back of your throat triggers the body’s gag reflex that automatically induces vomiting by making you nauseous. It does sound disgusting but this is perhaps the most frequently used method. However, it is strictly advised against inducing vomiting intentionally for any reason.
2. Drink Warm Salt-Water
Another instant method of inducing vomit is to drink warm salt water. Mix one or two teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water and gulp it down altogether. After 25-30 minutes, the body will automatically respond by vomiting. It works by increasing the sodium content in your body. Salt contains sodium that results in an imbalance of electrolytes, and the body responds by expelling the water.
3. Gargle With Egg Whites
The thought of doing so itself triggers a natural response of wanting to throw up, right? To use this method, remove the egg yolk from the eggs and then gargle with the egg whites. It is very effective for removing toxins from the stomach in particular. It works because the taste and smell of raw eggs are unpleasant and make one want to throw up almost immediately after gargling.
4. Drink Baking Soda Mixed in Water
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and swallow it down in one go. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is known to induce vomiting. Nausea and vomiting is a typical result of taking in too much sodium bicarbonate.
5. Use the Bloodroot Herb
Bloodroot herb powder is another way of inducing vomiting in case of an emergency. Bloodroot herb powder is a herb used in the treatment of many health issues. A common side effect of consuming this herb is nausea and vomiting. However, since bloodroot herb powder is toxic if taken in large quantities, it is strongly advised against taking it without consulting your doctor first.
Bottom Line
Throwing up intentionally is not the first solution to toxic poisoning. It is recommended to visit the doctor as soon as possible and only use these methods if you are unable to get your stomach cleansed by the doctors. Vomiting can result in dehydration, acid refluxed, ulcers, and even eating disorders like bulimia if it becomes a routine. Acid from the stomach may even result in erosion of the teeth or the mouth. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, avoid intentional vomiting at all costs.
