Totally normal, right? We all get those pesky hiccups at some point in our lives. But hey, if they’re popping up way too often, or just plain driving you up the wall, then you absolutely gotta check out these twenty craziest, most bizarre ways to kick ’em to the curb!
Quirky Quenchers & Nose-Holds
For a surefire way to zap those hiccups, try this: gulp down a glass of water while holding your breath and pinching your nose. If those initial attempts don’t quite cut it, just rinse and repeat. Usually, after just a couple or three tries, those annoying little spasms will just *poof* disappear!
Whip up a sweet concoction by stirring a teaspoon of honey into a glass of water until it’s perfectly blended, then drink it down. Honey, believe it or not, has this magical ability to tickle your vagus nerve just right, putting an instant stop to those hiccups.
Grab a glass, fill it with water, and pop in two straws, making sure one is snug against the side. Then, go ahead and drink up using both straws, really trying to chug down as much water as you possibly can!
Spicy & Sensory Shocks
Some folks swear by a little fiery kick to send hiccups packing. Just a tiny sip of something like chili sauce can do the trick! That intense burn on your tongue acts as the ultimate distraction, pulling focus away from those involuntary spasms.
First things first, take a big breath in and then really push all that air out until you feel like you’re desperate for another gulp of oxygen. Once you’ve done that, hold your breath, use your fingers to plug your ears, and stick out your tongue. Seriously, it works!
Who knew a spoonful of dry cocoa powder could be your secret weapon against hiccups? Just swallow it down! Any chocolatey drink powder, like Milo, will totally do the trick.
Tongue Tricks & Water Wonders
Want to give your vagus nerve a little wake-up call? Try sticking your tongue out really, really hard! This move can actually help ease that diaphragm spasm and sort out any reflex issues happening in your mouth.
Here’s a fun one: put a cup of water on a table and drink from it without using your hands! Bend down and gulp down as much water as you can. It’s trickier than it sounds but can totally surprise those hiccups away.
Sweet & Sour Surprises
Got hiccups? Reach for something super sweet to get rid of them! A teaspoon of sugar, for instance, can do wonders. It irritates your esophagus, which in turn resets your phrenic nerve, and *bam*—hiccups gone!
Give those hiccups a sour shock! Bite into something intensely tart, like a lemon wedge. If the sourness is too much to handle, a little sprinkle of sugar can make it more palatable. Not a lemon fan? A teaspoon of vinegar works just as well!
Internal Interruptions & Breathing Hacks
When hiccups strike, try giving a good cough or letting out a burp. These actions constrict your diaphragm, effectively interrupting the hiccup cycle.
For a classic hiccup remedy, grab a spoonful of peanut butter. The sheer effort of chewing that sticky goodness interrupts your breathing pattern, putting an end to those bothersome hiccups.
Got a paper bag? Good! Seal it tightly around your mouth and nose and then breathe in and out deeply at least ten times. The faster you go, the more effective this little trick becomes at sending those hiccups packing!
Small Sips & Cold Comforts
Taking tiny sips of water can actually help soothe those hiccups away. Just remember to take a little breath between each sip!
Many doctors tout the power of gargling with ice water to stop hiccups in their tracks. Toss in some ice cubes to get it really chilly! Just be super careful not to swallow those ice cubes—you don’t want a bigger problem on your hands than just hiccups!
Sensory Overload & Physical Twists
Sniffing something with a really strong scent can be a game-changer for hiccups. A whiff of smelling salts, for example, can completely shift your breathing pattern. Even just catching a whiff of lemon wedges or vinegar can help put a stop to them!
Give the roof of your mouth a good massage with your tongue, or even a cotton swab. This can stimulate your vagus nerve and calm that diaphragm spasm right down.
Okay, here’s a wild one: hold your breath, pinch your nose, and spin around counter-clockwise! You can even sing a little rhyme to help you keep track of your rotations. Just try not to tumble over—hiccups would be the least of your worries then!
This next one often takes a partner, but it can be a lifesaver! Hold your left ear with your right hand and your right ear with your left hand, gently, no pinching! Then, have someone hold a glass of water to your mouth so you can drink. It beats asking them to scare your hiccups away!
Place a cup of water on the floor, bend down, and keep drinking until those hiccups finally give up. If they’re still hanging around after you’ve finished the first glass, just refill and go again!
These are just some of the super easy, albeit totally quirky, ways you can try to banish those persistent hiccups right in your own cozy abode. However, if those hiccups stick around for ages, it might be a sign of something more. In that case, do yourself a favor and get it checked out at your local hospital—just to make sure everything’s hunky-dory!