Hiccups are the result of involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm lies between the stomach and the chest and is essential for normal breathing.

It’s unknown what causes the spasms that result in hiccups. Some experts think it is caused by irritated nerves, while others claim gas to be the culprit. Some actions are known to cause or kick start the spasms, such as eating too fast, eating spicy food, gastric problems, kidney disorders, lung infections and sudden emotional upsets.

Anyone who is prone to hiccups knows the condition is aggravating and embarrassing and can even become painful if the spasms can’t be stopped. Home remedies for hiccups are some of the oldest home remedies in existence.  Some remedies focus on trying to stop the muscle spasms of the diaphragm, while other natural treatment seek to relieve any stomach upset or intestinal gas that may be pressing on the diaphragm.

Holding one’s breath or breathing into a paper bag is believed to cause a buildup of carbon dioxide that can relax the spastic diaphragm. Drinking a big glass of room-temperature water all at once can also produce a buildup of carbon dioxide to relax the spastic muscles.

Deep breathing offers a different approach, increasing the flow of oxygen and trying to regulate the diaphragm’s movement. Gargling with water has been found to help calm hiccups.

Sucking a cube of sugar also helps to stop hiccups, although no one knows why. Sucking a fresh piece of ginger calms an upset stomach that some believe leads to hiccups. Consuming yogurt with a pinch of salt is also a recommended way to calm gas and stomach upsets associated with hiccups.

Sucking an ice cube can help to calm the spasms that cause hiccups. Consuming a teaspoon of peanut butter has been proven effective for stopping hiccups in children. Hiccups can also be relieved by diverting the mind onto other subjects as a way to calm the diaphragm. Laughing loudly, from deep within the belly, also seems to stop the muscle spasms of hiccups.