Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness: Tips to Try

Table of Contents

Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness: Tips to Try

Understanding Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a common condition that affects many people during travel, especially in cars, boats, planes, or trains. It occurs when there is a conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses. This sensory mismatch can result in symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, fatigue, and vomiting. While motion sickness is not dangerous, it can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can help prevent or ease the symptoms without relying on medication.

Common Causes and Symptoms

Motion sickness can affect anyone, but some individuals are more prone to it than others. Factors that can increase the risk include anxiety, hormonal changes, strong odors, reading while moving, and dehydration. The most common symptoms include:

• Nausea or queasiness
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation
• Cold sweats and clammy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Vomiting in severe cases

Recognizing these early signs is key to managing motion sickness before it becomes overwhelming.

1. Ginger: A Time-Tested Remedy

Ginger is one of the most widely used natural remedies for motion sickness. It helps reduce nausea and improves digestion. Several studies have shown that ginger can be as effective as over-the-counter anti-nausea drugs, without the drowsiness.

How to Use Ginger

You can consume ginger in various forms: fresh slices, ginger tea, ginger ale (made with real ginger), or ginger supplements. For travel, many people prefer to chew on crystallized ginger or take ginger capsules 30 minutes before departure. A small piece of fresh ginger under the tongue can also provide quick relief during a trip.

2. Peppermint: Soothing and Cooling

Peppermint is another natural remedy that can calm the stomach and reduce queasiness. It has antispasmodic properties that relax the gastrointestinal tract and relieve nausea.

Ways to Use Peppermint

Drinking peppermint tea before or during travel can help keep your stomach settled. Peppermint essential oil can also be used for aromatherapy—simply inhaling the scent from a cotton ball or diffuser can help reduce symptoms. You can also apply diluted peppermint oil to your temples or neck for a cooling effect.

3. Acupressure and Wrist Bands

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve symptoms. For motion sickness, the most effective point is called P6 or Nei-Kuan, located on the inner wrist.

How to Apply Acupressure

You can use your fingers to press gently on this point for a few minutes, or wear acupressure wrist bands that apply constant pressure. These bands are readily available and commonly used by travelers, sailors, and even pregnant women for morning sickness.

4. Chamomile: Calming the Nerves

Chamomile tea is well known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It not only helps relax the stomach but also reduces anxiety, which can be a trigger for motion sickness in some people.

Chamomile Tea for Travel

Drink a cup of chamomile tea before your journey to help relax your mind and body. You can also carry chamomile tea bags and prepare them with hot water during your trip if needed.

5. Aromatherapy for Motion Relief

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils to promote physical and mental well-being. Certain scents such as lavender, ginger, peppermint, and lemon can help reduce nausea and soothe nerves.

How to Use Essential Oils

Add a few drops of essential oil to a handkerchief or cotton ball and inhale gently. You can also use a personal inhaler or essential oil diffuser in your car. Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without diluting them in a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Light

Dehydration can worsen motion sickness, so it's important to drink plenty of water before and during travel. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy meals as they can irritate your stomach and increase the chances of nausea.

Best Foods Before Travel

Eat a small, bland meal before traveling—examples include plain toast, crackers, bananas, or oatmeal. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and make symptoms worse.

7. Fresh Air and Ventilation

Lack of fresh air can intensify motion sickness. If you're in a car, try to open a window slightly. On boats or ferries, stand on the deck where there's fresh breeze. Proper ventilation can help regulate your senses and minimize nausea.

8. Choose the Right Seat

Where you sit during travel can make a big difference. The goal is to reduce motion and maintain a clear line of sight to the horizon.

Best Places to Sit:

• Front seat in a car
• Over the wing in an airplane
• Midship on a boat
• Near the front of a train

Avoid reading or using electronic screens during motion, as this can increase the disconnect between your eyes and your inner ear.

9. Mind-Body Techniques

Practices such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or listening to calming music can reduce stress and help manage motion sickness. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques work especially well for people who experience motion sickness due to anxiety or anticipation of travel.

10. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is believed to balance the pH levels in the stomach and help with digestion. Some people use it as a home remedy for nausea and motion sickness.

How to Use It:

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and a teaspoon of honey. Drink it before traveling or sip slowly if you begin to feel nauseated.

11. Fennel Seeds

Fennel has natural carminative properties that can soothe the digestive system and reduce bloating and nausea. Chewing on fennel seeds or drinking fennel tea can provide quick relief from motion sickness symptoms.

12. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been found to help reduce nausea in both pregnancy and motion sickness. It is available in supplement form and is also found in foods such as bananas, avocados, sunflower seeds, and poultry.

Additional Herbal Remedies to Explore

In addition to the more common natural remedies, there are a variety of lesser-known herbs that have been traditionally used for digestive balance and may help with motion sickness.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a calming herb in the mint family known for its ability to reduce anxiety, ease stomach discomfort, and support restful sleep. For motion sickness, lemon balm can help reduce stress-induced nausea and calm the nervous system. Prepare a tea with fresh or dried leaves, or look for natural supplements that combine lemon balm with other calming herbs.

Clove

Clove has carminative and anti-nausea properties. It stimulates digestion, reduces bloating, and offers a warm, soothing effect. Clove oil can be used for aromatherapy or diluted and rubbed onto the chest or neck for a relaxing, warming sensation. You can steep cloves in hot water to make tea or gently chew on a clove, though this is not suitable for children under 12.

Dietary Considerations for Sensitive Travelers

What you eat before and during travel can influence how your body responds to motion. Individuals prone to motion sickness should follow a diet that minimizes irritation to the digestive system and promotes gut balance.

Foods to Avoid:

• Greasy or fried foods
• Dairy-rich meals, which may cause bloating
• Carbonated beverages
• Spicy dishes or acidic fruits

Foods to Include:

• Plain crackers, rice cakes, or toast
• Oatmeal with banana or applesauce
• Ginger-based snacks
• Herbal teas like chamomile or fennel

Natural Motion Sickness Tips for Children

Children are often more susceptible to motion sickness. Use natural remedies like ginger chews, acupressure bands, and peppermint aromatherapy. Keep them distracted with calming music or stories, and ensure they are well-hydrated with light snacks during travel. Make sure to avoid screen time during motion, and encourage looking out the window to help the brain process movement better.

Conclusion: Travel in Comfort with Natural Support

Motion sickness doesn’t have to ruin your travel experience. By using these natural remedies and preventive tips, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms without relying on synthetic medications. Whether you prefer ginger, peppermint, acupressure, or aromatherapy, there's a natural solution that can work for you. As always, consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or if you plan to use supplements, especially for children, pregnant women, or individuals with medical conditions. Safe and comfortable journeys begin with the power of natural healing.