Nauseous no more: Natural remedies for motion sickness

09/16/2022 / By Zoey Sky

Research shows that almost everyone has experienced (or will experience) motion sickness at some point in their life. Western medicine attempts to treat motion sickness with drugs like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), but this antihistamine can cause negative side effects like dizziness, drowsiness and decreased mental alertness, all of which can make a fun trip seem like a chore.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help relieve the symptoms caused by motion sickness without any side effects.

Check the remedies below and see which one works best so you can enjoy your next trip even if you experience motion sickness.

Acupressure

Acupressure bands, also called seasickness bracelets and sea bands, work by applying mild pressure on the wrist. Some bands also deliver a small electrical charge.

According to Dr. Randy Horwitz, an integrative physician, these acupressure bands can be helpful for motion sickness without any of the negative side effects caused by other options like over-the-counter medicines.

If you forget your acupressure band, you can mimic the effect of one by pressing your middle and index finger on the point two inches above your inner wrist, between the two tendons. Pressure on this point, which is called “nei-guan” in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has long been believed to help relieve nausea and dizziness.

Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil

Motion sickness is caused by a conflict between your inner ear, which senses movement based on changes in fluid and pressure, and the visual information that your eyes receive.

It is believed that stimulating your other senses can be a beneficial distraction.

Aromatherapy, particularly inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil, has been shown to help alleviate nausea.

In the results of a 2018 review published in the journal Complementary Therapeutics and Medicine, scientists reported that aromatherapy with lavender could be used as an alternative or complementary therapy for postoperative nausea.

If you don’t like the scent of lavender essential oil, you can also try inhaling the aroma of ginger or peppermint essential oils.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile is an herb that can help soothe the stomach, reduce acids and relax stomach muscles.

Buy chamomile tea at most grocery stores and at online retailers. If you’re going on a long trip, steep chamomile tea before leaving and store it in a travel mug. You can drink the tea hot or cold.

Water or a carbonated beverage

When you start feeling nauseous, take small sips of cold water or a carbonated drink like seltzer or ginger ale to relieve your nausea.

Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee and certain sodas, which may contribute to dehydration and worsen your nausea. Consuming other beverages like apple juice or milk can also help with motion sickness.

Healthy snacks

Eating a light snack, like saltine crackers, can help relieve nausea. Avoid foods that are heavy, greasy or acidic since they’re slow to digest and may make your sickness worse.

Plan ahead if the road stops on your travels mostly offer fast food options. Alternatively, you can eat healthy snacks like apples, bananas, bread, cereal or other grains.

Ginger tea

Ginger is often considered the “gold standard” of herbal anti-nausea remedies because it is considered one of the most effective.

Ginger contains an active ingredient called gingerol that has been shown to be effective against indigestion and morning sickness. Research suggests that gingerol may also help post-surgical and chemotherapy-related nausea.

Before leaving for your trip, steep a soothing ginger tea. First, chop up an inch or two of fresh ginger root into thin slices. Add the ginger to a cup of boiling water, then set it aside and let it steep for five to 10 minutes.

Once the tea is cool, strain it before drinking or bring it with you in a travel tumbler on your trip.

You can also use ginger while you’re traveling by mixing ginger essential oil and a carrier oil and rubbing the mixture into pressure points on your wrist and forehead. Like other essential oils, ginger oil is intended for aromatherapy or topical application. Do not take it internally. (Related: 4 Natural solutions for motion sickness.)

Getting some air (fan or outdoors)

If you’re overcome with motion sickness, crack a window in your car or go outdoors if possible.

If the weather or your mode of travel doesn’t permit you to go outside, turn the air vents toward you or use a fan to blow air on your face. Note that cigarette smoke may also make your sickness worse.

Licorice root lozenges

Licorice root is used to soothe stomach acid irritation and stomach ulcer pain. It can also help digestion.

Taking licorice root lozenges may also help prevent nausea and vomiting. Buy lozenges at online retailers.

Other techniques to relieve nausea

If you’re on a cruise and suffering from seasickness, try to focus your eyes directly in front of you while looking at the horizon or at a motionless object on the shore. Try not to look at the surface of the water and avoid focusing on ripples and waves.

According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, people who focused their eyes directly in front of them were able to reduce body sway, which is helpful because it seems to be linked to motion sickness.

If possible, sit at the front of a boat and bypass the upper levels. When traveling by car or bus, take the front seat. If you are prone to motion sickness on airplanes, choose a window seat overlooking the wing.

Don’t try to distract yourself by reading if you’re experiencing motion sickness because this can make your condition worse. The same goes for using a laptop or your cell phone. If you’re prone to motion sickness, avoid sudden or rapid head movements.

Eat a small but nutritious meal at least one hour or two before starting your journey. Chew on gum or suck on ice chips if you start feeling dizzy during the trip.

Visit Remedies.news to learn more about natural remedies for common health complaints like dizziness and nausea.

Watch the video below for tips on how to make candied ginger at home.

This video is from the Vegan Shenanigan channel on Brighteon.com.