Motion Sickness Remedies

Check out several motion sickness remedies on this page. It also answers some of the common questions such as what is motion sickness, what are the possible cures for motion sickness, the causes and symptoms of motion sickness and how to prevent it.

Motion sickness or travel sickness is a condition in which you feel sick while you are travelling in a bus, car, plane, train, boat or ship or sitting in an amusement park ride. Women are children are more prone to motion sickness. And people with inner ear problem are also at higher risk of experiencing travel sickness.

Motion sickness is caused by conflicting messages that your brain receives from your sensory organs particularly your eyes, ears and proprioception receptors. Proprioceptors are sensory nerves endings that give information concerning movements and positions of the body. When your eyes don't see what your ears hear or when your body is not moving but your eyes see or your ears hear movements, your brain becomes confused. This situation brings about the symptoms of motion sickness.

The common symptoms of motions sickness include dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Some people may experience cold sweat, increased saliva. Some may feel sick in the stomach or become immobilized.

Anticholinergics and antihistamines are the conventional motion sickness medications. Antihistamines produce sedative effect and will make you feel drowsy. You can choose to use the either one of the medication or you can try other natural motion sickness remedies.

Motion sickness remedies No. 1 - Motion sickness herbs

At the top of the list of anti-motion sickness herb is ginger. It is well-known that ginger helps in preventing dizziness including nausea. You can drink ginger tea before you travel and chew a ginger candy while you are traveling.

Drinking peppermint tea before your trip may produce a calming and numbing effect. Peppermint is used as a remedy for morning sickness and motion sickness as it helps prevent nausea.

Though there is insufficient scientific evidence, drinking black horehound herb tea may help prevent nausea, spasms and vomiting associated with motion sickness.

Motion sickness remedies No. 2 - Homeopathic remedy

Homeopathic remedy may help provide motion sickness relief. The CanTravel homeopathic formula which include zingiber or ginger, mentha pip and kali phos is recommended to prevent and relieve nausea, vomiting and uneasiness associated with air, car or sea sickness. The formula is also safe for children.

Other combinations of homeopathic formula may include borax, cocculus, nux vomica, sepia and tabacum.

Motion sickness remedies No. 3 - Alternative motion sickness treatment

An alternative remedy to overcome travel sickness is to use the overcome motion sickness hypnosis. All you need to do is sit back and listen to the recording. It will lead you to change your state of consciousness and then offer suggestions to enable you to gain control over your motion sickness.

You have another option and that is to apply the acupressure technique. Unlike acupuncture which uses needles, acupressure is done by putting pressure on certain points on the body with the use of the fingers. The pressure will stimulate the points, promote circulation and ease muscle tension.

Motion sickness aids such as the motion sickness wristband and motion sickness bracelet are based on the acupressure technique. The wrist band touches one of the acupressure points and helps prevent and relief nausea. It is best to wear the wrist bands on both wrists.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness

1. When traveling in a car, sit in front instead of the back to avoid car sickness. If you can't avoid it, close your eyes or sleep. And when sitting in the car, face forward instead of sitting backward against the direction of your travel. If you are prone to car sickness, avoid reading while the car is moving and always bring a motion sickness bag or plastic bag along.
   
   
   
2. You may be able to avoid airplane motion sickness by sitting over the front edge of the wing. Direct the air vent flow towards your face.
   
   
   
3. To avoid sickness when traveling by train or bus, sit next to a window.
   
   
   
4. If you are on a cruise ship, stay outdoors on the upper deck instead of sitting in the cabin especially if it is in the lower deck and is not well ventilated. And when you are out there, look at the horizon.
   
   
   
5. Get enough sleep and avoid drinking alcohol and eating a heavy meal before you travel. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
   
   
   
6. Relax your body and mind before you begin your trip. Anxiety and fear increases the risk of travel sickness.
   
   
   
7. Traveling more often may help cure motion sickness or at least lessened the symptoms.

Back to Remedies for Various Conditions and Diseases

Back from Motion Sickness Remedies to Various Home Remedies