If you or your loved ones suffer from motion sickness, you’ll be pleased to know that natural remedies for motion sickness can provide effective relief.
We just returned from a road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains, where motion sickness is common. The curvy mountain roads are beautiful to look at, but not so great on your stomach!
After living here in the mountains, and making frequent road trips, we have some tips that we’ve found to help best.
Let’s explore some practical and holistic approaches to managing this uncomfortable condition.
Symptoms of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness occurs when your inner ear, eyes, and other body parts send mixed signals to your brain, leading to various unpleasant symptoms.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, cold sweat, an upset stomach, blurred vision, and a general feeling of nausea.
These symptoms can occur in any type of moving vehicle, including cars, boats, and airplanes, and can also be triggered by amusement park rides, virtual reality games, and even certain medical conditions.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Cold sweat
- Upset stomach
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of nausea
You may have seen more about these symptoms and remedies in our post, 10 Tips for Driving Through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness
Thankfully, several natural remedies can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms without the need for prescription medications.
Ginger is a popular natural remedy.
Ginger ale, ginger tea, and ginger snaps are commonly used to alleviate nausea. The active ingredient, Zingiber officinale, is known for its anti-nausea properties.
Essential oils like peppermint and lavender can provide relief when inhaled or applied to pressure points. These oils are easy to use and can be a soothing solution for motion sickness.
Acupressure is another effective remedy. Acupressure bands and bracelets, which apply pressure to specific points like the inner wrist, are effective for many people.
Consulting an acupressure practitioner can provide guidance on targeting the right pressure points.
Fresh air can help alleviate nausea, and eating light meals and avoiding an empty stomach can prevent the onset of symptoms.
Fresh air combined with light, frequent snacks can make a significant difference in how you feel.
Diaphragmatic breathing helps calm the nervous system, reducing the feeling of nausea.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can address the anxiety that often accompanies motion sickness, offering a long-term solution for those who struggle with frequent episodes.
Ginger
- Ginger ale
- Ginger tea
- Ginger snaps
- Zingiber officinale
Essential Oils
- Peppermint
- Lavender
Acupressure
- Acupressure bands
- Acupressure bracelets
- Specific pressure points
Fresh Air
Light Meals
- Eating light, frequent meals
- Avoiding an empty stomach
- Dry crackers
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing helps with motion sickness by promoting relaxation and reducing the body’s stress response, which can alleviate symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
This deep breathing technique enhances oxygen flow and calms the nervous system, making it easier to manage the discomfort associated with motion sickness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps with motion sickness by addressing and modifying the negative thought patterns and anxiety that can exacerbate symptoms.
By changing these thoughts and practicing relaxation techniques, CBT can reduce the psychological and physiological responses to motion, ultimately lessening the severity of motion sickness.
More Home Remedies for Motion Sickness
Beyond the basics, there are additional strategies to consider. Proper positioning and focus can make a big difference.
Sitting in the front seat of a car or the window seat of an airplane helps stabilize your view.
On a boat, positioning yourself in the middle of the boat or ship, close to the water level, can be more comfortable.
Focusing on a fixed point in the distance helps stabilize your vestibular system and reduces the feeling of nausea.
Staying hydrated is crucial, so drink plenty of fresh water.
Avoid strong odors and heavy, greasy foods that can exacerbate symptoms. Instead, opt for light, bland snacks like dry crackers.
Technology aids such as motion sickness glasses can help some individuals by stabilizing visual input.
Some claim virtual reality games and flight simulators can be used to desensitize your senses and reduce the frequency of motion sickness episodes. However, I personally find these to make it worse!
Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medicine for Motion Sickness
For those who need additional support, over-the-counter and prescription medications are available.
Over-the-counter medications can be found at most drug stores and provide quick relief.
If you need something stronger, prescription medications like Transderm Scop, an adhesive patch, can be very effective.
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any medication to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
- Transderm Scop
- Adhesive patch
- Acupressure Bracelets
- Motion sickness medication
When to Seek Medical Help for Motion Sickness
While natural remedies and over-the-counter options are often effective, it’s important to know when to seek medical help.
Before hitting the road for a family road trip, take precautions to keep you out of the doctors office, if possible.
You should consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms persist despite using natural treatments, or if you experience severe or unusual symptoms, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or vestibular disease.
Pregnant women or individuals with underlying medical conditions should always consult their healthcare provider.
Participating in clinical trials can provide access to new treatments, and laboratory tests may be necessary to rule out other medical conditions.
Conclusion
Motion sickness can be a challenging condition, but the good news is that there are many natural remedies and strategies to help manage it effectively.
From ginger and essential oils to acupressure and proper positioning, you have a variety of options to choose from.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional for severe or persistent symptoms, and always have a plan in place for your next journey. Happy travels!
Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:
How to Organize Your Car for Road Trips
How to Get Started as a Blogger and Make Money From Home
