Some people feel nauseous when they travel by car, train, bus, plane, or boat. This condition is referred to as “Motion Sickness”. Though uneasiness fades away after a short duration, but the discomfort it causes is not less than a nightmare. Here are some natural remedies that will help in combating the unpleasant symptoms of motion sickness.
What Is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is explained as a sensation of queasiness, or vomiting that occurs at the time of travelling by any means of transport. People generally experience it during long distance travel.
What are the Signs of Motion Sickness?
A person who is prone to seasickness or motion sickness shows a wide range of symptoms that includes:
- mild nausea
- dizziness,
- sweating,
- vomiting
- cold sweat
- breathing troubles
- headache
- vomiting
- increased production of saliva
- skin color turns pale
- reduction in appetite
Causes of Motion Sickness
The exact cause of this problem is not known. It is viewed as the outcome of conflict between the sensory organs in the body. It happens when your eyes are witnessing the movement, but your muscles are not acknowledging it. It sends mixed signals to your brain and you eventually end up feeling sick.
Heath experts advise to take fast action by changing positions, distracting yourself, or trying some home treatments to avoid the situation to get worse. Many times, the symptoms disappear when your body gets accustomed to the surroundings. However, if the situation is becoming worse than better, you should follow below natural remedies to get instant relief.
Natural Ways to treat Motion Sickness
1. Face the direction in which you are moving
If you are sitting at the passenger seat, then face the path in which the vehicle is moving. This is due to the disconnection of the sensory link between your hearing sense (ears), and visual sense (eyes). If you are travelling on a boat/ship, prefer to sit in the front seat as it will help in reducing symptoms. In case of a car, choose to take the front seat than the rear ones.
2. Focus on an object
Another thing that you can do to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness is to aim on an immobile object located at a certain distance.
3. Avoid sudden or quick movements of head
Do not move, twist, or turn your head with a jerk. It is better to either lie down and close your eyes, or rest your head comfortably on the back of the seat.
4. Get into a conversation or listen to music
Distraction is very important way to relieve from motion sickness. It is also a simple way to pass the time. If you like music, you can listen to soundtracks of your choice. If you have any companion other than the one driving the vehicle, you can indulge in a conversation with him/her. Diverting your attention will help you feel better and overcome nausea. It is good way to get over biological symptoms linked with motion sickness.
5. Do not read anything when travelling
It is seen that people who have motion sickness face issues while reading text, or books, or doing work on different electronic devices. This is because of the sensory disconnection between the eyes, and inner ear. The symptoms may worsen especially when you are moving on a bumpy ride.
The balance center in the inner ear will sense movement, but the text on the page / screen is still. Focusing on something close, can make the symptoms worse. To prevent this from happening, take a nap, or listen to radio / audio. It serves as good way to pass your leisure time and deal with nausea.
6. Switch positions
Some people have found that when they keep changing positions, they feel better and less affected by motion sickness. Some find sitting better, while others find standing / lying down position comfortable. Depending on the type of travel. you can choose the most comfortable position, or switch between different positions. Keep experimenting to find what position gives you best relief from motion sickness.
7. Ensure proper ventilation
Breathing problem and vomiting are the two major symptoms of motion sickness. It happens due to poor ventilation. It is important that before you plan to travel, make sure that the vehicle you choose for travel, provides you adequate air circulation via fans / outdoor air through windows. Do not smoke as it can aggravate the condition.
8. Stay Hydrated
Another very simple and effective way to treat motion sickness is to remain efficiently hydrated. Lack of water in the body can lead to dehydration that can worsen the signs of motion sickness that includes nausea, and vomiting.
Drinking adequate water, apple juice, milk, butter milk, coconut water, and drinks, like ginger ale, and seltzer will help you overcome motion sickness. It will effectively curb nausea and hydrate your body. Skip caffeinated beverages, that includes coffee and certain type of sodas that can dehydrate your body.
9. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is another important way to deal with motion sickness. Aromatic essential oils like ginger oil, peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oils, and lemon essential oils will also be beneficial in lowering nausea in people.
Diffusing is one of the simplest ways to get maximum benefit of these oils in the treatment of the condition. This method is completely safe, and does not cause any interactions. It is good idea to carry a portable diffuser with you on the trip. Put couple of oil drops in the diffuser per session. Do not perform the procedure for more than forty-five minutes.
Another way to use essential oils, is to put two to three drops of these oils on a handkerchief. These oils have strong aroma and a little amount of it is sufficient. Sniff on it while you travel. Always carry essential oils with you so that you can use them quickly whenever needed.
10. Pack some easy to digest crackers
You should pack some light salted crackers while you are on a trip. Eating them can ease nausea. Ensure that they should have low oil content, and non-oily, and acidic otherwise the sickness can become worse. Popcorns, nuts, seeds, bananas, apples, bread etc. are some of the easily digested snacks that not just fills your stomach but also gives you relief from motion sickness.
11. Licorice root
Licorice root exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It has a soothing action on your stomach and prevents the difficult signs of dyspepsia. Sipping licorice water reduces vomiting sensation and nausea in a person. To prepare this water, you will need to add one tsp of licorice root in a cup of water. Boil this mixture, and simmer it for five minutes. Strain the drink and cool it. Drink it whenever you feel discomfort due to motion sickness.
12. Lemon
Being a rich source of antioxidants, lemon provides a myriad of health benefits to a person. One of its benefits is in alleviating nausea. Smelling lemon, sucking lemon slices, or drinking lemonade, will all give you relief from motion sickness.
Lemon has an acidic nature that neutralizes the acids present in your stomach. The citrusy, and strong smell of lemons is effective in treating motion sickness. Due to the therapeutic benefit of lemon, it is advised to always carry a lemon during travel.
13. Consume Ginger Root
Ginger is considered to be one of the potent and widely used remedies to treat nausea. Ginger possess anti-nausea impact against situations, and elements that induces nausea in a person. Its benefits can be obtained in various forms that includes lozenges, capsules, tea, crystallized root, tablets, ginger ale, or candies. Keep them handy and use it whenever the need arises.
However, this remedy is not for everyone. Health experts do not advise to consume Ginger within fifteen days of getting operated by any surgical treatment. It is also not permitted for those who are on a blood-thinning” medicine. This is due to the reason that Ginger can interfere with “blood clotting” action and can lead to extended bleeding time.
Women who are either expecting or breastfeeding, are also not advised to use ginger without prior consultation with doctor.
14. Chamomile tea
Chamomile is a beneficial herb that soothes the stomach, and reduce acid formation in it. This herb is also needed to relax muscles in the stomach. It is easily available at several local and online grocery stores. Prepare this tea and sip it in hot or cold form while you travel.
15. Pickle juice
Sipping one to two teaspoons of pickle juice reduces nausea and other discomforting signs of motion sickness. This remedy is beneficial if nausea is due to disproportion in the levels of electrolyte in the body. Pickle juice works by restoring the level of electrolytes in the body. It prevents vomiting, hangovers, and nausea in the person and balances the pH levels in the stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motion Sickness
Here are some questions and answers that will help you solutions to some of your queries on Motion Sickness.
1. When should I see a doctor?
Normally, the difficult symptoms of motion sickness go away when the movement stops. It does not result in long-term complications. However, if even after trying the above remedies and solutions, you continue to feel dizzy, vomit, loss in hearing abilities, headache, or pain in your chest, then it is best to consult a doctor.
If you are a frequent traveler, and the thought of facing nausea and other symptoms of motion sickness scares you, then also it is advised to get yourself checked by the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you some medications or biofeedback therapy that would assist in coping up with motion sickness, and anxiety associated with it.
2. What is the safe medicine to treat motion sickness?
Dimenhydrinate, and Scopolamine are commonly prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. It is better to try natural remedies to treat motion sickness before taking medicines.
3. Where on the body should I perform acupressure to get relief from motion sickness?
P6 (Pericardium 6) is the popular pressure point that provides relief from the symptoms of motion sickness. This point is called as “Nei Guan”. On applying firm pressure on this point helps you relieve from motion sickness. The exact location of this point is on the inner side of the forearm, below the wrist, and between the two ligaments.
Press this point with the help of your index finger of opposite hand. Do it for ten minutes to get quick relief. You can also use acupressure wristbands, that are commercially sold as “sea bands”. This band has to be worn on the forearm. It has a plastic bead that puts pressure on the pressure point. In this way, it stimulates the point and provide relief from nausea. It is easily available in local, and online medical stores.
4. How can I avoid Motion Sickness?
Though Motion Sickness may not sound like a major ailment, but the discomfort it causes to a person is a frightening experience. In addition to above remedies, here are a few tips that will help you prevent it at the first place.
- Be relaxed. Do not put stress on your body at the time of traveling.
- Avoid activities that includes writing, typing, and reading, when you are travelling.
- Abstain from drinking alcohol before and during travel.
- Sit in a properly ventilation area where you get plenty of fresh air to breathe.
- Do not smoke.
5. Who are more prone to Motion Sickness?
There are some factors that can enhance development of motion sickness:
- children between two and twelve years of age are more prone to experiencing this problem
- if you are Women, then you are more likely to suffer from this issue
- failing to get adequate Sleep
- smoking
- alcohol
- migraine
- poor ventilation
- pregnancy
Conclusion
If you relate to motion sickness, then these home remedies are worth considering. Devoid of any side effects, these easy methods help reduce the discomfort associated with travel due to motion sickness. If you fail to get relief from these remedies, then discuss it with your doctor to arrive at a more effective solution.
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