How to Cure Motion Sickness Permanently with Natural Methods?

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, 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 traveling 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 include:

• 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. Experts view it as the result of a conflict between the body’s sensory organs. 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.

Health experts advise taking immediate action by changing positions, distracting yourself, or trying some home treatments to avoid the situation getting 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 the 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 in the passenger seat, then face the path in which the vehicle is moving. This defect is due to the disconnection of the sensory link between your hearing sense (ears) and visual sense (eyes). If you are traveling on a boat/ship, prefer to sit in the front seat, as it will help in reducing symptoms. In the case of a car, choose to take the front seat rather 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 at an immobile object located at a certain distance.

3. Avoid sudden or quick movements of head

Avoid abrupt movements, twists, or turns of your head. 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 a crucial way to relieve motion sickness. It is also a simple way to pass the time. If you like music, you can listen to soundtracks of your choice. You can talk to your passenger if you have one. Diverting your attention will help you feel better and overcome nausea. It is a beneficial 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 inner ear’s balance center will detect movement, yet the text on the page or screen remains stationary. Focusing on something close, like a book or phone screen, can make the symptoms worse. To prevent this from happening, take a nap or listen to the radio/audio. It serves as a beneficial 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 positions 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 the best relief from motion sickness.

7. Ensure proper ventilation

Breathing problems and vomiting are the two major symptoms of motion sickness. Motion sickness can be exacerbated by poor ventilation. It is important that before you plan to travel, you 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 basic 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 include nausea and vomiting.

Drinking adequate water, apple juice, milk, buttermilk, 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 types 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 the maximum benefit from these oils in the treatment of the condition. This method is completely safe and does not cause any interactions.  It is a good idea to carry a portable diffuser with you on the trip. Put a 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 a 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 lightly salted crackers while you are on a trip. Eating them can ease nausea. Ensure that they have low oil content and are non-oily and acidic; otherwise, the sickness can become worse. Popcorn, nuts, seeds, bananas, apples, bread, etc., are some of the easily digested snacks that not just fill your stomach but also give 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 can help reduce the sensation of vomiting and nausea. To prepare this water, you will need to add one tsp of licorice root to 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 one of the most potent and widely used remedies to treat nausea. Ginger possesses an anti-nausea impact against situations and elements that induce nausea in a person. Its benefits can be obtained in various forms that include lozenges, capsules, tea, crystallized root, tablets, ginger ale, or candies. Keep them handy and use them whenever the need arises.

However, this remedy is not for everyone. Health experts advise against consuming ginger within fifteen days of undergoing any surgical treatment. Those on blood-thinning medicines should also refrain from consuming Ginger. 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 a doctor.

14. Chamomile tea

Chamomile is a beneficial herb that soothes the stomach and reduces acid formation in it. We also need this herb to relax the 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 a disproportion in the levels of electrolytes 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 find 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, lose hearing abilities, have a headache, or have 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 it is also advised to get yourself checked by the doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you some medications or biofeedback therapy that would assist in coping with motion sickness and anxiety associated with it.

2. What is the safest 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 “Nei Guan.” Applying firm pressure on this point helps you relieve 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 the opposite hand. Please perform this for ten minutes to experience quick relief. You can also use acupressure wristbands, which are commercially sold as “sea bands.” You must wear this band on your forearm. It has a plastic bead that puts pressure on the pressure point. In this way, it stimulates the point and provides 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, the discomfort it causes to a person is a frightening experience. In addition to the above remedies, here are a few tips that will help you prevent it in the first place.

• Be relaxed. Do not put stress on your body at the time of traveling.
• Avoid activities that include writing, typing, and reading when you are traveling.
• Abstain from drinking alcohol before and during travel.
• Sit in a properly ventilated 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 the 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 straightforward methods help reduce the discomfort associated with travel due to motion sickness. If these remedies don’t help, consult your doctor for a better option.

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