Motion Sickness — Natural Remedies & Travel Tips

Motion Sickness — whether in a car, train, boat or airplane — can ruin a trip. Fortunately, gentle natural remedies often prevent or reduce nausea, dizziness and sweating. Below you’ll find easy at-home remedies, practical travel tips, when to use medications, safety warnings, and a clear next step if you need personalised help. For tailored advice that considers your health and medicines, get a consultation from Vedic Upchar: https://vedicupchar.com/doctor-consultation.

The problem — why motion makes you sick

Motion sickness happens when your inner ear (balance), eyes, and body send mixed signals to the brain. As a result, you feel dizzy, nauseous and may vomit. Furthermore, stress and poor sleep make symptoms worse. Therefore, treating both triggers and symptoms gives the best results.

Quick preventive tips before you travel

Choose the right seat: sit near the front of a car, over the wing on planes, or mid-ship on boats.
Face forward and keep your gaze on the horizon.
Avoid heavy meals, alcohol and strong odors before travel.
Get fresh air — open a window or use the vehicle’s vent.
Rest well the night before travel.
These small steps often reduce Motion Sickness significantly.

Natural remedies that really help

1. Ginger — time-tested anti-nausea ally

Ginger is one of the safest and most effective natural remedies for nausea. Use it as:

Fresh ginger slices chewed slowly.
Ginger tea (1 tsp grated ginger simmered 5–7 minutes).
Ginger candy or ginger powder capsules (follow label).
Start with a small amount. If you’re pregnant or on blood thinners, consult a clinician first.

2. Acupressure (P6 / Nei-Kuan point) — wrist pressure trick

Apply firm pressure 2–3 finger-widths from the wrist crease, between the two central tendons. Hold for 2–5 minutes or wear a motion-sickness wrist band that applies constant pressure. Many people feel relief within minutes.

3. Peppermint & aromatherapy — calming scent support

Peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint essential oil (one to two drops on a tissue) can ease nausea for some. However, avoid undiluted essential oils on skin and don’t use strong scents if they worsen your symptoms.

4. Controlled breathing & relaxation

Slow, diaphragmatic breaths (inhale 4 counts, exhale 6 counts) calm the nervous system and reduce nausea. In addition, distraction techniques — listening to music or podcasts — can shift focus and help.

5. Small, bland snacks & hydration

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink. Eat dry crackers, plain toast or a light banana if you feel faint. Moreover, avoid greasy or spicy foods before and during travel.

6. Habituation & gentle movement

If you frequently get motion sick on specific trips (sea travel, for example), short repeated exposures sometimes reduce sensitivity. However, do this gradually and with care.

Remedies for children and special groups

For children, give small amounts of ginger candy (age-appropriate) or encourage them to look at the horizon.
Pregnant people should avoid large doses of ginger without consulting a clinician.
Elderly travellers with balance problems should consult a doctor before trying new supplements.

When medication may be needed

If natural methods don’t control symptoms, short-term medications (antihistamines or prescription options) can help. However, these can cause drowsiness or interact with other medicines. Therefore, always check with a clinician — especially if you are on other drugs. For a medicine-aware recommendation, get a consultation from Vedic Upchar: https://vedicupchar.com/doctor-consultation.

What to do during an episode of motion sickness

Stop the motion if possible (pull over, sit still).
Focus on the horizon.
Use acupressure or sip ginger tea slowly.
Get fresh air and loosen tight clothing.
If vomiting continues or you feel faint, seek medical help.

Safety & precautions

Avoid unproven “remedies” or high-dose herbal extracts without advice.
If you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes or take blood thinners, consult before using herbal remedies like ginger in high amounts.
If motion sickness is sudden, very severe, or accompanied by fainting, chest pain or neurological symptoms — seek urgent care.

Quick 24-hour travel plan to reduce motion sickness

Evening before: sleep well and avoid alcohol.
Morning of travel: light breakfast, ginger tea.
During travel: choose best seat, use acupressure, sip water and eat plain crackers as needed.
If symptoms start: apply P6 pressure, breathe slowly, and use peppermint aroma.

When to see a clinician

See a doctor if: motion sickness is new and severe, if it prevents you from travelling, or if it comes with other worrying symptoms (headache, fainting, visual changes). For personalised assessment and safe remedy choices, book a consultation with Vedic Upchar: https://vedicupchar.com/doctor-consultation.