What are the natural remedies for motion sickness?

Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness

Ginger is the most effective natural remedy for motion sickness, with proven efficacy in reducing nausea and other symptoms through its action on the stomach rather than the central nervous system. 1

Evidence-Based Natural Remedies

Primary Recommendation: Ginger

• Ginger has well-documented antinausea properties specifically for motion sickness 1, 2
• Mechanism: Prevents gastric dysrhythmias and reduces plasma vasopressin release induced by motion 3
• Dosing: Studies have shown effectiveness at 1,000-2,000 mg doses 3
• Benefits:
  • Reduces nausea severity
  • Prolongs latency before nausea onset
  • Shortens recovery time after motion exposure
  • Prevents tachygastria (abnormal stomach rhythm)

Secondary Natural Approaches

• Behavioral techniques:

  • Position yourself in the most stable part of the vehicle 4
  • Watch the true visual horizon when possible 4
  • Tilt your head into turns during travel 4
  • Lie down with eyes closed if symptoms worsen 4
  • Practice diaphragmatic breathing 5
  • Listen to pleasant music (activates parasympathetic nervous system) 5

• Other potentially helpful nutrients:

  • Hesperidin
  • Menthol
  • Vitamin C
  • Herbal formulations (Tianxian, Tamzin) 5

Implementation Strategy

Before Travel

1. Take ginger (1,000-2,000 mg) several hours before anticipated motion exposure
2. Consider whole ginger root, ginger sticks, or ginger ale for milder cases 2
3. Plan seating position (front seat in car, middle of boat, over wing in aircraft)

During Travel

1. Focus on the horizon
2. Minimize head movements
3. Avoid reading or using electronic devices
4. Continue with diaphragmatic breathing techniques
5. Additional ginger consumption as needed

Important Considerations

• Avoid vestibular suppressant medications: Guidelines recommend against routine use of antihistamines and benzodiazepines for vertigo and motion-related symptoms as they can interfere with central compensation 1, 6
• Ginger safety: While generally safe, be aware that ginger has antiplatelet activity, and large doses can prolong bleeding time 1
• Air travel considerations: Low humidity in airplanes can affect ocular comfort, and air turbulence can cause neuro-ocular vestibular dysfunction (NOVD) or motion sickness 1
• Early intervention: Early self-diagnosis and prevention strategies are more effective than treating established symptoms 4

When to Seek Medical Care

• If natural remedies fail to provide relief
• If symptoms persist beyond the motion exposure
• If motion sickness is severely impacting quality of life or ability to travel

Ginger remains the most evidence-supported natural remedy for motion sickness, with multiple clinical studies confirming its efficacy and relative safety compared to pharmaceutical options.