Herbal Remedies for Motion Sickness

02 Jul

Posted by Dr John Anne as herbal remedies

Motion sickness is the uncomfortable dizziness, nausea, and vomiting that people experience when their sense of balance and equilibrium is disturbed by constant motion. Riding in a car, aboard a ship or boat, or riding on a swing all cause stimulation of the vestibular system and visual stimulation that often leads to discomfort. While motion sickness can be bothersome, it is not a serious illness, and can be prevented.

Motion Sickness Herbal Remedy

Ginger is another tried and true herbal remedy for conquering your motion sickness. It’s well known as a good herbal remedy for treating almost all kinds of stomach disturbances, but especially so for alleviating motion sickness.

One of the easiest ways to take ginger is in a tea infusion. Ginger tea is also a great way to ensure you get the proper dose of this refreshing herb. You can even make your own ginger tea. Pick up some fresh ginger at your local grocer’s, then slice the a piece of the root, roughly the same thickness and length as your pinky finger. Place the ginger root in three cups of water and boil for about ten minutes. Pour the mixture over ice and add lemon to taste.

Mint is another very effective herbal remedy for motion sickness that has been used for centuries to alleviate digestive problems, nausea, and heartburn. One of the most effective mint herbs for people who suffer from motion sickness and similar disorders is mentha piperita.

Other natural substances that are useful for treating motion sickness include kalium phosphate, cocculus C30, and pulsatilla vulgaris. Kalium phosphate is a natural tranquilizer that is very effective in calming a nervous stomach and relieving anxiety-like symptoms that can be associated with motion sickness.

Sleep

One of the simplest motion sickness remedies is to just make sure you get enough rest. The more fatigued you are, the better chance you have of experiencing motion sickness.

Juice

If you have a juicer, try the following mixture:

Juice a 1 inch section of fresh ginger root, 2 apples and 1 pear.

If all you have is a blender, try this mixture:

Blend a 1 inch section of fresh ginger root, 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1 or 2 kiwi fruits and a pinch of fresh peppermint.

A motion sickness bracelet has also been effective to prevent sea sickness in many people. The premise of the bracelet is that it stimulates a key acupressure point on the inner side of the wrist area. This acupressure point, called Pericardium 6, is a potent point for nausea, vomiting, indigestion, weakness, dizziness, and worry. These bracelets have a button or magnet which provides a continuous pressure on this acupoint, thus stimulating the area. If one feels the onset of nausea or dizziness, then it is a simple, effective matter to gently press on this button.

Traditionally, motion sickness has been treated with antiemetic or antihistamine drugs. This class of drugs works by deadening the nerve endings to the “vomit center” of the brain, therefore lessening or eliminating nausea and the urge to vomit. Antiemetic drugs are available over the counter or via a prescription from a doctor. Children less than 12 months of age generally cannot use them, and caution should be taken when using these medications on older children. Common side effects can include dry mouth, dry throat or nose, dizziness, and drowsiness. Prescription medications can often cause more severe side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor prior to using the drug, and be aware of possible complications.