Use of Ginseng Tea in Motion Sickness

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to increase the chi and restore vital energy to the body, ginseng tea may also help your motion sickness, seasickness, or car sickness. Knowing how to use the tea, as well as medication interactions and precautions, can help you determine if this alternative therapy is right for you.

Ginseng Tea

According to the Herb Health Guide, ginseng---particularly Siberian ginseng---can help your sense of balance, which will make you less susceptible to motion sickness. In addition, proponents of ginseng say that it enhances your body's ability to fight stress and its effects on your body. Ginseng may also increase mental clarity and your energy level.

If you'd like to use ginseng tea to combat the nausea of motion sickness, consider purchasing single serving prebagged teas. Manufacturers of these teas say to place one tea bag in no more than 6 oz. of boiling water. Let the tea bag steep for 3 minutes. Squeeze out the bag before removing it from the cup. Sweeten with honey if desired. Take ginseng tea a couple of times a day for a few days prior to when you expect to experience motion sickness.

You can also purchase dried ginseng root to make your own tea. Some health food stores and online retailers also sell empty tea bags. Place 1 to 2 tbsp. of ginseng in 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep. After a few minutes, strain the tea.

The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a daily dose of ginseng is 500 to 3,000 mg.

Precautions

Though ginseng is a natural herb, it can interact with other herbs and medications. Speak to your health care provider about using ginseng to reduce your motion sickness. Ginseng can interact with medications that control blood sugar, so if you're on such a medication, carefully monitor your blood sugar while using ginseng tea.

The University of Maryland Medical Center says to avoid ginseng if you have high blood pressure, sleep problems, narcolepsy or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ginseng may interact with sedatives used for insomnia. Common side effects of ginseng include nosebleed, high blood pressure, drowsiness, insomnia, vomiting and headache. Don't take ginseng continuously for more than three months. Avoid consuming caffeine or other stimulants while using ginseng tea.