What Can I Take for Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness, also called kinetosis, can be triggered by traveling in almost any type of vehicle, whether by air, road or water. It results when your eyes, inner ears and body send the brain conflicting signals and cause disorientation. Luckily, there are a number of remedies that can be used to alleviate or prevent motion sickness.

Ginger Root

Ginger is one of the oldest home remedies for motion sickness. Scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of this herb to prevent or relieve motion sickness (see Resources). To use ginger as a remedy, you can brew an herbal decoction or drink real ginger ale. You can also nibble on ginger snaps or suck on ginger candy made with real ginger. Ginger may also be taken as a supplement, which is available at health stores in capsule form.

Olives or Mint

Olives are rich in active compounds called tannins that help to stave off motion sickness. Eating olives at the earliest sign of nausea will help keep it at bay. Alternatively, chew a few fresh mint leaves at the first sign of nausea, which will help to settle your stomach.

Crackers

Nibbling on dry crackers during your trip will help prevent or alleviate the nausea and queasiness of motion sickness. A salty, crunchy snack such as potato chips will have the a similarly beneficial effect.

Eat Lightly

Eat a light meal before you go on your trip. Traveling on an empty stomach increases the risk of setting off the symptoms of the condition. On the other hand, do not eat a heavy meal before the trip, because a full stomach will also increase the possibility of motion sickness. If you are taking a long trip, snack lightly during the trip. Avoid greasy or spicy food as well as alcohol.

Be Still

Keep your eyes fixed on a fixed point in the horizon and stay as still as possible.
Sit at the front of the vehicle. If you are traveling with a child who suffers from motion sickness, have her or him sit in the middle of the vehicle. You should also keep the interior of the car as cool as possible.

Get Rest

Fatigue increases the probability that you will suffer from motion sickness. Get adequate sleep and as much rest as possible before you embark on your trip. If you are a passenger, napping during the trip will also help, not only to keep you rested, but also to shut out the environmental stimuli that set off the nauseous symptoms of motion sickness.