If vomiting or dizziness occurs while traveling, follow these tips to get relief
Motion sickness can cause symptoms ranging from mild nausea to dizziness, sweating, and vomiting. Any type of travel — automobile, plane, train, or ship — may bring it on, sometimes suddenly.
There are things you can do that may help almost immediately, like looking out to the horizon. Likewise, there are some long-term solutions you can try, like taking certain vitamins.
Be sure to check in with a doctor before starting new medications or supplements. Some may interact with any underlying conditions or medications you’re already taking.
Take control
If you’re a passenger, consider taking the wheel of the vehicle. Scientists believe motion sickness is caused when the movement your eyes see is different from the movement your inner ear senses. If you’re driving the car, these senses may connect better.
If you’re a passenger, consider taking the wheel of the vehicle. Scientists believe motion sickness is caused when the movement your eyes see is different from the movement your inner ear senses. If you’re driving the car, these senses may connect better.
Face the direction you’re going
If driving isn’t an option, face the direction in which you’re traveling. Again, it may help the disconnect between your visual sense and your inner ear. On a ferry, try moving from the stern (rear) to the bow (front) of the boat. Some people report sitting in the front seat reduces symptoms. In a car, consider swapping rear seats with someone in front.
If driving isn’t an option, face the direction in which you’re traveling. Again, it may help the disconnect between your visual sense and your inner ear. On a ferry, try moving from the stern (rear) to the bow (front) of the boat. Some people report sitting in the front seat reduces symptoms. In a car, consider swapping rear seats with someone in front.
Keep your eyes on the horizon
Focusing on a stationary object in the distance is another tactic that helps with visual stimulus. Again, you may need to move positions in the vehicle in which you’re traveling.
Focusing on a stationary object in the distance is another tactic that helps with visual stimulus. Again, you may need to move positions in the vehicle in which you’re traveling.
Change positions
Some people find that lying down makes their motion sickness better. For others, standing up may be a better position. Your options will depend on your type of travel, so experiment to see what works best for you. If you’re in a car, leaning your head against your headrest may help by lessening your head movements.
Some people find that lying down makes their motion sickness better. For others, standing up may be a better position. Your options will depend on your type of travel, so experiment to see what works best for you. If you’re in a car, leaning your head against your headrest may help by lessening your head movements.
Get some air (fan or outdoors)
Crack a window or go outdoors if your motion sickness is overcoming you. If the weather or your mode of travel doesn’t permit, turn the air vents toward you or consider using a fan to blow air on your face. Cigarette smoke may also make your sickness worse.
Crack a window or go outdoors if your motion sickness is overcoming you. If the weather or your mode of travel doesn’t permit, turn the air vents toward you or consider using a fan to blow air on your face. Cigarette smoke may also make your sickness worse.
Nibble on crackers
Eating a light snack, like saltine crackers, may ease nausea. Foods that are heavy, greasy, or acidic may make your sickness worse, because they’re slow to digest. Plan ahead if the road stops on your travels mostly offer fast food options. Other good snack options include cereal, bread, other grains, apples, and bananas.
Eating a light snack, like saltine crackers, may ease nausea. Foods that are heavy, greasy, or acidic may make your sickness worse, because they’re slow to digest. Plan ahead if the road stops on your travels mostly offer fast food options. Other good snack options include cereal, bread, other grains, apples, and bananas.
Drink some water or a carbonated beverage
Sips of cold water or a carbonated drink, like seltzer or ginger ale, can also curb nausea. Skip caffeinated beverages, like coffee and certain sodas, which may contribute to dehydration and make nausea worse. Other good choices include milk and apple juice.
Sips of cold water or a carbonated drink, like seltzer or ginger ale, can also curb nausea. Skip caffeinated beverages, like coffee and certain sodas, which may contribute to dehydration and make nausea worse. Other good choices include milk and apple juice.
Distract with music or conversation
Switch on the radio or strike up a conversation to keep your mind off how you’re feeling. You may be able to distract yourself enough to feel better. Researchers have discovered that listening to music may help with nausea and other physiological symptoms associated with motion sickness.
Switch on the radio or strike up a conversation to keep your mind off how you’re feeling. You may be able to distract yourself enough to feel better. Researchers have discovered that listening to music may help with nausea and other physiological symptoms associated with motion sickness.
Put down the screen
People who develop motion sickness may have trouble reading books or text on different devices. This goes back to the sensory disconnect between the inner ear and eyes. If you’re focusing on something up close, you may make your symptoms worse. Consider switching to audiobooks, music, or even a nap to pass the time.
People who develop motion sickness may have trouble reading books or text on different devices. This goes back to the sensory disconnect between the inner ear and eyes. If you’re focusing on something up close, you may make your symptoms worse. Consider switching to audiobooks, music, or even a nap to pass the time.
Pressure points
An acupressure point along your wrist called the nei-kuan (P6) may give you quick relief. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist, starting under the crease. Your nei-kuan point is underneath your index finger, between the wrist tendons. Apply firm pressure on one or both wrists for four to five seconds.
An acupressure point along your wrist called the nei-kuan (P6) may give you quick relief. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand on the inside of your left wrist, starting under the crease. Your nei-kuan point is underneath your index finger, between the wrist tendons. Apply firm pressure on one or both wrists for four to five seconds.
Aromatherapy
Certain scents, like pure ginger and lavender essential oils, may also be helpful. Peppermint essential oil has been used to reduce nausea in patients in hospital. There are many ways to use oils, but diffusing has the lowest risk for interactions. You may purchase a portable diffuser for your trip and you only need to use a couple drops of oil per session. One hour is the maximum recommended time to diffuse. Taking sniffs from an essential oil bottle, or using an essential oil necklace would be more convenient in a moving vehicle.
Certain scents, like pure ginger and lavender essential oils, may also be helpful. Peppermint essential oil has been used to reduce nausea in patients in hospital. There are many ways to use oils, but diffusing has the lowest risk for interactions. You may purchase a portable diffuser for your trip and you only need to use a couple drops of oil per session. One hour is the maximum recommended time to diffuse. Taking sniffs from an essential oil bottle, or using an essential oil necklace would be more convenient in a moving vehicle.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile is an herb that helps to soothe the stomach, reduce acids, and relax stomach muscles. You can find chamomile tea at most grocery stores and at online retailers like Amazon.com. Consider steeping tea before you head on your trip, storing it in a travel mug, and drinking it hot or cold.
Chamomile is an herb that helps to
Licorice root lozenges
Licorice root is used to soothe stomach ulcer pain, stomach acid irritation, and help digestion. It may also help ward off nausea and vomiting. You may purchase lozenges online at retailers like Amazon.com. Serving size will depend on the brand you purchase. This option may taste good, but remember that it’s still considered an herbal supplement.
Licorice root is used to soothe stomach ulcer pain, stomach acid irritation, and help digestion. It may also help ward off nausea and vomiting. You may purchase lozenges online at retailers like Amazon.com. Serving size will depend on the brand you purchase. This option may taste good, but remember that it’s still considered an herbal supplement.
