Natural remedies for motion sickness

Anyone who has ever had a long car ride on the winding roads of Transfagarasan, a ferry crossing over the Danube on a wavy day, or simply a bus trip on a twisting road knows exactly what we’re talking about. Motion sickness, known in medicine as kinetosis, transforms a pleasant excursion into a real nightmare: nausea, cold sweats, pallor, dizziness, excessive salivation, and in more severe cases, vomiting.

It is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately one in three people at least once in their life. Children between 2 and 12 years old are the most affected category, and women are generally more sensitive than men. However, adults who travel frequently can also develop motion sickness, especially in specific conditions (rough sea, turbulent flight, mountain road).

The good news is that there are numerous natural remedies and simple tricks that can significantly prevent or alleviate symptoms. From my grandfather who put a small piece of bread with salt under his tongue before the trip, to modern methods scientifically proven, we have at our disposal an entire arsenal that can save our journey.

Table of Contents

• Why motion sickness occurs
• Symptoms and phases of kinetosis
• Remedy 1: Ginger, the king of anti-nausea
• Remedy 2: Peppermint and its saving aroma
• Remedy 3: Acupressure on the P6 (Neiguan) point
• Remedy 4: Lemon, simple but effective
• Remedy 5: Controlled breathing and focus
• Correct position in the vehicle
• What to eat and what to avoid before travel
• Traditional Romanian tricks
• For children: special tips
• Specific journeys (car, ship, plane)
• When motion sickness becomes a chronic problem
• Frequently asked questions

Why motion sickness occurs

To understand how to combat motion sickness, we must first understand why it occurs. The scientific explanation is fascinating and involves a neurological conflict.

Our brain receives information about the position and movement of the body from three main sources:

1. The vestibular system in the inner ear, which detects head movement
2. The eyes, which perceive visual movement
3. Proprioception, the sense of position of limbs and muscles

Under normal conditions, this information coincides. When you walk, your eyes see the landscape passing by, your inner ear senses the movement, and your muscles confirm you’re moving. Everything is coherent.

The problem appears in a vehicle. When you sit in the car and read, your eyes see a stationary book (they see stationarity), but the inner ear feels the movements and accelerations of the vehicle. The brain receives contradictory messages and, according to one theory, interprets this confusion as a sign of poisoning (as if you ate something toxic that affects your senses). The evolutionary response is to eliminate the toxin through vomiting.

The theory may seem exotic, but it explains why motion sickness is common when reading in a car but almost absent when watching the road or driving yourself.

Factors that worsen motion sickness:

• Empty stomach or, conversely, overeating
• Strong odors (perfume, tobacco, gasoline)
• Stress and anxiety
• Heat and lack of fresh air
• Fatigue
• Reading in the car
• Watching moving objects (phone, screens)

Symptoms and phases of kinetosis

Motion sickness doesn’t appear suddenly. It usually goes through several phases, and if you intervene in the early stages, you can prevent the unpleasant peak.

Phase 1: Subtle discomfort

• Slight feeling of dizziness
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Increased salivation
• Sweating on forehead and palms

Phase 2: Clear manifestation

• Obvious nausea
• Accentuated pallor
• Headache
• Cold sweating all over the body
• Chills

Phase 3: Acute episode

• Vomiting
• Extreme weakness
• Desire to stay still and lying down

Phase 4: Recovery

• After vomiting, usually temporary improvement follows
• If you don’t stop the motion, the cycle can restart

Quick identification of first signs and immediate application of remedies is key. In phase 1 you are still functional, in phase 3 it’s already too late for many interventions.

Remedy 1: Ginger, the king of anti-nausea

Ginger is, without exaggeration, the most studied natural remedy for nausea in medical literature. Dozens of clinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness in combating motion sickness, pregnancy nausea, post-surgical nausea, and chemotherapy-associated nausea.

The active compounds (gingerol and shogaol) act directly on receptors in the stomach and on vomiting centers in the brain, reducing both the sensation of nausea and disturbed gastric motility.

Forms of use:

1. Fresh ginger:

• A thin slice (1-2 mm) of fresh ginger, slowly sucked or chewed
• Taken 30 minutes before departure and can be repeated every hour

2. Ginger tea (travel thermos):

• 3 cm of fresh sliced root
• 500 ml water, boiled for 10 minutes
• Sweeten with honey and put in thermos
• Drink warm during the trip

3. Ginger extract capsules:

• 250-500 mg 30 minutes before departure
• Can be repeated every 4 hours
• Available at pharmacies

4. Ginger candies:

• An excellent option for children and those who can’t stand the strong taste
• Found in health stores or pharmacies
• Two or three candies during the trip

5. Gingerbread biscuits or cakes:

• The combination of carbohydrates and ginger is excellent
• Traditional recipe with molasses, ginger, cinnamon

Warning: Ginger is not recommended for people taking anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin), those with gastric ulcers, or those with gallstones. Large doses can cause heartburn.

Remedy 2: Peppermint and its saving aroma

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is the second great ally against motion sickness. Menthol, the main compound, has antispasmodic effects on the digestive tract and has an aroma that activates nasal receptors, breaking the “vicious cycle” of nausea.

Ways to use:

Peppermint essential oil:

• A drop on the wrist or handkerchief, inhaled periodically
• Warning: pure oil is very concentrated, never apply directly on skin without dilution

Peppermint candies:

• Mint candies, sugar-free mint with menthol
• Keep one in your mouth during the trip, replacing it when the aroma runs out

Peppermint tea:

• Prepared at home and put in a thermos
• 2 tablespoons of dried leaves to 500 ml boiled water
• Drink warm, before and during travel

Peppermint chewing gum:

• A quick and accessible solution
• Chewing stimulates salivation and can distract from nausea

Fresh peppermint leaves:

• If you have access, chewing a fresh leaf is most effective

Remedy 3: Acupressure on the P6 (Neiguan) point

Traditional Chinese medicine has used pressure on certain points for thousands of years to treat various conditions. The P6 point, also known as Neiguan, is the best-studied point for nausea and vomiting, and its effectiveness has been confirmed by modern research.

How to find the P6 point:

• Turn the palm up
• Put three fingers (index, middle, ring) on the wrist, just below the palm crease
• The P6 point is under the index finger, exactly between the two tendons visible in the middle of the forearm

How to apply pressure:

• Press firmly with your thumb for 2-3 minutes
• Pressure should be significant but not painful
• You can make slight circular movements
• Repeat on both hands
• Can continue intermittently during the trip

Acupressure wristbands:

For those who don’t want to focus on pressing, there are special wristbands (Sea Band, Relief Band) that have a plastic button positioned exactly on the P6 point. These have been validated in clinical studies and are very effective for many people. They cost around 10-15 dollars and can be found at larger pharmacies.

The effect can be spectacular in some people and modest in others. Worth trying, especially since it has no side effects.

Remedy 4: Lemon, simple but effective

Lemon is probably the most accessible anti-nausea remedy from the Romanian kitchen. Its effect is based on aroma (which stimulates receptors that reduce nausea) and citric acid (which regulates gastric pH).

Ways to use:

Lemon slice for sucking:

• Wash the lemon well, cut a thin slice
• Sprinkle with coarse salt
• Suck slowly, holding it under your tongue
• A classic country remedy for “car sickness”

Lemon water:

• Juice from half a lemon in 250 ml of still water
• Drink in small sips during the trip
• You can add a teaspoon of honey if too sour

Lemon scent:

• Hold a whole lemon, make a few cuts with a knife in the peel
• Breathe the aroma deeply when you feel nausea setting in
• More effective than you’d expect

Lemon jam or lemon candies:

• A sweet alternative, especially good for children
• Chewing and aroma work together

Remedy 5: Controlled breathing and focus

This remedy costs nothing, is accessible to everyone, and works well in combination with the others. It is based on activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces the stress response and stabilizes digestion.

The 4-7-8 breathing technique:

1. Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
2. Hold your breath for 7 seconds
3. Exhale through the mouth, slowly, for 8 seconds
4. Repeat the cycle 4-5 times

This technique activates the vagus nerve and induces a state of calm. It can be applied anytime, even while driving (by the passenger).

Focusing on a fixed point:

• Look at a fixed point, far away, on the horizon
• If you’re in a car, look straight ahead, not sideways or down
• If you’re on a boat, look at the horizon line
• This reduces vestibular-visual conflict

Distraction:

• Animated conversation
• Pleasant music
• Counting objects of a certain color in the landscape
• Word games (“I’m going to market and buying…”)

For children, games are particularly effective. A child focused on a fun game forgets about nausea.

Correct position in the vehicle

Where you sit in the vehicle makes a huge difference. Here are recommendations for each type of transport:

In the car:

• In the front seat, next to the driver, is most stable
• On the back seat, in the middle, where you see the road between the seats
• Never on the side seats in the back, where you mainly see the landscape passing sideways
• Head supported on headrest, so it doesn’t move independently
• Window slightly open, for fresh air

In the bus:

• On the front rows, above the front wheels
• On the right side, next to the window
• Never on the last rows (where oscillations are maximum)
• Look out the window, not at people in the bus

On train:

• In the direction of travel, not backwards
• Next to the window, to see the landscape
• Middle cars move less than end cars

On ship/boat:

• In the middle of the ship, at water line level
• On deck, in fresh air, looking at the horizon
• Avoid cabins at stern and bow, where rocking is maximum

In airplane:

• Seats above the wings (rows 15-25 usually)
• The tail of the plane oscillates most
• Aisle seats, to walk easily to the bathroom if needed

What to eat and what to avoid before travel

Nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing motion sickness.

2-3 hours before departure, eat:

• A light meal, with carbohydrates and little protein
• Plain pasta, rice, bread with lean cheese
• Dry biscuits
• Banana (good potassium for stomach)
• Grated apples or compote

Avoid a few hours before:

• Heavy foods, fried foods, fats
• Milk and dairy products in large quantities
• Alcohol (any kind)
• Strong coffee
• Spicy or heavily seasoned foods
• Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes in large quantity)
• Excess sweets

During the trip:

• Dry snacks: pretzels, biscuits, toast
• Small sips of still water
• Ginger or peppermint candies
• Dried fruits (not too many)

What never to do:

• Leave with completely empty stomach (hypoglycemia worsens nausea)
• Eat heavily shortly before
• Drink alcohol “to gain courage”

Traditional Romanian tricks

Our grandparents had some interesting tricks that, although seemingly strange, work for many people:

Bread with salt under the tongue: A small piece of black bread, sprinkled with coarse salt, held under the tongue at the beginning of the trip. Folk theory says salt “binds” nausea, and bread absorbs gastric acid.

Newspaper placed under the shirt, on the chest: A bizarre remedy but one grandmothers used. Newspaper paper is apparently useful through the “barrier” effect that reduces discomfort. There is no clear scientific explanation, but many swear it works.

Holy basil: A sprig of fresh basil, smelled periodically. The pleasant aroma distracts from nausea.

Handkerchief with water and vinegar: A handkerchief moistened with water and a few drops of apple cider vinegar, applied to the nape. Coldness and aroma together calm the nervous system.

Prayer: In a deeply Christian country, many prefer to say a prayer for the journey before leaving. Regardless of faith, calming rituals reduce anxiety that worsens motion sickness.

Grated nutmeg on the tongue: A knife tip of freshly grated nutmeg, held on the tongue. Nutmeg has antiemetic properties and a strong taste that distracts.

For children: special tips

Children between 2 and 12 years are most prone to motion sickness. Here’s how you can help them:

Before departure:

• Make sure they slept well
• Light breakfast, but not too small
• Avoid screens (tablet, phone) in the car
• Dress in layers, so they can regulate temperature

During the trip:

• Stop every 1-2 hours for 10 minutes of outdoor play
• Have vomit bags at hand (don’t constantly mention the possibility)
• Play verbally with them (riddles, stories, songs)
• Small pillow under head if they want to rest
• Special ginger or peppermint candies for children
• Water at hand, in small sips

Warning about medications:

• Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can be given to children over 2, but causes drowsiness
• Consult the pediatrician before using any medication

Important tip: Many children outgrow motion sickness as they grow. The vestibular system “trains” through repeated exposure. Don’t avoid traveling with them out of fear, but use the strategies above.

Specific journeys

By car through mountains:

• Administer a preventive remedy 30 minutes before
• Stop at every tight curve for a break
• Copilot doesn’t read the map, doesn’t look at the phone
• Relaxing music, windows slightly open

On ship (cruise, crossings):

• Preventive medications 1-2 hours before
• Permanent acupressure on P6
• On deck as much as possible, in fresh air
• Look at the horizon, not the waves
• Eat little and often, never on empty stomach

In airplane:

• Choose the right seat at booking
• Watch for turbulence, apply remedies preventively
• Ginger packets or capsules with you
• Good hydration (plane air is very dry)
• Chew gum at takeoff and landing (also helps ears)

In long-distance buses:

• Choose your seat carefully (front, next to window)
• Take a comfortable neck pillow
• Sunglasses if the sun moves strongly
• Frequent breaks to get off

When motion sickness becomes a chronic problem

For most people, motion sickness is just an occasional inconvenience. However, there are situations when it becomes a serious problem:

• You cannot travel at all, even with treatments
• It affects career (people who must travel often)
• Appears in unusual situations (watching movies, going down escalators)
• Accompanied by severe dizziness and loss of balance
• Appears suddenly, with no prior history

In these cases, consult an ENT doctor or neurologist. There may be underlying issues: vestibular dysfunction, vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, inner ear impairment. There are specialized therapies (vestibular rehabilitation) that can help significantly.

Also, if motion sickness has recently appeared in an adult who had no problems before, a medical evaluation is warranted to rule out neurological causes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why do some people get motion sickness and others don’t?

It’s a combination of genetic factors and training of the vestibular system. Some people have more sensitive inner ears, others have gotten used to it through frequent childhood travels. Island states (where children grow up with boats) have much lower prevalence of motion sickness.

2. Are pharmacy medications better than natural remedies?

Depends. Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), Metoclopramide, scopolamine patches are effective but have side effects (drowsiness, dry mouth). For occasional travel, natural remedies are often sufficient and safer. For very long trips or very sensitive people, the combination is best.

3. Can I drive if I take anti-nausea medication?

Many anti-nausea medications cause drowsiness (especially antihistamines). Read the label well. Scopolamine patches can affect vision. For the driver, the safest remain natural remedies (ginger, acupressure) that don’t cause side effects on attention.

4. Is it true that you can “train” the brain to stop motion sickness?

Yes, partly. Gradual and repeated exposure to motion leads to adaptation. Children who travel often “get used to it.” Pilots and sailors develop immunity. There are even specialized vestibular rehabilitation programs. However, some remain sensitive for life.

5. Can motion sickness cause serious complications?

Usually, no. The main risk is dehydration from repeated vomiting, especially in children. In rare and prolonged cases (very long sea journeys), electrolyte imbalance may occur. For most people, it’s a temporary inconvenience.

6. How do I choose the right pills?

For short trips: Dramamine or equivalents (available without prescription). For long trips: scopolamine patches (prescription). For children: specific forms with adapted doses (pediatric antiemetics). Talk to the pharmacist before travel.

Conclusion

Motion sickness is one of those “minor” conditions that can transform a pleasant trip into torture. The good news is that, armed with the right knowledge, you can dramatically prevent or alleviate symptoms. Ginger, peppermint, acupressure, correct position in the vehicle, adequate nutrition, controlled breathing, all these together form a complete strategy that works for most people.

Romanian folk wisdom also offers us some interesting tricks, from bread with salt under the tongue to basil smelled periodically. Even if not all have scientific explanation, many work through a combination of distraction and placebo effect, both perfectly valid in an anti-nausea strategy.

Most important is to intervene from the first phases. Incipient nausea can be easily stopped, an installed one is much harder to control. Start remedies preventively, don’t wait until you feel sick.

And don’t forget: motion sickness is temporary, but memories of a beautiful trip last a lifetime. Don’t let a treatable condition hold you back.

Medical warning: This article is for informational purposes. The remedies presented are safe for most healthy adults and children. If you suffer from chronic diseases, are pregnant, take medications, or your child is very small, consult the doctor before using new remedies. If motion sickness is very severe, appears unexpectedly in an adult, or is accompanied by persistent dizziness and imbalance, consult an ENT doctor or neurologist for complete evaluation.