Motion Sickness Relief

Motion sickness is a mild feeling of nausea that is experienced by many people, while traveling in a car, bus, boat, train or plane. If not dealt with, it will progress to a bad case of the sweats and eventually leads to vomiting - in most cases nonstop.Anyone with a normal sense of balance can succumb to motion sickness. And this encompasses a wide range of people. Motion sickness arises because of our sense of balance and equilibrium getting disturbed. The inner ear, which is also known as the labyrinth, the eyes and the deep tissues, maintains this equilibrium by sending signals to the brain. So, when the body moves these three sensors provide the inputs and then it is coordinated by the brain. There is perfect synchronization between the sensors and the brain when the movement is intentional. The trouble comes because of unintentional movements like riding a car or a boat. This unintentional movement’s result in a conflict of the input from the sensors and as a result the brain is not able to coordinate leading to dizziness and nausea.

Motion Sickness Remedies

Prevention

Car or bus

If you experience motion sickness in a car or bus then get up and sit in the front seat.
If you are reading then close the book and instead scan the horizon with your eyes.
Keep your head still by resting your head against the seat back.
Do not smoke as it can further aggravate matters.
Turn the air vents towards the face.

Aeroplane

Before travelling in a plane do not take large greasy meals. Also avoid alcohol.
Eat low calorie light meals or snacks during the 24 hour period before the travel.
Also avoid salty and dairy products.
Sit by the wing or towards the front.

Boat

Be on the upper deck and towards the front of the ship.
Keep your eyes fixed on the horizon.

Treatment

Medications

There are several over-the-counter preventive drugs available for motion sickness but these should be taken on medical advice

The most commonly prescribed medication is the scopolamine. It should be taken before the start of the symptom. The effects can last upto 3 days and the various side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision and disorientation. This medication is available as a patch and must be placed behind the ears 6 to 8 hours before travel.
Another very effective medication is Promethazine. It must be taken 2 hours before travel and the effects may last upto 8 hours. The various side effects of this drug include drowsiness and dry mouth.
Cyclizine is another medication that is very effective when taken 30 minutes before travel. It should not be given to children under 6 years and the side effects are drowsiness and blurred vision.
Meclizine should not be given to children below 12 years of age and is effective when taken 1 hour before travel. The side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth.

Diet And Nutrition Supplements

Drink plenty of water.
Avoid spicy and fatty foods.
Have a light meal.
Ginger ale and carbonated drink can also help against nausea.

Herbal Remedies

Take ginger extract three times daily to combat nausea. This traditional remedy can also be taken with tea.
Peppermint is also another good herbal remedy. You can either make peppermint leaf tea or take peppermint extract 2 to 3 times a day.
Another excellent remedy is to make a tea of Black Horehound and drink it three times a day. You can also take it as a tincture.

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