Saturday, July 5, 2014
How to Get Rid of Motion Sickness
Do you get a queasy feeling whenever you travel, irrespective of the mode of transportation? If the answer is yes, then you definitely suffer from motion sickness.
Motion sickness is a very common problem and can be troublesome for people who travel a lot and disruptive for those trying to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
Motion sickness exhibits numerous physical symptoms so it may surprise you to know the distress is born in the brain.
In normal circumstances, the eyes, inner ears, skin, and muscles send sensory information to the brain. Using that information, the brain determines the direction the body is moving. Motion sickness occurs when the body’s organs send conflicting signals that the brain cannot interpret properly.
Common symptoms of motion sickness are nausea, pale skin, sweating, vomiting, dizziness,headache, increased salivation and fatigue. The symptoms usually disappear after the motion stops.
There are many over-the-counter medicines and acupuncture therapies to help you deal with the situation. But those solutions are not always convenient or cheap. Instead, you can try some simple home remedies to thwart that queasy feeling before it begins.
Here are the top 10 remedies to get rid of motion sickness.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a popular and effective home remedy for motion sickness due to its antiemetic (nausea-preventing) properties. Ginger aids digestion, which in turn quells nausea.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology in 2003, people who took a ginger supplement before going on a simulated amusement-park ride were less nauseated compared to those who did not. Ginger can be taken in many forms to prevent motion sickness.
- Make a ginger tea by putting few slices of fresh ginger in a pot with two cups of water. Boil it for 10 minutes, strain and add one teaspoon of honey. Drink this ginger tea about half an hour before traveling to prevent motion sickness.
- You can mix one teaspoon each of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink it before traveling. You can take it again when you feel uncomfortable.
- Alternatively, swallow one-half teaspoon of finely chopped fresh ginger, with or without honey, half an hour before you start your journey.
Note: If you have a heart condition or you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using ginger remedies.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has an alkaline and pH balancing effect on the body that can help you manage motion sickness.
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey to one cup of lukewarm water. Stir it well and sip it slowly half an hour before traveling. This solution will help settle the stomach and control nausea.
- If you already have motion sickness, you can freshen up your breath and prevent further vomiting by rinsing your mouth with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in one-half cup of water.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint can help a lot when battling a bout of motion sickness. The menthol present in peppermintcalms the stomach muscles to ease nausea and lessen motion sickness.
- Drinking a strong cup of peppermint tea before traveling is very effective against motion sickness. Just add one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Steep it for half an hour, strain it, add one teaspoon of honey and your tea is ready.
- Keep a peppermint candy in your mouth and suck on it slowly. This simple tip will work very well even if queasy feelings have begun.
- You can also put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief and smell it whenever you need to fight off nausea and vomiting.
Note: Peppermint can interact with some medications, so ask your doctor before using peppermint remedies.
4. Lemon
Fresh lemons and fresh lemon juice contain citric acid that can settle a queasy stomach, easing nausea and vomiting while traveling. Even the smell of lemon can help bring relief as it triggers the higher brain regions to suppress the problem.
- Mix the juice from one lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Add one tablespoon of honey and mix it well. Sip it slowly before and during your journey.
- You can also suck on a slice of lemon or a lemon wedge at regular intervals while traveling.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into warm rice water. Add some salt and drink it before starting a journey.
5. Green Apple
The pectin in green apples helps neutralize acid in the stomach, making it very effective in preventing motion sickness. Also, the natural sugar in green apples helps settle the stomach.
- Extract the juice from two green apples.
- Add the juice from half a lemon and a pinch of black salt, also known as black Indian salt to it.
- Mix the ingredients well and drink it before you start your journey.
If you start feeling ill, sipping green apple juice will help you feel better.
6. Crackers
Crackers are easily digestible snacks that are excellent for settling the stomach. Salty or savory, not sweet crackers, can be used to prevent motion sickness.
Saltine crackers are considered the best because they help absorb excess acid very well. To prevent nausea and vomiting, nibble on dry crackers and wash them down with a clear, carbonated soda like ginger ale. Doing this every couple of hours on an empty stomach will reduce the chance that you will get sick.
7. Mugwort
Mugwort has been used for ages to treat indigestion, stomach pain, acidity, and motion and sea sickness. This herb can calm the stomach and stop feelings of uneasiness.
- To prevent motion sickness, make mugwort tea by steeping an ounce of fresh mugwort leaves for 10 minutes in two cups of boiling water. This herbal tea can be consumed once a day for a few days prior to the journey.
- To stop motion sickness, put one to two drops of mugwort oil on your tongue before you get on a plane or a ship.
Note: Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this herb.
8. Olives
Olives help reduce the production of excess saliva in the mouth, making you less likely to become nauseated or throw up. Olives contain tannins, which naturally reduce saliva.
- Simply eat a few olives before leaving on your trip.
- If you begin to feel sick while traveling, eat an olive every few minutes until your symptoms disappear.
9. Black Horehound
Black horehound settles the nerves with its volatile oils, and hence it is considered very effective for preventing motion sickness.- Mix one tablespoon each of black horehound and chamomile and two tablespoons of grated ginger into two cups of water.
- Boil it until the water reduces by half.
- Strain it and let the mixture cool.
- Drink this tea while it is still warm, about half an hour before traveling. You can also drink it while traveling if you start feeling nauseous.
Note: Black horehound remedies are not suitable for people suffering from Parkinson’s or schizophrenia.10. Licorice
Anyone who enjoys the flavor of licorice will be able to easily prevent and control motion sickness. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice soothe the stomach’s mucus membranes as well as reduce fatigue and the urge to vomit while traveling.- Boil half a glass of water in a saucepan and add one teaspoon of dried licorice root to it. Remove from the heat and allow it to steep for five minutes. Strain and then drink this herbal tea half an hour before traveling.
- You can also chew licorice candy while traveling to prevent the feeling of uneasiness and vomiting.
Next time you need to travel, be prepared to overcome that queasy feeling that often spoils your journey. Use the remedy of your choosing at least half an hour before starting your journey.Resources:
ajpgi.physiology.org/content/284/3/G481
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