Sea Sickness Remedies
Natural Preventives and Treatments for Motion Sickness
Sea sickness is a form of motion sickness that some people experience while traveling on water, usually for long periods of time. Motion sickness occurs when the eyes perceive one type of motion, and the brain processes another. This results in the sick, nauseous feeling that sufferers are well familiar with.
Preventing Sea Sickness
Preventative measures should always be taken prior to traveling if you are prone to sea sickness. Other measures can be taken during the trip to ensure you experience the least amount of discomfort possible. Here are a few things you can do to lessen the chances of experiencing sea sickness.
- Avoid alcohol before the trip.
- Stay close to the middle of the boat.
- Remain on the upper deck, if possible.
- Sit in a seat that faces forward, not backwards.
- Keep your head as still as possible.
- Avoid heavy meals prior to the trip.
- Carry a small hand fan to use as necessary. Stuffy areas can induce nausea.
Treating Sea Sickness with Herbs
There are a few classic herbal sea sickness remedies that can be used when nausea is present. All herbs may be used together, or one at a time, as needed.
- Ginger – This herb is an ideal motion sickness remedy. It is a strong gas expeller, and has the ability to settle the stomach. A 2003 study published in The American Journal of Physiology found that ginger prolonged the latency before motion sickness occurred, reduced the intensity of nausea, and shortened recovery time. A typical dosage is up to eight 500-600 milligram capsules per day, or 10-20 drops of ginger tincture diluted in water up to three times daily, as needed to reduce sea sickness.
- Peppermint – This tasty herb is one of the oldest sea sickness remedies in existence, and has been used for centuries to treat all types of stomach upsets. It prevents vomiting and calms stomach spasms. A typical dosage is 10-20 drops of peppermint tincture diluted in water, or one cup of peppermint tea, taken as needed to treat sea sickness.
- Fennel – The seeds of the fennel plant have been used in traditional herbalism for centuries to aid digestion and calm stomach spasms. These properties make it an ideal remedy for sea sickness. Chewing 10-20 fresh fennel seeds, or taking up to three 400-500 milligram capsules per day is the recommended dosage for treating sea sickness.
Other Natural Sea Sickness Remedies
If herbs aren’t your cup of tea, there are a few other natural motion sickness remedies that can be used.
- The Motion Sickness Bracelet - Also known as an acupressure bracelet or sea-band, this bracelet can be worn by susceptible individuals. It is believed to stop nausea by applying pressure to an acupressure point on the inside of the wrist. This particular point, known as Pericardium 6, is a key point for nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. When pressure is applied by the bracelet, it may offer some relief.
- Isopropyl Alcohol – According to the 2004 edition of Plastic Surgery Nursing, inhalation of pure isopropyl alcohol may reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery. However, there have been suggestions that it may also bring some relief to sufferers of motion sickness. Inhaling the alcohol from a swab or wipe at the onset of nausea is recommended.
References:
White, M.D., Linda B. and Stephen Foster. The Herbal Drugstore. New York: Rodale, 2000. Print.
Han-Chung Lien, Wei Ming Sun, Yen-Hsueh Chen, Hyerang Kim, William Hasler, and Chung Owyang. “Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection.” Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. Mar 2003; 284: 481 - 489.
Spencer, Kathleen Walsh. “Isopropyl Alcohol Inhalation as Treatment for Nausea and Vomiting.” Plastic Surgical Nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 24(4):149-154, October/November/December 2004.
Ginger Root
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Fennel Seeds
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