Motion Sickness Remedies

The excitement of traveling is always overwhelming, but the fear of motion sickness is lurks around like an evil dark shadow. Sickness suffered due to traveling in a car, bus, train or cruising the sea, can really mess up the simple joys of traveling. If you suffer from this condition, then you need to take a few preemptive steps to avoid motion sickness and make your trip an enjoyable one.

Motion sickness is caused when the brain receives mixed signals from sensory organs. Sensory organs, like the inner ear, eyes, and sensory nerves do the job of balancing the body. However, when they cannot understand the surroundings they send conflicting messages to your brain, which leads to nausea.

For instance, if you are in a cruise's cabin, your ears can hear the waves but your eyes cannot see them. Thus, they send confusing messages to the brain about what they are sensing. This conflict between the senses leads to motion sickness.

If you are traveling by car, bus, train or a ship, focus on a distant point and let your eyes know that you are traveling by watching the things go by. Do not read or concentrate on something that is stationary. Constant air conditioner can also lead to nausea. Letting in fresh air and taking small sips of water helps control the urge to throw up. If you are vomiting, you are likely to suffer from dehydration. So, carry electrolytes and keep drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.

Air traveling can be for long hours or for 2-3 days. You can try over the counter medicines like scopolamine patches, which work for 2-3 days. Another alternative is to keep a 'barf bag' close to you. Meclizine is another mild medication used for treating this condition. Before you take any of these medication, consult your physician.

The best natural motion sickness remedy is ginger. Ginger root, the multipurpose spice is best known to reduce nausea. Having ginger root tea can effectively reduce nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats.

Acupressure, the traditional Chinese alternative medicine is an excellent home remedy for motion sickness. Pressing the point located on the forearm, above the crease of the wrist can cease the nausea due to motion sickness. Press this point, known as p6 point, with the index finger of the opposite hand. You can also buy forearm bands with beads on them and for added stimulation. This way you just need to press the beads for relief.

If your child is suffering from this condition, the best way to deal with it is to roll down the windows of your car. Fresh air will make your child feel better. To avoid the sickness from getting worse, take frequent stops, say after every 30 minutes and let your child freshen up.

Avoid heavy meals before traveling to prevent SOS calls like "Mommy, I am not feeling well". If you are traveling with a toddler, thank the inventor of baby seats. Apart from being a safety measure, baby seats lift the baby higher and provide a view outside the window, which prevents nausea and vomiting.

If you are planning on using medication, then consult a doctor before you do so. Some medications can have adverse side effects. This is where I take off on a happy trip with a sincere hope that these remedies help you in controlling motion sickness while traveling.