Motion sickness can turn any journey whether by car, boat, or plane into a miserable experience. That queasy feeling, dizziness, and nausea can ruin vacations, business trips, or even short rides. While medications are available, many people prefer best natural motion sickness remedies that don’t cause drowsiness or other side effects. The good news is nature provides several effective solutions that have been used for generations to prevent and relieve motion sickness. These remedies work with your body’s natural balance systems to keep nausea at bay without pharmaceuticals.
Ginger is perhaps the most well-researched and effective among natural motion sickness remedies. This powerful root contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols that help settle your stomach and reduce nausea. You can chew on crystallized ginger, sip ginger tea, or take ginger capsules about 30 minutes before traveling. Studies show ginger works as well as some motion sickness medications without causing drowsiness. For quick relief during travel, try ginger candies or ginger ale made with real ginger (check the ingredients). The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help calm your digestive system and prevent those waves of nausea that make travel unbearable.
Peppermint is another excellent choice among best natural motion sickness remedies because it soothes the stomach and calms the vagus nerve, which connects your gut and brain. Peppermint tea before travel can help prevent nausea, while peppermint essential oil can provide quick relief when inhaled during the journey. Put a few drops on a handkerchief or use a personal inhaler when you start feeling queasy. The cooling sensation and familiar scent provide both physical and psychological relief. Peppermint also helps with the headaches that sometimes accompany motion sickness. If you don’t have oil, peppermint gum or candies can offer similar benefits while keeping your mouth fresh.
Acupressure has been used for centuries as one of the most reliable natural motion sickness remedies, and modern science confirms its effectiveness. The P6 or Nei-Kuan point, located about three finger-widths up from your wrist crease between the two tendons, is the key pressure point for nausea relief. Applying firm pressure to this point with your thumb can significantly reduce motion sickness symptoms. You can use your fingers to massage the spot or wear special acupressure wristbands designed for this purpose. Many travelers find these bands work as well as medication when worn correctly before and during travel. The pressure stimulates nerves that send calming signals to your brain’s vomiting center.
Controlling your breathing is a simple but often overlooked strategy among best natural motion sickness remedies. Slow, deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which counters the stress response that worsens nausea. When you start feeling sick, try inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding for four, then exhaling slowly through pursed lips for six counts. Repeat this pattern for several minutes while focusing on the breath. This technique helps regulate your autonomic nervous system and can prevent nausea from escalating. Combining controlled breathing with looking at the horizon often provides double protection against motion sickness.
Lemon and other citrus fruits offer surprising benefits as natural motion sickness remedies. The scent of fresh lemon can quickly reduce nausea for many people. Carry lemon essential oil or fresh lemon slices to sniff when you feel queasy. Some people find sucking on lemon drops or drinking water with lemon juice helps stabilize their stomach. The tartness stimulates saliva production, which can counteract excess stomach acid that contributes to nausea. Citrus also has refreshing properties that help combat the fatigue and discomfort that accompany motion sickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness, start your journey with lemon-scented tissues or a lemon-scented handkerchief to keep nearby.
Proper hydration is fundamental among best natural motion sickness remedies because dehydration exacerbates nausea and dizziness. Drink plenty of water before and during travel, taking small sips rather than large gulps. Coconut water is particularly helpful because it provides electrolytes that help maintain your body’s fluid balance. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before travel as they contribute to dehydration. Herbal teas like chamomile or fennel can be especially soothing if consumed about an hour before your trip. Keeping your hydration levels optimal helps your inner ear fluid critical for balance function properly and reduces motion sickness symptoms.
Choosing the right seat makes a significant difference in preventing motion sickness naturally. In cars, the front seat where you can see the horizon is best. On boats, stay near the center where there’s less rocking motion. In planes, request a seat over the wings where movement is minimized. Positioning yourself where you experience the least motion reduces the sensory conflict that causes nausea. Keep your gaze fixed on the distant horizon rather than looking at moving objects or reading, which can trigger symptoms. This simple strategy is completely free and works immediately as one of the most practical natural motion sickness remedies.
Aromatherapy using essential oils ranks among the most pleasant best natural motion sickness remedies. Besides peppermint and lemon, other helpful oils include lavender for its calming properties, spearmint for stomach soothing, and cardamom for nausea relief. Carry a small bottle of your preferred oil and inhale directly when needed, or use a diffuser in your car if you’re the driver. The olfactory system has direct connections to brain areas controlling nausea, making scent a powerful tool against motion sickness. Create your own blend by mixing a few drops of different oils in a roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil for easy application to wrists and temples.
Eating the right foods before travel is a preventive strategy among natural motion sickness remedies that many people overlook. Choose bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, or bananas about an hour before your trip. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy meals that can upset your stomach. Some people find protein-rich snacks like almonds help stabilize blood sugar, which can prevent nausea. The traditional sailors’ remedy of eating dry crackers or bread during rough seas works because these foods absorb stomach acid. Having something in your stomach is generally better than traveling empty-stomached, but the quality and quantity of food matters greatly.
Cold compresses applied to the back of your neck or wrists can provide quick relief when motion sickness strikes, making this one of the simplest best natural motion sickness remedies. The cooling sensation distracts your nervous system from nausea while helping regulate body temperature many people feel overheated when motion sick. Keep a small cooling towel or instant cold pack in your travel bag for emergencies. Even splashing cool water on your face or placing a wet cloth on your forehead can help reset your system. This method works especially well for children who may resist other remedies.
Mindfulness and distraction techniques are powerful psychological tools among natural motion sickness remedies. Focusing on your discomfort often makes symptoms worse, while engaging your mind elsewhere can provide relief. Listen to an interesting audiobook, play car games that involve spotting objects outside, or practice mental exercises like counting backward from 100. The more you can distract yourself from bodily sensations, the less intense your motion sickness will feel. This approach works particularly well when combined with other remedies like acupressure or controlled breathing.
Fennel seeds have been used traditionally as one of the best natural motion sickness remedies, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. Chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds can help settle your stomach and reduce acidity. The seeds contain compounds that relax digestive tract muscles and may help absorb toxins contributing to nausea. Their mild licorice-like flavor also freshens breath after travel sickness. You can find fennel seed candies or make your own by coating the seeds in honey for a more palatable option. Like ginger, fennel is safe for children and pregnant women who often experience motion sickness.
Creating a personalized combination of these natural motion sickness remedies will give you the best protection against travel nausea. Start preparing before your trip with proper hydration and light meals, use preventive measures like ginger and acupressure bands as you begin your journey, and keep quick-relief options like peppermint oil and cold compresses handy. Remember that prevention works better than treatment, so don’t wait until you feel sick to use these remedies. With experimentation, you’ll discover which solutions work best for your body, allowing you to travel comfortably without relying on medications.