There are natural remedies for motion sickness relief that work very well. If you need to travel with a kid that tends to get motion sickness, it can cause anxiety about taking car trips together. There are preventative measures you can take as well as several natural remedies that will do the trick.
Do you dread long car rides with your kids because you or they often experience motion sickness? It can be disheartening to see the joy of a family road trip taken away because of nausea caused by motion sickness.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Children may be more susceptible to motion sickness in cars because their inner ear, which helps regulate balance and spatial orientation, is still developing. Additionally, the visual cues that adults rely on to help them interpret movement may not be as well developed in children. Stress and fatigue can also contribute to motion sickness in children.
If this sounds like something you're familiar with, don't worry - there are strategies that you can use to ease motion sickness and make those trips enjoyable again! Whether it's taking preventive measures before traveling, managing symptoms while on the go, or having remedies handy just in case, here is all the information you need to keep everyone feeling their best while out and about.
Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness Relief
Here are a few tips motion sickness relief in children while traveling in a car:
- Encourage your child to look out the window and focus on the horizon or stationary objects in the distance. This can help to reduce the mismatch between what their inner ear is sensing and what their eyes are seeing.
- Keep the car well-ventilated and cool, as stuffy or warm conditions can contribute to motion sickness.
- Avoid heavy meals before traveling and encourage your child to drink water or clear liquids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns and try to drive on well-maintained roads.
- Take a break and pull over if they feel unwell.
Essential Oil Remedies for Motion Sickness Relief
Traveling can often result in motion sickness. To combat this, I personally carry ginger lozenges as a natural remedy for nausea.
Aromatherapy can also be effective, particularly using peppermint oil for its invigorating scent and ability to prevent motion sickness.
Similarly, lemongrass oil can also alleviate feelings of nausea. Essential oils are a great option for children, as they are easy to use and convenient to carry while on the go.
A blend of peppermint oil, ginger, and lemon essential oils may help to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. These oils can be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and applied to the wrists or inhaled through a diffuser. It is always recommended to consult with a licensed aromatherapist or physician before using essential oils as some may interact with certain medications or have other contraindications.
Acupressure for Motion Sickness
Lastly, you can try acupressure to relieve motion sickness. The P6 or Neiguan point, is located on the inner wrist, below the base of the palm. To find the point, feel for the pulse on the wrist and move your fingers slightly towards the little finger. To stimulate the point, you can use your thumb to apply firm pressure to the point for several minutes or until there is relief.
When using acupressure to relieve motion sickness, practitioners generally recommend applying pressure for about two minutes per point before releasing it slowly and repeating on the opposite side of the body.
How do you use peppermint oil for motion sickness?
Peppermint oil can be used to help alleviate motion sickness in a few ways:
Inhalation: You can add a few drops of peppermint oil to a diffuser or a cotton ball, and inhale the scent while traveling. The menthol in peppermint oil can help to reduce nausea and soothe the stomach.
Topical application: You can mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to your wrists or temples. The menthol in peppermint oil can help to stimulate the receptors in your skin that help to control nausea.
Oral consumption: You can add a drop of peppermint oil to a glass of water and drink it before or during travel. Peppermint oil can help to soothe the stomach and reduce feelings of nausea.
It's important to note that peppermint oil should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation if not diluted. It's also not recommended for use with children under 5 years old, pregnant, breastfeeding women and people with certain health conditions, so it's best to consult with your doctor before using.
What helps with motion sickness fast?
- Fresh air: Open a window or vent if you're in a car, or go outside and get some fresh air if you're on a boat or a plane.
- Focus on the horizon: Staring at a fixed point on the horizon can help to reduce the mismatch between what your inner ear is sensing and what your eyes are seeing.
- Relax: Try to relax and breathe deeply. Stress can worsen motion sickness.
- Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy that can help to reduce nausea. You can consume ginger in the form of ginger candy, ginger tea, or ginger supplements.
Does peppermint help with motion sickness?
Peppermint oil can potentially help with motion sickness due to its ability to reduce nausea and soothe the stomach. The menthol in peppermint oil can stimulate the receptors in the skin that control nausea, by breathing the oil through inhalation, topical application or oral consumption, it can help to relax the stomach and reduce feelings of nausea. However, it's important to note that peppermint oil should be used with caution, as it can cause skin irritation if not diluted, it's also not recommended for use with children under 5 years old, pregnant, and breastfeeding women.
