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Motion Sickness
Also indexed as: Car Sickness, Sea Sickness, Travel Nausea
Riding in a car along curvy roads or traveling by boat can trigger nausea and spoil the trip. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help you manage motion sickness:
- Enjoy some ginger
- Help prevent motion sickness or reduce its severity by taking 1 gram of encapsulated ginger root powder one hour before travel and again every two to four hours as needed
- Get back to basics
- Reduce your risks of motion sickness by getting plenty of fresh air, closing your eyes, and avoiding alcohol
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full motion sickness article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
About motion sickness
Motion sickness is nausea, vomiting, and related symptoms caused by repetitive angular and linear acceleration and deceleration.
Product ratings for motion sickness
| Science Ratings | Nutritional Supplements | Herbs |
|---|---|---|
 |
Ginger |
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Black Horehound |
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| See also: Homeopathic Remedies for Motion Sickness | ||
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
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What are the symptoms?
Motion sickness is characterized by cycles of nausea and vomiting. These episodes may be preceded by yawning, salivation, pallor, cold sweat, and sleepiness. Dizziness, headache, fatigue, and general discomfort are also common. Once nausea and vomiting develop, a person with motion sickness is typically weak and unable to concentrate.
Other therapies
Individuals with motion sickness should get fresh air and close their eyes. People who frequently experiece motion sickness should avoid drinking alcohol prior to travel.
Herbs that may be helpful
Ginger may be useful for the prevention and treatment of mild to moderate cases of motion sickness. A double-blind trial examined the effects of ginger supplements in people who were susceptible to motion sickness. Researchers found that those taking 940 mg of powdered ginger in capsules experienced less motion sickness than those who took dimenhydrinate (Dramamine®).1 Another double-blind trial reported that 1 gram of powdered ginger root, compared with placebo, lessened seasickness by 38% and vomiting by 72% in a group of naval cadets sailing in heavy seas.2 Two clinical trials, one with adults and one with children, found that ginger was as effective in treating seasickness as dimenhydrinate but with fewer side effects.3 4 In one controlled trial, though, neither powdered ginger (500 to 1,000 mg) nor fresh ginger (1,000 mg) provided any protection against motion sickness.5 Doctors prescribing ginger for motion sickness recommend 500 mg one hour before travel and then 500 mg every two to four hours as necessary. The study with children used one-half the adult amount.
Ginger’s beneficial effect on motion sickness appears to be related to its action on the gastrointestinal tract rather than on the central nervous system.6 7
Black horehound(Ballotta nigra, Marrubium nigrum) is sometimes used by herbalists to treat nausea associated with motion sickness.8 However, there are no clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness for treating this condition.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
Holistic approaches that may be helpful
: Acupuncture, acupressure, and electroacupuncture to specific points have been found to successfully prevent and treat motion sickness in some,9 10 11 but not all, 12 13 clinical trials.
References
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.