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Introduction
If you’ve ever experienced motion sickness, you know how miserable it can be—nausea, dizziness, and that uneasy feeling. But there’s good news: there are natural remedies that actually work! Let’s break down five proven, natural tips to ease motion sickness and explore why it happens in the first place.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness occurs when there’s a disconnect between your sensory systems—particularly your vestibular (inner ear), visual, and somatosensory input. For example, reading in a moving car or looking down in an airplane creates a sensory mismatch: your body feels movement, but your eyes don’t see it.This sensory conflict can trigger a histamine release in the brain. Histamine, known for its role in allergies, can activate H1 receptors in the brainstem, which also control nausea and vomiting. That’s why motion sickness often feels a lot like an allergic reaction gone wrong.
Tip #1: Sit Facing Forward
Always face the direction of travel when you're in a vehicle or airplane. This helps your visual input align with your motion, reducing sensory confusion and preventing that dizzy, off-balance feeling.Tip #2: Use Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is a powerful natural remedy for nausea. Apply it to an acupuncture point called Pericardium 6 (P6):
- Find your wrist crease.
- Place your three middle fingers just above it.
- The spot just above your third finger, between the two tendons, is P6.
- Massage it with a drop of peppermint oil using circular motions.
This technique combines acupressure with the soothing effects of peppermint to naturally calm your system.
Tip #3: Take Whole Food Vitamin C
Whole food Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. It helps reduce histamine sensitivity in your brainstem, making it easier for your body to handle sensory disruptions without triggering nausea.Tip #4:Practice Grounding (a.k.a. Earthing)
Grounding means reconnecting with the Earth’s natural energy:- Walk barefoot on grass, sand, or soil.
- Swim in natural bodies of water (oceans, rivers, lakes).
Tip #5: Try Natural Antihistamines
Certain herbs act as natural antihistamines without the side effects of pharmaceutical versions. The top three:- Quercetin (from the Sophora japonica plant)
- Butterbur
- Stinging Nettle
These are especially effective when used together to reduce inflammation, block histamine, and prevent nausea—great for flying or boat rides.
Final Thoughts
Motion sickness may be common, but it doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. These five natural remedies—especially when combined—can dramatically reduce or even eliminate symptoms.
Try these tips out, and see what works best for your body.
