Hints To Cure Motion Sickness

Car Sick? Air Sick? Sea Sick?

Hints to Cure Motion Sickness

By D. S. Mitchell

Childhood Memories

OMG. When I was a kid, the worst words I could hear were, “Let’s go for a ride!” Don’t get me wrong, I loved going; going anywhere, it didn’t matter, I was a young adventurer. HOWEVER, I was also a kid with  motion sickness. It didn’t happen all the time, I think that was the worst part, never knowing whether I’d be happy and giggly, or a kid with her head in a paper bag.  My mom did not like me vomiting out the car window. It wasn’t just the car, sometimes it was on the deck of daddy’s boat, or there was that incredibly long plane ride to Hawaii. Oh, dear, the nice lady sitting next to me was very kind, and understanding. And, those damn 3D movies, there should be a warning label.

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when your brain gets conflicting messages: your eyes perceive forward motion but your inner ear feels the up and down motion of the car, plane, or boat. The experts say the brain then races to reset itself and that action causes the sick feeling. The nausea triggers the vagus nerve, which connects to the GI system, stimulating anything in the gut to come up.  Paper bag, please.

It Was All About The Ginger

Ginger is an herb that has been used for thousands of years for its many natural medicinal properties,  particularly its antiemetic qualities. When I was a kid that was about all there was, other than stopping the motion, and that wasn’t happening. What I seem to remember is mom grating up the herb and putting it in tea and having me drink it before we went on any road trips. Current studies indicate that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea and vomiting. Some studies suggest ginger works better on vomiting than the underlying nausea. Now days, ginger can be found in capsules and gummies and even tea.

Antihistamines

The same antihistamines used to treat allergies also reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. Numerous rounds of studies have shown that antihistamines can effectively alleviate motion sickness.  Recommendations include taking the medication 30 to 60 minutes prior to boarding the plane or boat, so you’ll have it in your system to squelch the vagal response. BUT they cause drowsiness. If sleep walking doesn’t bother you this may be your solution. I on the other hand cannot function in a “drugged” state. Benadryl and Dramamine are inexpensive and may work for you. Give it a try, the worst thing that will happen is you will take a nap.

It Works For Me

Acupressure wristbands are what I use. I am a great fan of acupuncture and acupressure is a variation of that ancient Chinese art.  When pressure is applied to certain points on the wrist and ear it alleviates stomach upset. Acupressure wristbands are available in most pharmacies and on Amazon. I’ve used them for years and they are fabulous. No unwanted sleepiness. The package will contain two bracelets, just slip them on your wrists and position the little plastic thing-a-bobs over the recommended points on your wrist per the directions.