If you’re prone to motion sickness, the thought of going boating might fill you with dread. But don’t worry. There are plenty of effective home remedies that can help combat the problem.
To maintain optimal health, the best thing you can do is be prepared. So, in this article, we’ll go over some ways to prevent motion sickness, and provide a few remedies that’ll help if you start to feel a little woozy. If you’re interested in learning more, just keep reading!
What Is Motion Sickness?
Before explaining the remedies for motion sickness, let’s discuss what it is. Motion sickness—also known as kinetosis or car sickness—is a condition that’s caused by repeated motion. It can occur when you’re traveling by car, bus, train, boat, or plane.
The symptoms include nausea and vomiting. There are two types of motion sickness:
Seasickness: This type of motion sickness is caused by the rolling motion of the waves.
Airsickness: This type of motion sickness is caused by turbulence during air travel.
Causes of Motion Sickness
There are several factors that can contribute to motion sickness. Below are a few of them:
Anxiety or fear: If you’re worried about getting sick, you’re more likely to experience motion sickness.
Hunger: An empty stomach can make you more susceptible to nausea.
Fatigue: Feeling tired can also increase your chances of getting sick.
Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to dizziness and nausea.
Previous experience: If you’ve had motion sickness in the past, you’re more likely to get it again.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
Luckily, there are certain things you can do to prevent motion sickness. To maintain your health and wellbeing, do the following:
Get Plenty of Rest Before Your Trip
Getting rest before your trip can reduce your chances of getting sick. That’s because fatigue can make you more susceptible to nausea. So, get a good night’s rest before going boating.
Eat a Light Meal Before Traveling
Eating a big meal before traveling can make you feel sluggish and increase your chances of getting sick. Therefore, it’s best to eat a light meal or snack before your trip.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to dizziness and nausea, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids—preferably water—before, during, and after your trip.
Choose Your Seat Carefully
If you’re traveling by car, bus, or train, try to get a seat that’s facing forward. Doing so will help you avoid looking at the motion, which can trigger nausea.
If you’re flying, try to get a seat over the wing of the plane. This area experiences less turbulence than other parts of the aircraft.
Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing can also help to prevent motion sickness. Tight clothing can restrict your breathing and make you feel more anxious.
Home Remedies for Motion Sickness
Although prevention methods can help with motion sickness, it’s possible to still feel the effects of it—especially after a bumpy ferry ride. If you do start to feel sick, there are several home remedies that can help you, such as:
Ginger
Ginger is a popular remedy for nausea. It settles your stomach and eases nausea and vomiting. You can take ginger in several different ways, including:
Ginger tea: Steep fresh ginger in boiling water to make tea.
Ginger chews: These are candies made with ginger root.
Ginger capsules: These are available at most health food stores.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves applying pressure to certain points on the body. It’s been shown to be effective in treating nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
There are two pressure points that can help with motion sickness, which include the web between your thumb and index finger and the inner wrist. To apply pressure to your wrist, place your thumb on the inside of your wrist and apply pressure.
To put pressure on the web between your thumb and index finger, hold your hand so that your thumb is on top of your index finger. Then, apply pressure to the web with your thumb.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach. It helps to settle your stomach and minimize nausea. You can take peppermint in several different ways, including:
Peppermint tea: Steep fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water to make tea.
Peppermint oil: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to a handkerchief and inhale it as needed.
Peppermint candy: Suck on a peppermint candy until you feel better.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have a calming effect on the stomach, and they settle your stomach and reduce nausea. You can take fennel seeds in several different ways, such as:
Fennel tea: Steep fennel seeds in boiling water to make tea.
Fennel seed oil: Add a few drops of fennel seed oil to a handkerchief and inhale it as needed.
Fennel seed candy: Suck on a fennel seed candy as needed.
Lemon
Lemon is refreshing and settles the stomach. Plus, it helps to reduce nausea. You can take lemon in several different ways, including:
Lemon water: Add a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of water and drink it as needed.
Lemon tea: Steep lemon slices in boiling water and add a tea bag to make lemon-infused tea.
Lemonade: Mix fresh lemon juice, water, and sugar to make lemonade. This option is good if you have a mild case of motion sickness.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, motion sickness is an issue that can affect you in many ways. Fortunately, there are several home remedies that can help to ease the symptoms. If you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to try these remedies the next time you travel!
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