For many, traveling means freedom and the start of a vacation; but for those sensitive to motion sickness, it also means expecting nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats even before reaching the destination. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore why motion sickness occurs and how to deal with it using natural remedies, from traditional options like ginger to more recent alternatives such as CBD-based products, which offer complementary support without psychoactive effects.
What Is Motion Sickness: Definition and Causes
Understanding what’s behind car, sea, or air sickness is the first step in preventing it. The sensory conflict theory explains that the brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, vestibular system, and muscle receptors, interprets them as a potential threat, and triggers defensive reactions such as nausea or vomiting.
Why Motion Sickness Occurs During Car, Sea, or Air Travel
In a car, it’s the repeated acceleration and braking; on a boat, the constant rolling and pitching; on a plane, turbulence and altitude changes. Each of these situations creates misaligned multisensory input. The brain receives conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and proprioceptive system, leading to a sense of disorientation that can result in nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and overall discomfort.
The Role of the Vestibular System and Conflicting Senses
The “sensory conflict” theory explains that when the brain’s internal prediction of movement doesn’t match the signals received from the eyes, ears, and muscle receptors, the body responds with the classic symptoms of car, sea, or air sickness. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is primarily responsible for detecting balance and acceleration. When this system receives information that contradicts what we see or sense through our body, it creates a neurological mismatch that can trigger nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, and general discomfort. This mechanism is especially active in situations where movement is felt but not seen, such as inside an airplane cabin or on the deck of a ship.
The Most Common Symptoms of Car, Sea, and Air Sickness
Motion sickness doesn’t always manifest the same way; recognizing early signs can help you take action before it ruins your trip.
· Nausea and vomiting: These are the most frequent warning signs and appear when the sensory conflict reaches a critical threshold.
· Dizziness, paleness, and cold sweats: The autonomic nervous system triggers “emergency” responses, resulting in pallor, excessive sweating, and lowered blood pressure.
· Irritability and fatigue in children: Natural remedies for motion sickness in children are often sought because irritability can sometimes replace their ability to describe discomfort.
Motion Sickness in Summer: Why It’s More Common During Travel
Sun, high temperatures, and longer trips make July and August prime times for motion-related discomfort.
· Intense heat, combined with prolonged sun exposure, can disrupt the body’s thermal balance and increase fatigue, contributing to the onset of motion sickness.
· More frequent and longer journeys during the summer, often on congested roads or winding routes, can intensify motion-related symptoms.
· Staying in closed, poorly ventilated spaces, such as cars or ferry cabins, can further worsen the condition.
That’s why it’s essential to be well-prepared: stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before traveling, and, if needed, turn to specific solutions recommended by a doctor or pharmacist.
Children and the Elderly: Groups More Sensitive to Motion Sickness
Children between the ages of 3 and 12 are statistically the most affected, while susceptibility tends to decrease after age 65.
· In children, the vestibular system is still developing, making them more vulnerable to conflicting signals between actual movement and visual perception. Additionally, they may not always recognize or communicate the early signs of discomfort, such as nausea or dizziness, in time.
· In the elderly, the central nervous system responds less intensely to these stimuli, making motion sickness less common, though not entirely absent, especially in the presence of pre-existing conditions or ongoing medication treatments.
Natural and Complementary Remedies to Prevent or Relieve Motion Sickness
The good news? There are several gentle, easy-to-apply strategies that can be combined according to individual needs. From herbal remedies like ginger and peppermint, to breathing and relaxation techniques, and simple behavioral adjustments during travel: nature offers valuable support in combating nausea, dizziness, and motion-related discomfort. When used consistently and tailored to one’s age and individual sensitivity, these remedies can be an effective, side-effect-free solution. Let’s take a look at the most effective natural remedies for sea, car, and air sickness.
H3 – 1. Ginger, Peppermint, and Essential Oils
● Ginger: Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of this root in reducing motion-induced nausea and vomiting.
● Peppermint: The menthol aroma has a calming effect on the stomach and provides a refreshing sensation that’s especially helpful while traveling.
H3 – 2. Deep breathing, proper posture and a steady gaze
· Slow inhalations through the nose and deep diaphragmatic exhalations, while seated facing forward and looking toward the horizon, help reduce the sensory conflict that triggers motion sickness. Mindful breathing supports the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and easing nausea.
· Posture also plays a key role: keeping the head still, ideally supported, and the torso upright helps stabilize the body’s balance receptors.
· Focusing on a fixed point outside—such as the horizon or a distant object—assists the brain in reconciling conflicting signals between vision and motion.
3. Acupressure and Anti-Nausea Wristbands
Stimulation of the P6 (Neiguan) point on the forearm, using elastic wristbands, has been shown to be as effective as certain antiemetic medications in managing post-operative nausea, with potential benefits for motion sickness during travel as well.
4. Chewing Gum
As some research has shown, the simple act of chewing stimulates neurosensory pathways that help the brain reduce the perception of imbalance between movement and vision, thereby lessening the sensation of nausea. Additionally, by promoting saliva production, chewing helps soothe the stomach and ease typical motion sickness symptoms such as discomfort and a hollow feeling in the stomach, making it a practical solution, especially during air or car travel.
5. CBD-Based Products
Several preclinical studies suggest that cannabidiol modulates serotonin receptors and the endocannabinoid system, producing anxiolytic and antiemetic effects. When used in THC-free formulations, it does not impair mental clarity.
Among natural remedies for sea, car, and air sickness, for example, hemp extract can be a valuable addition to your travel kit, always following consultation with your doctor.
6. Light Meals and Hydration Before and During Travel
Moderate meals rich in complex carbohydrates and low in fat, combined with small sips of water, help stabilize the stomach and prevent drops in blood sugar that can worsen nausea.
CBD as a Natural Remedy for Travel-Induced Nausea
Interest in CBD—which is completely free of psychotropic effects—has grown in recent years due to its interaction with 5-HT1A and CB1 receptors, which are involved in regulating nausea, anxiety, and balance.
In recent animal studies, cannabidiol has proven effective in reducing nausea caused both by motion and chemotherapy treatments. It has also been shown to lower cortisol levels, helping to ease anticipatory anxiety that can intensify motion sickness symptoms.
For practical use, a dosage of 1–2 mg/kg, taken 30–60 minutes before departure, preferably sublingually, is recommended, with adjustments based on individual sensitivity. Clinical evidence in humans is still limited and requires further randomized studies to confirm CBD’s effectiveness against motion sickness; however, its safety profile is considered favorable by the World Health Organization.
When to Consult a Doctor
Although motion sickness is usually harmless, if symptoms include uncontrollable vomiting, dehydration, or underlying health conditions, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan.
