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If you’re one of the many people who experience motion sickness, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Whether you’re on a boat, in a car, or on a plane, the feeling of nausea and dizziness can make the journey very unpleasant. Fortunately, there are some essential oils that can help! In this blog post, we will discuss three different oils that can help ease the symptoms of motion sickness.
Table of Contents
What causes motion sickness?
When signals arriving from your eyes and inner ear canals are mixed, you may get motion sickness. Your brain will receive mixed messages if your body is unable to sense the motion that your eyes see or if your eyes are unable to detect the movement felt by your body.
When this occurs, you are likely to experience one, some, or all of the symptoms of motion sickness. The most common signs of motion sickness include:
- Cold sweat
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Headaches
What things can contribute or make it worse?
There are some typical causes that can induce or exacerbate motion sickness, even if we try our best to avoid it:
- Consuming alcohol before travel
- Eating too many rich/sugary foods
- Getting too hot
- Having a headache during travel
- Not being able to see the road
- Reading or checking your phone during travel
- Stuffy air in the vehicle
How Essential Oils Can Help
Essential oils can assist with the symptoms of motion sickness. This was confirmed in a 2013 research published in Anesthesia & Analgesia, which found that patients were given various aromatherapy nausea alleviation therapies.
They contained cardamom essential oils, isopropyl alcohol, or a combination of ginger, spearmint, and peppermint.
The research found that patients who used aromatherapy essential oils had a better experience with post-surgery nausea.
Essential oils have natural healing properties and can assist your body in getting rid of a variety of ailments. Nausea caused by an upset stomach is one of them.
Essential oils are effective for nausea because they not only relieve the sensation, but also relax the body and mind. Essential oils can help you get a sound night’s sleep as well as improve your sense of well-being upon waking up.
Essential oils are antiseptic, which helps them fight bacterial infections that might cause nausea.
Essential oils have no serious negative effects and are natural, not manufactured, which is why they don’t have any significant drawbacks.
The best essential oils for motion sickness
The following are the best essential oils for nausea and seasickness:
- Ginger
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Nutmeg
Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger is a culinary spice that people are familiar with. It has been used to treat ailments for nearly 500 years, and it has also been used in cooking.
It may be used as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, tonic, and stimulant in the form of an essential oil. It’s effective for nausea, vomiting, digestion, and motion sickness.
Ginger is one of the most effective essential oils to have on hand and can assist with all of motion sickness’ symptoms.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is a strong essential oil. It may be used in tea to help with digestive problems. But on occasion, something a little more powerful is required. This is where peppermint essential oil comes into play.
Peppermint essential oil has antinausea and antiemetic properties, which helps to relieve nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It can also aid in the digestion process.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Another tea-like substance is chamomile, however a little of chamomile essential oil, a concentrated extract from the chamomile plant, goes a long way. Because it is in its concentrated form, it has an enormous range of applications. It can help with the symptoms of motion sickness and a variety of other ailments.
Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel oil is a useful treatment for nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and motion sickness. Fennel is also an effective stimulant and laxative with a strong aroma and flavor. It has a long list of health advantages and uses, making it an adaptable little oil to keep on hand.
Nutmeg Essential Oil
This is another oil that has a surprising impact on nausea symptoms. The spice may be used in cuisine, but it may have a more powerful impact as an essential oil.
It’s been a household essential for many years. It’s effective in settling stomachs and reducing nausea, which makes it popular during the winter months. Nutmeg essential oil has a variety of health advantages. In addition to aiding digestion and preventing vomiting, nutmeg essential oil improves the hormonal system, immune system, and nervous system.
How to use Essential Oils Effectively
Using a Car Diffuser
A car diffuser is an excellent method to prevent motion sickness from getting out of control. This is especially beneficial if you have little children who are susceptible to nausea. To begin, add a single drop of essential oil to the diffuser. If this seems too strong, open a window to allow fresh air in. If this doesn’t help, try adding a second drop to improve the effects.
Home Diffuser
A home diffuser is an excellent method to obtain the anti-nausea effects of these oils for a longer period of time. Simply diffuse one or two drops of your chosen oil in your diffuser and breathe in. To assist prevent motion sickness, do this before you travel. But it may also be done on a regular basis to help avoid nausea in the long term.
If you don’t have a diffuser, add two drops to a cotton ball or handkerchief and carry with you. Take out the handkerchief or cotton ball and breathe deeply when you feel sick so that the tummy-settling benefits will be absorbed.
Topical
For a more powerful impact, combine two to three drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or castor oil) and apply to the stomach.
Use this method if your nausea is severe. However, if you’re pregnant, don’t use this direct approach.
If you’re sensitive to essential oils, try rubbing two to three drops on your abdomen. This combines the soothing effects of the oil with the benefit of relaxation. However, if you’re pregnant, this is something you should discuss with your doctor before doing so.
How To Prevent Motion Sickness
You can use the following strategies to help settle yourself and your stomach when nausea strikes during travel:
- Sit in the front seat of a vehicle and take in the scenery at a distance.
- On a boat, get on the deck and watch the ocean’s movement.
- Simply said, look out the window while traveling by air. Also, when flying, select a seat above the wings so that movement is reduced.
- Do not read while travelling and avoid sitting in a seat facing backwards.
- Immediately before and during a trip, avoid foods with strong odors or greasy textures.
Essential oils and travel sickness
Essential oils are a powerful, natural way to help with motion sickness. Different essential oils have different benefits, so it is important to choose the right oil for you. You can use an essential oil diffuser in your car or at home, or apply the oil topically to your stomach. If you are pregnant, be sure to consult with your doctor before using any essential oils.
