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Don't Let Motion Sickness Ruin Your Vacation

Posting Date: 06/21/2001

Going on vacation? If you've been looking forward to your summer get-away for months, you won't want to spend any of your time off feeling ill. Planning ahead can make a big difference.

For many families, getting into the car or boarding a plane means coping with motion sickness. Children seem to be especially susceptible to this problem, and nothing can make a trip more trying than stopping so a child can throw up by the side of the road?unless it is not stopping, and having to cope with the smell and mess in the car.

Non-drug approaches often work for controlling motion sickness in adults as well as children. The first is ginger. Chinese sailors have been using this herb for thousands of years to combat the effects of rough seas.

Scientists have confirmed its value. Capsules containing dried ginger were compared to the ingredient in Dramamine in a classic study using a diabolical whirling chair. The susceptible individuals who took ginger were actually better protected against motion sickness. Other research has reinforced its anti-nausea effect. One recent study even found that ginger was effective for morning sickness.

Ginger capsules can be purchased in health food stores. Candied ginger, ginger snap cookies or real ginger ale (such as Carver's or Blenheim's) can be substituted. One reader found a unique way to take ginger: "I can attest that four ounces of Stones Original Ginger Wine prevents motion sickness. This product is imported from England and has been produced since 1740. It is the best ginger remedy of all." Because it contains alcohol, however, it is not appropriate for children.

Another herb traditionally recommended to combat nausea is raspberry leaf tea. A completely different approach involves acupressure wrist bands with little plastic bumps embedded in them. A reader testifies to their effectiveness: "Elastic wrist-bands used to prevent seasickness are based on the ancient Chinese practice of acupressure. I've used them to prevent seasickness as well as relieve the symptoms of vertigo and nausea (labyrinthitis) I have experienced for 20 years.