Traditional, Natural, and Homeopathic Medications for Motion Sickness.

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1 Medications for motion sickness

Medications for motion sickness

Medications for motion sickness are most commonly used by people who are suffering from carsickness or seasickness. First of all, let’s make it clear. Motion sickness, car sickness, and seasickness are the same medical conditions, and the only difference is the environment in which they manifest.

In the article below, we’ll discuss different medications for motion sickness, all pros and cons, as well as side effects.

The most common approach to fight this condition is motion sickness pills. You have a few options for preventing seasickness or treating your symptoms.

Medications for motion sickness

The list of motion sickness medications consists of:

Allergy medicines

Frequently used to cure allergies, antihistamines can also stop motion sickness and alleviate symptoms. Only antihistamines that cause drowsiness are effective. Non-tiring formulas don’t help.

Dramamine non-drowsy

Dramamine belongs to a group of non-drowsy motion sickness medicine that don’t trigger drowsiness.

Dramamine non drowsy

The characteristics of the medicines for motion sickness of this category are:

  • Dramamine contains the clinically tested ginger dosage needed for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. Other sources of ginger, including hard candy, chewing gum, or ginger ale, may not contain the full clinical dose.
  • Dramamine prevents and treats the symptoms of motion sickness (nausea and vomiting) without feeling drowsy.
  • Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Can be used safely every day while traveling as it is made with natural ginger. Adding ginger with ginger snaps, ginger ale, or glazed ginger can help relieve nausea.

Promethazine – one of the most effective medications for motion sickness

Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine used to treat motion sickness. It helps reduce your brain’s signals that are making you vomit. The dosage for adults under 65 is 25 milligrams twice a day, with the first dose being taken 30 minutes to an hour before travel. Children between the ages of 2 and 17 are allowed to take between 12.5 and 25 milligrams twice a day.

Patches for motion sickness

Motion Sickness Patches

Consider getting scopolamine as a prescription adhesive patches for motion sickness (Transderm Scop). Apply the patch for motion sickness behind your ear a few hours before your trip for 72 hours of protection. If you have any health problems such as glaucoma or urinary retention, consult your doctor before using these medicines for motion sickness.  Scopolamine patches for motion sickness (Transderm Scop®) or oral pills for motion sickness prevent nausea and vomiting. After three days, remove the patches for motion sickness and put on a new one. This drug can cause dry mouth and is approved for adults only.

How to prevent motion sickness

Any form of transport can cause motion sickness. It can happen suddenly, ranging from feeling anxious to cold sweats, dizziness, and vomiting. It usually dies down as soon as the movement stops. The more you travel, the easier it becomes to get used to the movement.

emotional motion sickness

You can avoid motion sickness by planning ahead. When traveling, do not sit on the rear seats or rearward facing seats. Choose places where you will least feel movement:

  • On the ship, request a cabin at the front or middle of the ship near the water level.
  • On an airplane, ask for a seat above the leading edge of the wing. Once onboard, direct the airflow towards your face.
  • On the train, sit facing forward next to a window.
  • Drive the car or sit in the front passenger seat. Children must be in age-appropriate seats and restraints.

So, how to help with motion sickness if you are sensitive to it:

  • Take motion sickness medications one to two hours before your trip.
  • Choose the right place. The front passenger seat is the best in the car. Select the midpoint on the boat. Sit over the wing on the plane. Face forward on the train. Sit by the window on the train. These seats have fewer bumps. They let you see the horizon. If you are on a cruise, book a cabin in the front or in the middle of the ship. Ask for the room closest to the water level.
  • Take a lot of air. Use air conditioning or lower the windshield in the car. Aim the air vent towards you on the plane. Sit by the window while you are on the covered boat.
  • Avoid things you can’t change. For example, don’t take a speedboat. Waves and impacts can make you sick. If you cannot avoid it, take medications for motion sickness ahead of time.
  • Do not read while driving in a car, plane, or boat. Look out the window at the horizon. Take a look at a distant object.
  • Lie down when you feel sick.
  • Drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol
  • Focus on the horizon or a distant, stationary object. Do not read while traveling, and do not use electronic devices.
  • Keep your head still while leaning against a seatback.
  • Do not smoke or sit near smokers.
  • Avoid strong smells, spicy and fatty foods, and alcohol.
  • Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as an antihistamine containing dimenhydrinate (safe for children over two years old) or meclizine, at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel. Expect drowsiness as a side effect.
  • Eat light. Some people find that snacking on plain crackers and sipping on cold water or a non-caffeinated soft drink helps.

Two types of motion sickness

The first and most common is when the eyes do not register movement, but the vestibular/proprioceptive system does. This type can occur on land (caused by cars, trains, and amusement park rides); at sea, as a seasick or “mal de mer” (caused by boats, traditional or hydrofoil ferries, and life rafts); in the air as an air sickness (caused by gliders, hovercraft, helicopters and airplanes of all kinds); and in space as a space disease (e.g. space shuttle driving). For example, a toddler’s head in the back seat of a car is often below window level, preventing him from seeing the rapidly passing landscape outside. Passengers can also be engrossed in reading or playing computer games. In such cases, the eyes do not register the various movements of the car, leaving the patient deprived of the information necessary to avoid sensory conflict.

Car sickness

The second type of motion sickness is sometimes referred to as “reverse motion sickness” because it is the opposite of the traditional type. In this case, the eyes register movement, but the vestibular/proprioceptive system does not match the visual input. Sources of confusing “optokinetic” visual input include the use of microfiche/microfilm machines; visiting big screen cinemas; Watching movies with jerky and unpredictable camera movements; Playing video games; Trying to read a navigation system with a moving map while driving; and using driving simulators, fixed base flight simulators, and head-mounted and fixed virtual reality equipment. In all of these cases, the movement of the body does not exist as the eyes see it. People can try to compensate for the illusion of movement by unconsciously moving their body in a postural swing motion in the direction of the indicated movement.

What causes motion sickness

There are a few causes of motion sickness, but the leading cause of motion sickness is inequality between what you see and what you hear. While in the car, the car goes on. However, your body is still. This imbalance is what makes you feel bad.

Your brain receives signals from parts of the body that detect movement: eyes, inner ears, muscles, and joints. When these parts send out conflicting information, your brain doesn’t know if you are stationary or moving. The confused reaction of your brain makes you feel bad.

Causes

For instance, when you drive a car, your:

  • The eyes see the passing trees and register the movement.
  • The inner ears perceive movement.
  • Your muscles and joints feel that your body is stationary.
  • The brain senses a disconnect between these messages.

There are many actions that can trigger motion sickness, such as:

  • Amusement park rides and virtual reality experiences.
  • Read on the move.
  • Travel by boat, car, bus, train, or plane.
  • Video games and films.

What are the symptoms of motion sickness?

 

symptoms

Motion sickness can attack you unexpectedly. You may perhaps feel fine for a short time and then suddenly encounter some of the following symptoms of motion sickness:

Natural remedies for motion sickness treatment.

A variety of natural treatments for motion sickness can also help. Remember: Always ask your doctor for advice on supplement use and dosage.

Hypnosis for motion sickness

Hypnosis for motion sickness is as effective as any other medications for motion sickness.

Hypnosis is well known for its effectiveness in treating many things, such as weight loss, smoking, stress, IBS, phobias, etc. It is also very effective in treating motion sickness. So, let’s briefly discuss how motion sickness develops and how hypnosis for motion sickness can help you escape from this horrible condition.

Medical hypnosis

We consciously know that we are sitting motionless on a moving object. The confusion resides in the subconscious part of the brain. The subconscious part doesn’t always know exactly what is going on, even though the conscious part of our mind does. The subconscious section of the brain is very strong because, evolution wise, and it’s much-much older than consciousness. It monitors and regulates all of our automatic reactions and responses, such as perspiration, blushing, and inhalation, and it is also responsible for our intuition. However, it can sometimes get confusing when unnatural things happen to us because it does not understand words or concepts like our conscious mind does. This is where hypnosis can help alleviate this lag naturally and effectively, without the need for medications with side effects.

In the case of motion sickness, a clinical hypnotherapist can communicate with the unconscious part of the mind and inform it of what is going on when you are in a moving vehicle. If you can effectively communicate this to the subconscious mind, then there is no more confusion when traveling. All you have to do is tell the subconscious part of the mind that when you are in a vehicle, you are moving, and the ears detect movement despite what they can interpret from the eyes.

When there is no confusion, the body does not need to trigger feelings of nausea because it will know that there is no bacterial infection in the body that is causing perception problems. There will be no more problems of perception since the subconscious will now know what is going on. With a well-informed subconscious, you can now travel in comfort without the need for a sick bag!

Pressure points and acupuncture for motion sickness

An acupressure point along your wrist called a Nei-Kuan (P6) can provide quick relief. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers of your right hand on the inside 

Nei-Kuan for motion sickness

of your left wrist, starting below the crease. Your Nei-Kuan point is under your index finger, between the tendons of the wrist. Apply firm pressure to one or both wrists for four to five seconds.

As with acupuncture in most other contexts, the scientific literature suggests a significant effect. Acupressure, in particular, such as “Sea Band” or “Relief Band,” also seems effective. More vigorous procedures, such as electroacupuncture, laser, and ear acupuncture, have even more reports of a good response.

It seems possible that an electrical stimulator, such as a TENS unit, could be helpful in preventing motion sickness.

Overall, we believe that acupuncture plays an essential role in the prevention of motion sickness.

Aromatherapy motion sickness prevention

Certain scents, such as pure essential oils of ginger and lavender, can also be beneficial. Peppermint essential oil is used to relieve nausea in hospital patients. There are many ways to use oils, but diffusion has the least risk of interaction. You can purchase a portable diffuser for travel, and you only need to use a couple of drops of oil per session. The maximum recommended diffusion time is one hour. Smelling from an oil bottle or wearing essential oil necklaces would be more comfortable in a moving vehicle.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile is an herb that helps soothe the stomach, reduce acids, relax stomach muscles, and thus Chamomile tea has become one of the best natural medications for motion sickness. You can find chamomile tea in most grocery stores and at online retailers like Amazon.com. Consider brewing the tea before you travel, storing it in a travel mug, and drinking it hot or cold.

Herbs for motiona sickness

Licorice root lozenges – effective medications for motion sickness

Licorice root is used to soothe stomach ulcer pain and acid irritation of the stomach and aid digestion. It can also help prevent symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy lozenges online from retailers like Amazon.com. The serving size will depend on the brand you buy. These pills for motion sickness may taste great, but keep in mind that it is still considered herbal supplement.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) is often used to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, among other conditions such as anxiety. Increasing Vitamin B-6 can also alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, although more research is needed in this area. Thus Vitamin B-6 becomes a suitable medication for motion sickness. The recommended maximum daily intake for adults is 100 milligrams per day.

5-HTP + Magnesium

Some scientists believe that low levels of serotonin in the brain may be associated with motion sickness and migraines. Supplements 5- Hydroxytryptophan, as well as 5-HTP with magnesium, can help increase serotonin levels. You can find these supplements individually or in combination at drugstores or online stores such as Amazon.com. It can take two to three weeks to see the results of this method of treatment for motion sickness.

Biofeedback treatment of motion sickness

Biofeedback treatment for motion sickness uses your thoughts to control your physical responses to stimuli such as movement. It was successful in combating air sickness in US Air Force airmen.

To do this, a therapist connects sensors with different parts of the body to measure things like the heart or breathing rate. You will then work with the therapist to control your reactions. Ask a doctor for a referral or search the BCIA directory for certified therapists.

Homeopathic medications for motion sickness

Thus, a holistic approach taking into account individualized treatment to provide a better understanding of the patient’s situation and to facilitate and avoid recurrence in the future should be considered in the treatment of motion sickness.

Homeopathic medications for Motion Sickness

In travel, homeopaths have valid approaches regarding the holistic and individualized medications to motion sickness. Homeopathy takes into account all of the most distinct individual symptoms, which are really characteristic of the patient forming the basis of the prescription, which ultimately leads to a cure. It is hoped that useful information will be obtained both about the entity of motion sickness, as well as the homeopathic approach to its management.

  1. Cocculus Indicus – Top amongst all homeopathic medications for motion sickness

Cocculus Indicus is a medicine made from a plant called Indian Cockle, which is part of the Menispermaceae family. Cocculus is a first-class homeopathic remedy for motion sickness. This homeopathic remedy is used to deal with cases of motion sickness, seasickness, and air sickness. The patient experiences nausea and vomiting while driving in cars, boats, trains, or even when looking at a moving boat. The patient may even experience travel sickness after rocking. Patients that will benefit from Cocculus Indicus are experiencing a feeling of emptiness in the abdomen. Another symptom of motion sickness specific for this remedy is nausea with dizziness that begins with the slightest movement. Nausea and dizziness can even lead to fainting or vomiting.

  1. Petroleum: Homeopathic remedy for motion sickness

Petroleum is a natural medicine used to treat the symptoms of motion sickness. The person in need of this medicine experiences great discomfort and a feeling of nausea and vomiting while traveling. There is an empty and weak feeling in the stomach. Nausea can occur suddenly when driving in cars, which often becomes so violent that the patient becomes breathless. There is dizziness and vomiting of bitter green substances.

  1. Tabacum Nicotiana – effective medicine for motion sickness with severe nausea

Tabacum Nicotiana is a medicine made from the Nicotiana Tabacum plant in the Solanaceae family. Tabacum can work wonders in treating motion sickness that causes severe nausea. The patient usually feels nausea, which lasts and leads to vomiting. Dizziness is episodic and starts suddenly, leading to fainting spells. The patient gets a sinking sensation in the upper abdomen.

  1. Sepia Succus – an effective remedy for motion sickness with anxiety.

Sepia is a remedy for motion sickness during anxiety. There are marked problems of nausea and vomiting when traveling in a car. The patient experiences great anxiety when trying to strain his eyes while traveling—tenderness and feeling of emptiness in the lower abdomen.

  1. Ipecacuanha – natural pills for motion sickness by looking at moving objects.

Ipecacuanha is a medicine made from the Uragoga Ipecacuanha plant of the Rubiaceous family. Ipecacuanha is a homeopathic medicine for motion sickness that is used, in particular, when the patient gets motion sickness while looking at moving objects—feeling of stomach emptying. The patient experiences loss of appetite with nausea. The nausea is aggravated by the slightest movement and does not go away even after vomiting.

  1. Theridion: A natural homeopathic remedy for motion sickness with headache

Theridion is a natural remedy for motion sickness associated with headaches. Nausea usually begins with a headache, closing your eyes, looking at things still, or traveling in a fast-moving car. It is a great drug to be prescribed for seasickness. Nausea occurs along with dizziness. The patient may vomit acidic water due to dizziness. Seasickness improves when you close your eyes.

  1. Iris Versicolor – the best among natural medications for motion sickness with acid vomiting

Iris Versicolor is a medicine prepared from the Blue Flag plant of the Iridaceae family. Iris is best suited for people who have motion sickness with acid vomiting. When driving a car, the patient has a tendency to have nausea and vomit. He/she gets constant nausea along with vomiting. There is nausea and vomiting in thin, watery, acidic, and acidic foodstuffs, causing a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and stomach.

  1. Magnesia Carbonica is another similar to Cocculus Indicus, a remedy for motion sickness with a feeling of emptiness in the stomach.

Magnesia Carbonica is a natural remedy for motion sickness with a pronounced feeling of emptiness in the stomach. Nausea occurs, followed by vomiting. The patient feels very weak, with nausea and vomiting, which begins while driving in a car, with vomiting of acidic or bitter-salt water.

  1. Nux Moschata – natural cure for motion sickness with drowsiness.

Nux Moschata is a medicine made from the Myristica Officinalis plant of the Myristicacee family. It is a natural remedy for motion sickness and sleepiness. The patient experiences nausea and a violent attack of water pain when driving a car. During nausea, there is a great tendency to fall asleep; pressure may be felt in the epigastric region. Some people also experience shortness of breath, with a particular sensation of something crawling up the throat from the stomach.

  1. Nux Vomica – another effective natural remedy on the list of medications for motion sickness relieved by vomiting

Nux Vomica is prepared from the seeds of Strychnos Nux Vomica from the Loganiaceae family. As a remedy, it is best suited for people suffering from motion sickness, which improves after vomiting. The patient suffers from motion sickness from driving in a car or while traveling by sea. There may be excessive nausea and vomiting along with retching. The patient has a constant desire to vomit as he feels that nausea will improve upon vomiting. Vomiting of undigested food occurs to relieve symptoms of motion sickness.

Homeopathic medications

How to treat motion sickness in Philadelphia

You should contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing:

  • Chronic and persistent nausea or vomiting.
  • Seasickness symptoms when you are not involved in a movement activity.
  • Signs of dehydration.

Almost everyone feels motion sickness at some point. The sickness and queasiness may make you throw up. You may not always be able to avoid movement that makes you sick, especially when traveling. If you are prone to motion sickness, talk with your doctor about ways to prevent the disease and what to do if you get sick. You can take steps to make your travel more enjoyable without resorting to a barf bag.

If you prefer acupuncture or homeopathic medications for motion sickness, contact Philadelphia Holistic Clinic. At the clinic, Dr. Tsan and his associates will take care of your treatment and help you to enjoy traveling. To schedule an appointment for evaluation and discuss with Victor Tsan, MD, which natural approach is best for you, call (267) 403-3085 or use our online appointment application.