Travel Health

Motion Sickness

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Nausea, dizziness, and vomiting caused by conflicting sensory signals during travel by car, boat, plane, or train.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if motion sickness is severe enough to prevent essential travel, if vomiting leads to dehydration, if dizziness persists for hours after travel, or if you also experience hearing loss or tinnitus (which may suggest a vestibular disorder).

Natural remedies · 7

Tap any remedy for the full how-to and citation.

How we rate evidence▾

Strong - Multiple randomised controlled trials or systematic reviews with consistent positive outcomes.

Moderate - At least one RCT or several high-quality observational studies with plausible mechanisms.

Limited - Small trials, animal studies, or traditional use with limited human clinical evidence.

Sources link directly to PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, or NCCIH.

Ginger Root Extract (Zingiber officinale)

Nunes et al. (2020, Curr Ther Res, PMID 32714473) conducted an open-label study (n=174) using 160 mg Zingiber officinale extract containing 8 mg gingerols. Significant reductions in Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire total scores were seen across three post-treatment trips (p<0.0001). Note: NCCIH states most RCTs for motion sickness specifically have not shown significant benefit; evidence is stronger for pregnancy nausea.

$8-$20 for a travel-size supply of capsules. Ginger candies under $5.

P6 Acupressure Wristbands (Sea-Bands)

Lee & Fan (2009, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, PMID 19370583) meta-analysed 40 RCTs (n=4,858) and found P6 acupoint stimulation significantly reduced nausea (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.61-0.83) and vomiting (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59-0.83) vs. sham. The review covered postoperative nausea; the same P6 mechanism is applied for motion sickness by commercial wristbands.

$8-$12 for a pair (reusable across many trips).

Peppermint Oil Inhalation

Toniolo, Delaide & Beloni (2021, J Altern Complement Med, PMID 34283916) reviewed 11 studies on inhaled aromatherapy for nausea; 7 of 9 adult studies showed statistically significant results with direct inhalation, and peppermint was among the essential oils alleviating both nausea and vomiting. Studies were primarily in chemotherapy and postoperative contexts; direct RCT evidence for motion sickness specifically is limited.

$8-$15 for a small bottle of pure essential oil (many uses). Inhaler sticks under $5.

Pre-Travel Dietary Strategies

Rahimzadeh et al. (2023, Nutrients, PMID 36986050) reviewed nutritional countermeasures for motion sickness and found that protein-predominant meals inhibit the development of gastric tachyarrhythmia, nausea and the symptoms of motion sickness. Overall evidence base for specific dietary protocols is preliminary.

No additional cost beyond normal food expenses.

Slow Controlled Diaphragmatic Breathing

A 1999 study (Jokerst et al., Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine) found that slow deep breathing during provocative rotation prevented the development of abnormal stomach rhythms and significantly reduced motion sickness symptoms compared with a control breathing task.

Horizon Fixation and Earth-Referenced Visual Cues

A 2012 study (Tal et al., Otology and Neurotology) found that providing an artificial horizon showing Earth-referenced motion significantly reduced motion sickness severity in personnel aboard a moving vessel, supporting the long-standing advice to fix the gaze on the horizon.

Free (glasses aids, if used, run $70-$100 one-time)

Habituation (Graded Repeated Exposure) Training

A 1994 study (Wood et al., Journal of Clinical Pharmacology) showed that repeated controlled exposure to provocative motion produces genuine habituation - rising motion tolerance, fewer symptoms, and faster recovery.

Free (clinician-guided vestibular therapy varies by insurance)

Remedy information is compiled from primary clinical sources including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Evidence ratings reflect published human trial data at time of writing. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.