The Ultimate Guide to Car Sickness: Two Tricks to Stay Sway and Motion Sickness-Free

6 November, 2024

Motion Sickness Causes

Motion sickness occurs when the brain struggles to process and coordinate different sensory signals. During travel, our eyes, ears, and body perceive motion inconsistently.

For instance, while the eyes see the outside scenery moving rapidly, the ears and body sense stability within the vehicle. This contradiction confuses the brain, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and nausea.

To prevent motion sickness, it’s essential to help the brain adapt to the changing sensory inputs while minimizing sensory conflict. Our sense of smell and taste can also provide support during this process.

Motion sickness occurs when the brain struggles to coordinate sensory signals.

Folk Remedies for Motion Sickness

Orange and Tangerine Peel Method

Orange and tangerine peels contain high amounts of citric acid and volatile essential oils, which stimulate saliva production, increase stomach acid, aid digestion, and reduce discomfort. When suffering from motion sickness, the scent of orange peels can help regulate the brain’s processing of motion information, reducing sensory conflict and motion sickness symptoms.

This method is convenient, safe, free of side effects, and easy to implement. Orange and tangerine peels are usually readily available, and you can simply save and carry them with you when traveling.

Orange and tangerine peels contain citric acid and essential oils, aiding digestion and reducing discomfort.

Menthol Oil Remedy

Menthol oil helps alleviate motion sickness symptoms thanks to its natural essential oils, including peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oils. These oils have refreshing aromas that stimulate the nerves, uplift the spirit, and reduce discomfort when experiencing motion sickness.

Applying a small amount of menthol oil to the forehead or temples can provide relief. The fragrance helps ease discomfort, while also reducing symptoms like headaches and a stuffy nose. This method is simple, effective, and incredibly useful.

Other Considerations

In addition to folk remedies, there are some other measures to prevent and alleviate motion sickness symptoms.

Choose a Suitable Seating Position

Sitting towards the front of the vehicle is ideal, as it experiences less shaking and dizziness. This reduces the conflict between the body’s sense of motion and the visual input from outside, making you feel more comfortable.

Avoid sitting near windows or aisles, as these areas offer a greater view of moving scenery, stimulating the visual senses and increasing sensory conflict.

Maintain a Stable Head Position

Refrain from bending down to read books or use your phone, and minimize looking at moving objects outside the window. This helps reduce visual stimulation and prevent information conflict.

Instead, focus on static objects like seats or the ceiling, or close your eyes to maintain stability between visual and bodily sensations. If you need to read or use your phone, opt for simpler content that doesn’t distract you from your bodily sensations.

Ensure Good Ventilation in the Vehicle

Proper ventilation improves respiration, increases oxygen supply, and reduces dizziness. The smell of gasoline or other unpleasant odors can aggravate nausea. You can use pleasant aromas like pineapple or coffee to stimulate your sense of smell, prompting the brain to release feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and physical state.

Divert Your Attention

Shifting your focus can help reduce the discomfort of motion sickness. Listen to music, engage in conversation, or simply relax and close your eyes to reduce stress and sensory conflict.