15 Items That Prevent Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can turn an exciting adventure into a miserable experience faster than you can say ‘I think I’m going to be sick.’ Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, boarding a cruise ship, or just trying to survive your daily commute without feeling queasy, that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach doesn’t have to ruin your plans. The good news is that plenty of proven remedies can help keep your stomach settled and your travels enjoyable.

From simple over-the-counter solutions to clever natural tricks, there are numerous ways to outsmart your body’s confused signals. Here is a list of 15 items that can help prevent motion sickness and keep you feeling steady on your feet, no matter how much the world around you is moving.

Dramamine

Dramamine remains the go-to choice for many travelers because it simply works. This over-the-counter antihistamine blocks the signals in your brain that trigger nausea and dizziness. You’ll want to take it about 30 minutes before you start moving for the best results. The drowsiness side effect actually works in your favor during long trips, giving you a chance to sleep through the bumpy parts.

Ginger Root Capsules

Ginger has been fighting nausea for thousands of years, and modern science backs up what ancient healers already knew. Taking ginger capsules about an hour before travel can significantly reduce motion sickness symptoms. The root works by speeding up gastric motility, which basically means it helps your stomach empty faster so there’s less stuff sloshing around. Many people prefer ginger because it doesn’t make you drowsy like some medications do.

Acupressure Bands

These simple fabric bands with plastic studs might look like basic accessories, but they’re actually based on traditional Chinese medicine principles. You wear them on your wrists, positioning the plastic button over the P6 pressure point located about three finger-widths below your wrist crease. The constant gentle pressure helps reduce nausea signals traveling to your brain. They’re reusable, drug-free, and work for many people without any side effects.

Peppermint Oil

The fresh, cooling sensation of peppermint does more than just wake up your senses. When you inhale peppermint oil or apply it to your temples, it can help reduce the queasy feelings associated with motion sickness. Keep a small bottle handy and take a whiff when you start feeling off-balance. Some travelers put a drop on a tissue or cotton ball for easy access during their journey.

Bonine

Bonine contains meclizine, which works similarly to Dramamine but tends to cause less drowsiness. This makes it a popular choice for people who need to stay alert during travel, like drivers or business travelers. Take it about an hour before you start moving for maximum effectiveness. The tablets are chewable and come in different flavors, making them more pleasant to take than traditional pills.

Crystallized Ginger Candy

Sometimes the most effective remedies come disguised as treats. Crystallized ginger combines the anti-nausea properties of ginger root with the blood sugar stabilization that comes from a bit of natural sweetness. Keep a few pieces in your pocket or purse for easy access when queasiness strikes. The act of chewing also helps some people feel more grounded and less focused on their nausea.

Scopolamine Patches

These prescription patches deliver medication through your skin over several days, making them perfect for extended trips like cruises. You place the small, round patch behind your ear at least four hours before you need protection. The medication blocks the nerve signals that cause motion sickness at their source. One patch typically protects for up to three days, though you’ll need to get them from your doctor before traveling.

Ginger Tea Bags

A warm cup of ginger tea can soothe an upset stomach while providing the anti-nausea benefits of ginger root. The ritual of sipping something warm and flavorful also gives your mind something else to focus on besides feeling unwell. Pack some ginger tea bags in your travel kit and ask for hot water wherever you are. The steam from the tea adds aromatherapy benefits that can further help settle your stomach.

Motion Sickness Glasses

These special glasses might look a bit odd, but they work by creating an artificial horizon in your peripheral vision. The frames contain liquid that moves to show your brain what level looks like, helping resolve the conflict between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels. You typically wear them for 10–15 minutes when symptoms start, then take them off once you feel better. They’re particularly helpful for people who get carsick while reading or using phones.

Essential Oil Inhaler Sticks

These pocket-sized inhalers contain concentrated essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or ginger that you can sniff whenever nausea strikes. The oils provide quick aromatherapy relief and the deep breathing required to use them helps activate your body’s relaxation response. They’re compact enough to fit in any pocket or purse and don’t require any preparation. Many travelers find them more convenient than carrying bottles of liquid oils.

Ginger Chews

Ginger chews offer a middle ground between ginger capsules and crystallized ginger candy. These chewy squares pack a concentrated dose of ginger into a more palatable form than raw ginger root. The act of chewing helps stimulate saliva production, which can aid digestion and reduce nausea. They’re individually wrapped, making them perfect for travel, and you can take them as needed rather than on a schedule.

Travel-Sized Antacids

Sometimes motion sickness comes with stomach acid issues that make everything feel worse. Keeping antacids handy can help neutralize excess acid and reduce the burning sensation that often accompanies nausea. Look for individually wrapped tablets that won’t get crushed in your luggage. The calcium carbonate in most antacids also provides a mild stomach-settling effect beyond just neutralizing acid.

Lavender Sachets

The calming scent of lavender can help reduce anxiety and tension that often make motion sickness worse. Small fabric sachets filled with dried lavender flowers are easy to carry and provide gentle, continuous aromatherapy. You can tuck one into your shirt pocket or hold it near your nose when feeling queasy. The psychological comfort of having a pleasant scent available often helps people feel more in control of their symptoms.

Electrolyte Packets

Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can make motion sickness symptoms much worse than they need to be. Single-serving electrolyte powder packets mix easily with water and help maintain proper fluid balance in your body. They’re especially useful during long trips or in hot weather when you might be sweating more than usual. The light flavoring also makes plain water more appealing when your stomach is feeling sensitive.

Peppermint Gum

Chewing peppermint gum serves multiple purposes in fighting motion sickness. The peppermint provides aromatherapy benefits while the act of chewing gives your jaw muscles something to do, which can help reduce tension. The repetitive motion of chewing also creates a rhythm that some people find soothing. Sugar-free varieties won’t cause blood sugar spikes that might worsen nausea, and the fresh taste helps combat any unpleasant mouth sensations.

Why These Remedies Still Matter Today

Modern transportation has made travel faster and more comfortable than ever before, but our inner ears haven’t quite caught up with the technology. The same balance mechanisms that helped our ancestors navigate on foot still get confused by cars, planes, and ships moving in ways our bodies weren’t designed to experience. These time-tested and scientifically backed remedies bridge the gap between our ancient biology and modern mobility needs. Whether you choose traditional medications or natural alternatives, having the right tools in your travel kit means you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than just enduring it.

More from Travel Pug

Image Credit: Travelling around the world — Photo by efks

Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.