A large number of people suffer from motion sickness. Any number of situations, such as on an airplane, in a car, on a boat, or on rides at an amusement park, can trigger an episode of motion sickness. For some people, motion sickness does not even require actual movement; Some people will experience motion sickness in response to perceived or anticipated movement. Motion sickness typically ends when the motion (or perception of motion) has ended. Yet, while it lasts, it can be severely debilitating.
Motion sickness is caused when there is a conflict between the signals sent from the eyes, inner ear, and the rest of the body. Sometimes the conflict is subtle; for example, when one is inside the cabin of a ship, there may be no visual perception of motion, but the inner ear, which controls balance, detects the rocking of the boat. The symptoms of motion sickness can include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, increased salivation, headache, paleness of the skin, and cold sweats.
For some people who experience motion sickness, ginger root is more effective than medications such as Dramamine. Ginger is an herb that has been used for centuries by the Chinese to reduce nausea. Other traditional uses of ginger root include treating indigestion, morning sickness, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps. Ginger root does not have the negative side effects that often accompany motion sickness medications. While there has been only a small amount of research on the effectiveness of ginger root in overcoming motion sickness, the results are promising so far.
Ginger comes in a variety of formats. One of the most popular are Ginger capsules. These pills are made from ground ginger root. Ginger capsules are typically taken both prior to and during travel. You should always follow the label directions, but a good ballpark figure is to take 2 or 3 capsules about an hour before you leave, and then take one or two ginger capsules every three or four hours while you are traveling.
Many people enjoy the taste of ginger tea. You can purchase ginger tea bags, or you can make your own by boiling chopped, fresh, peeled ginger for a few minutes. Some people prefer to allow their ginger tea to cool and then drink it as iced tea. Boiling the root does not make it less effective.
Ginger is also available in a powder that can be added to a drink. This is, essentially, ground up ginger root. Some people like to use ginger ale to sooth an upset stomach, although the actual amount of ginger in most ginger ales is often negligible.
However you choose to get it, ginger root may be your solution to motion sickness.