Travel Sickness

Travel (Motion) sickness is a condition in which a disagreement exists between visually perceived movement and the vestibular system's sense of movement. Depending on the cause, it can also be referred to as seasickness, car sickness, simulation sickness or airsickness.

Dizziness, fatigue and nausea are the most common symptoms of motion sickness. Sopite syndrome, in which a person feels fatigue or tiredness, is also associated with motion sickness. “Nausea” in Greek means seasickness (naus means ship). If the motion causing nausea is not resolved, the sufferer will usually vomit. Vomiting often will not relieve the feeling of weakness and nausea, which means the person might continue to vomit until the cause of the nausea is treated. [1]

Self-care for motion sickness

It’s a good idea to try some simple, self-care measures before turning to medicines for mild motion sickness.

Before you travel

Eat a light snack because travelling on an empty stomach tends to make travel sickness worse. Healthy protein choices (see below) are often a good choice while you are travelling. Avoid large, greasy or spicy meals and alcohol before and while travelling. Avoid gluten grains, sugar products and dairy as these food groups all-cause excess mucus and inflammation and heat in your body. You do not want to be uncomfortable! Take your neck rest, eye mask, warm pressure socks/stockings etc.

DVT

As a preventative, I recommend taking garlic capsules (Allimax or Kyolic) as the allicin found in garlic stimulates circulation and is also a natural antibiotic. Garlic fresh or in supplement form is one of my favourite everyday preventative medicine foods (supp). Meadowsweet is another herb that I prescribe for this condition if tests up bioenergetically.

Choose carefully where you sit – try the following tips.

If possible, be the driver or sit in the front seat when travelling by car. It’s best if the car travels smoothly – jerky stop-start movements are not helpful.
Sit as close to the front as possible when travelling by bus, train or tram, and choose a window seat facing forwards.
When flying, sit over the front edge of the aeroplane wing – the ride tends to be less bumpy.
Choose a cabin at the front or middle of a ship, near the waterline, where there tends to be less movement.
While you are travelling
Practice controlled breathing. Breathing at a regular rate, and a steady, moderate depth (not too deeply) can help prevent and relieve symptoms.

Try not to move your head around too much – it may help to use pillows or a headrest. When travelling by plane, keep your head and body as still as possible during turbulence by strapping your seatbelt on tightly and gripping the seat with your arms and legs. Sit still during take-off and landing.

Watch where you look. Try looking out the window and focussing on the horizon, the road ahead or a distant stationary object. If you can’t see outside, close your eyes. In fact, closed eyes is the best tactic for some people regardless – trial and error will tell you what works best for you. If travelling by plane, close your eyes or avoid looking out the window during take-off and landing. If travelling on a high-speed, tilting train it may be best to focus your attention inside.

Try to avoid strong or unpleasant smells (such as diesel fumes from the engine of a boat), if possible.

Keep cool – open the window or use air conditioning.

Try reclining in your seat or lying down if it is possible and safe to do so.

It may help to try to distract children by talking, singing or listening to music or an audiobook.

Avoid reading or using a device (including a phone or tablet) while travelling.

When travelling by sea, try spending time on deck. On a large boat, it can help some people to spend time out on deck in the fresh air, looking at the horizon. But for others, lying down in your cabin with your eyes closed gives better relief.

Avoid going on rides at amusement parks that are likely to cause symptoms – experience will tell you which types of movement are likely to cause problems.[2]

We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information.

On a personal note – as a professional diver (Indian Ocean, Western Australia) if I suffered from sea sickness I couldn't dive (work) so I learnt to make sure I ate a breakfast high in protein (eggs were a great choice) as protein takes longer to digest and stabilise your blood sugar. It was also to be hydrated! No partying the night before and no sugar drinks!

Herbal teas, coconut water (great electrolyte balance) and ginger tea helped. Laugh but I was always ok if I was the person driving the boat!! I think having something to concentrate on and looking at the horizon really helped! Once anchored I was geared up in my wetsuit and in the water, I dived. If I stayed on the boat too long seasickness took over! mmmm Learnt from experience what I needed to do.

Try and not travel tired. Wear comfortable clothes and drink water with slices of lemon. Take some protein nut, seed and cacao healthy snacks for a healthy choice. It is hard to eat healthy on a plane try your best and listen to your gut. More remedies and self-help tips are here listed in subheading self-help

Adjustment to Change

Kali Phos 6c is an excellent remedy for those of us who can become overstimulated with time changes, long flights and so on. It has a wonderful calming effect. Arsenicum 6c helps the body to adjust to change, physical, emotional and psychic. This includes adjusting to food, water and climate. Nux Vom is useful when there are alterations to our usual routines – particularly affecting sleep and digestive function.

Anxiety & Fear

Use the chosen remedy in the 30th potency. Repeat morning and night for one or two days prior to and during the journey.
Anxiety and fear can be common reactions before the onset of a journey.

Aconite – anticipatory anxiety and excitement. Argent Nit – fear and apprehension is common before any ordeal. Fears of heights, crowds, closed spaces etc. May have diarrhoea. Gelsemium – emotional excitement and apprehension – quiet, subdued and trembling. Fear of flying. Fear as the plane descends (also Borax). Our Anticipatory Anxiety Leaflet is helpful here.

Colds & Flu

Anas Barbariae 200c – can be taken preventatively particularly if you are susceptible to colds and flu. Aconite is useful in the first stages of colds and chills. Arsenicum 6c – colds that come on from changes in weather. Gelsemium 30c – summer colds and slow onset flu. Listless, heavy, drowsy. Classic “aches and pains flu”.

Ear Pain

Some people suffer from an earache associated with air travel. It is very important to seek professional attention on arrival if the symptoms resolve only partially or recur. Initially, the indicated remedy may need to be repeated every 10 minutes until some relief is experienced. From my clinical practice, I have found when you follow a clean healthy natural diet and remove food that causes inflammation and mucus production (wheat, dairy, sugar) 90% of ear problems improve.

Pulsatilla – for acute pain in the ears as the plane loses height.

Essential Oils

When travelling on a plane – put some essential oils like eucalyptus (cold/flu protection) or lavender (relaxation/sleep) on a hankie and breathe this in.

Other combinations you may like are clove, peppermint, basil and cinnamon oils. These oils are all calming for the stomach and to prevent nausea.

Rosemary and Geranium are wonderful in a bath after a long journey and have a revitalising effect. Marjoram is great on a tissue, to ensure a deep restful sleep after a long trip. Juniper for swollen ankles.

Every travel kit should contain Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil! They both have antibacterial actions and perfect if you find yourself in a not too clean accommodation, or doesn't smell that nice! You may need to wipe down a toilet seat, and or add a splash of essential oils on the floor of a shower? This is a trick of people who work in some industries like mining when they have to work fly in/out and share showers! Eucalyptus in a hot shower, vapours clear your lungs and help with breathing and any cold. If you have a cut or abrasion that needs a quick first aid solution tea tree oil mixed with olive oil/almond or even in a moisturiser base is a great remedy. Tea Tree oil also kills tetanus spores.

Prevention is the best medicine!!

Injuries

Arnica 30c – for bruising, trauma and shock is great to carry with you in case of accident. Use immediately there is an accident or injury and repeat four hourly. Initially, the dose may need to be much more often until the situation is under control. Hypericum 6c – nerve damage, jammed fingers or toes, spinal injuries, splinters, puncture wounds, bites and stings. Take regularly if there are wounds which threaten infection. A daily dose of Ledum – a useful preventative in mosquito-infested areas and to prevent sepsis of scratches in tropical climates.

Jet Lag

Start these remedies the day before the flight, take during the flight and continue until there are no more symptoms. Arnica 30c – Physical tiredness with aching muscles and limbs. Repeat every 4 hours during the flight. Kali Phos – has a calming effect on the nervous system. Alternate with Arnica. Cocculus – dizzy and stressed from loss of sleep.

Flower Essence Combinations are also prescribed for Jet Lag and protection from Radiation.

Stomach Upsets

Aconite is very useful in the first stages of stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Arsenicum – food poisoning and stomach upsets that come on from changes in weather. One dose per day of 6c starting a few days before travel and continuing for the course of the trip. In the event of stomach symptoms, increase to 4 hourly. Nux Vom 6c – excellent when we are suffering from excesses – ie. too much food, coffee or alcohol. It is also useful when an alteration in our routine causes stomach upset and constipation.

Travel Sickness

Travel sickness, whether from car, boat or air travel, is a most unpleasant experience, especially for small children. Give 1⁄4 hourly to hourly, starting 1-2 hours before travel, depending on severity. If the usual reaction is very severe to give 2-3 doses the day before travel. Nux Vomica – gagging and retching. A headache with queasiness. Cocculus – giddy, nauseous and wants to lie down. You can purchase Travel Sickness Kit or have your homeopath personally create one for you. They may also be available at your local chemist or health centre.

Vaccinations

It is recommended when travelling to certain countries that we protect ourselves against diseases such as Malaria, Cholera etc. However, according to medical literature, the effectiveness of vaccines against these diseases is very questionable. Homoeopathy offers prophylactic remedies to help protect us against these infections. Immunisation kits for travel are available from qualified homoeopath professionals.

Should you choose orthodox immunisation, Vacci Relief homoeopathic remedy may be prescribed by your homoeopath to minimise side effects.

Enjoy your travels, take heaps of pictures and have heaps of fun