Combatting Sea Sickness: Medication, Natural Remedies, and Home-style Solutions

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to take another cruse. I was working on planning my next vacation when I reached out to Lisa of Captivating Vacations who provided amazing guidance and direction on a Cruise. She offered a suggestion for a cruise line that I had not considered and was able to secure booking for a price point so much better than I had expected. My family and I were able to enjoy an exciting week cruising thanks to Captivating Vacations.

Because of this wonderful experience I wanted to provide information on travel and identify potential challenges and provide possible solutions for them. Links to products are provided to allow readers to research firsthand. Please note that it is possible that I could receive a commission from any purchase made from clicking on a specific link. The purpose of the material is to provide useful information that will answer questions that can arise for travelers.

On this vacation the first day was colder then expected. The wind cause the sea to be rougher than usual so I thought combating sea sickness would be a good first topic to consider.

Many people experience sea sickness, especially when the sea becomes rougher. While it can be a nuisance, there are several solutions that can provide relief. In this post, we will discuss over-the-counter medication, natural remedies, and home-style solutions for managing sea sickness.

Medication:

If you’re planning a sea voyage and are prone to sea sickness, it’s a good idea to speak with your health professional about obtaining a prescription for medication prior to sailing. Listed are some popular medications:

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) is an over-the-counter medication used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It works by blocking certain signals in the brain that can cause these symptoms. It is available in tablet and chewable tablet form, and can be taken orally with or without food. It is also available in a liquid form. It is important to follow the dosing instructions on the label and to not exceed the recommended dosage. Consult a doctor before using it if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Bonnie (meclizine) is an over-the-counter medication used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It works by blocking certain signals in the brain that can cause these symptoms. It is available in tablet form and can be taken orally with or without food. It is important to follow the dosing instructions on the label and to not exceed the recommended dosage. Consult a doctor before using it if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications. Some of the side effects associated with the use of this medication include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. It is also used off-label for vertigo caused by inner ear problems.

Before taking any medication check with your healthcare provider to make sure it is suitable for your personal use. The inclusion of this information is not intended to be considered medical advice it is purely included as personal information.

Natural Remedies:

Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for motion sickness. It is thought to work by reducing inflammation in the inner ear, which is responsible for sensing motion. Several studies have shown that ginger can be effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and vomiting. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that taking a ginger supplement before a sea voyage reduced the incidence of motion sickness by about 70%. Ginger supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and candies. Keep in mind to follow any dosage instructions on the label. Note ginger may interact with certain medications, so it’s essential to consult with your health care professional before taking ginger supplements if you are on any medication.

Home-style Remedies:

The eating of green apples as a remedy for motion sickness is a popular home-style remedy, but there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Some people claim that the natural sugar in green apples helps to reduce nausea, while others believe that the high levels of vitamin C in green apples can help to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness. A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine found that consuming a green apple prior to sea travel helped reduce the incidence of motion sickness by about 50%. However, this study was small, and more research is needed to confirm these findings. It’s important to note that what may be suitable for one person may not be suitable for everyone. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new remedy for motion sickness.

It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or medication. With the right approach, sea sickness doesn’t have to ruin your voyage. By trying different remedies, you can find the solution that works best for you.

Practical Considerations:

Staying on the lower decks and staying closer to the middle areas of the ship can help in reducing the impact of motion but also can be restrictive.

Motion Sickness Prevention Devices:

Another potential solution for motion sickness is Motion sickness bands, also known as acupressure bands, are a popular non-pharmacological option for alleviating symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. They work by applying pressure to the P6 acupressure point, which is located on the inside of the wrist.

There is some scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of motion sickness bands. A systematic review published in the Journal of Travel Medicine in 2010 found that acupressure bands were effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness in multiple studies, with an overall reduction in symptoms of about 50%.

Another systematic review published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2018, found that acupressure bands were effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness and had a positive effect on the quality of life.

A study published in the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology in 2009 found that acupressure bands were effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

It’s important to note that while there is evidence to support the effectiveness of acupressure bands, they may not work for everyone, and it’s possible that some individuals may not experience any relief from their symptoms when using these bands.

It’s also worth mentioning that these bands are considered to be safe to use, but it’s still important to read the instructions and warnings before using any of these products.

However, it’s important to note that these bands and bracelets are not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be used as such. If you have persistent or severe symptoms of motion sickness, you should consult your doctor.

Here are a few examples of popular motion sickness bands and bracelets on the market:

Sea-Bands: These are elastic wristbands that have a plastic knob on the inside that applies pressure to the P6 acupressure point. They are adjustable and can be worn by both adults and children. They are drug-free and can be used for both travel and morning sickness during pregnancy.

ReliefBand: This is a wristband that uses electronic pulses to stimulate the P6 acupressure point. It has adjustable intensity levels and can be used for both travel and sea sickness. It’s a more expensive option, but it is considered to be more effective than the traditional acupressure bands.

EmeTerm Fashion FDA Cleared Relieve Nausea Electrode Stimulator Morning Sickness Motion Travel Sickness Vomit Relief Rechargeable No Gel Drug Free Wrist Bands Without Side Effects TravelEase: This is a wristband that uses a combination of acupressure and aromatherapy to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. It has a built-in pouch that holds a natural ginger scented bead that releases a soothing aroma when worn.

It’s important to note that different people may have different responses to these products and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s also important to read the instructions and warnings before using any of these products.