Motion Sickness

Violeta West, BSN, ThD, Ph.D., DNM 

Vacation time is upon us. That equals to traveling. However, life is full of ups and downs!

 Motion sickness, YUCK! Need help in this area? You're in the perfect place at the perfect time. There are several popular homeopathic formulas that relieve symptoms of nausea and dizziness associated with or aggravated by motion. These remedies are also useful to relieve car, air, and seasickness. They work to stimulate your immune system, wherein your body’s natural healing mechanism responds to ease your symptoms. These are safe to be taken both by adults and children and can be used together with other medications. Homeopathic remedies are free from side effects when used as prescribed by a certified homeopath. 

Choosing the appropriate remedy is based on the knowledge of the effects of a specific substance on humans. One remedy is selected to specifically match a person's individual symptom pattern. It can be difficult to find a good match to your symptoms. That is why it is always good to consult with a certified homeopath to make sure you get the remedy that matches the closest to your specific symptoms.  However, it is acceptable to take one that you think is the best choice for the symptoms you are having during emergencies.  Once you find one that works, you can use it when symptoms recur in the future.

For emergencies and acute symptoms, use low potencies (6X, 6C, 12X or 12C). Take one dose, usually one pellet, before the journey. You may repeat a dose at the first sign of motion sickness when traveling and as needed, every 5-15 minutes the first hour, depending on the severity of symptoms, during an acute attack.  Do remember to stop taking it once you feel better. May repeat up to four times the following day if symptoms have not improved. Once a remedy has started to act, no further doses are necessary. A homeopathic medicine stimulates the body's inner healer. Remember that less is more powerful in homeopathy! I highly recommend that you find yourself a certified homeopath for a natural way of managing illness. It is always recommended to consult with a homeopath to make sure you get the best and lasting results. For emergencies, it is okay to use the following, but please do a follow-up with a healthcare professional. The following are few examples of remedies that help relieve motion sickness:

Belladona (Deadly Nightshade). Bell is suited for the vigorous and intelligent people. Their complaints com on suddenly, run a course, and subside suddenly as well. These group of people usually complain of heat, redness and burning subsequently swelling and pain. They are worse from any kind of motion. Motion brings pain, throbbing and suffering. This is the remedy for oversensitivity wherein the root cause is extreme irritability of tissues and nerve centers. Because of vertigo, due to their intense sensitivity, they will often be heard saying, “Things go round and around.” The rection to the remedy is so quick and sudden that the client is immediately relieved before the homeopath has time to take a breath.

Borax (Sodium biborate). This remedy is for people whose motion sickness is worse during downward movement (for those who get nauseous or dizzy when a plane lands or a boat dips or when the Ferris Wheel is going down. Borax is effective for people who experience this kind of motion sickness. They belong to a group you used to hear spoken of “when they go down, everything comes up." This group of people generally feel better when exposed to fresh air. 

Cocculus (Indian cockle). This is for those who describe their motion sickness as dizziness. They belch when they’re nauseous, there is an empty feeling in their stomach usually accompanied with a metallic taste in their mouth. Their motion sickness is worse when they smell food. Even the sight of food makes them gag. Getting up makes the dizziness and nausea worse. Being exposed to fresh air also makes their motion sickness worse. They must lie down to ease and eventually stop them from vomiting. They feel confused, dazed or anxious while experiencing motion sickness.

Nux Vomica (Poison nut). They are greatly irritable and impatient during motion sickness. They have constant nausea and vomiting which may be confused with food poisoning. When suffering from severe nausea, they usually have an intense headache usually at the back of the head or over one eye.  They have extreme salivation during nausea. Retching is painful.  They have difficulty vomiting. Lying down helps relieve their motion sickness.

Petroleum (Coal oil). This is for people with motion sickness that is worse with fresh air. They have mild dizziness. There is a build-up of water in the mouth (not saliva) with nausea.  Their stomach feels empty and they’re hungry. They also usually complain of a dull, heavy headache.

Rhus Toxicodendron (Poison Ivy). This is for people with airsickness’ associated with nausea and vomiting but no appetite. They feel very giddy when trying to sit up. They may have an intense headache around the forehead. The scalp may feel sensitive to the touch. There may be dryness of the mouth and throat. They also experience unquenchable thirst.

Staphysagria (Palmated larkspur). They are super sensitive, touchy, irritable and disgruntled during motion sickness. They want to be left alone, don't want to be touched or comforted. There is a lack of strong symptoms, but they can have fluctuating pains or colic in the stomach.

Tabacum (Tobacco). This is for people who are nauseous, faint, green, extremely pale, icy cold, or very tired with a terrible sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach. They have weakness, profuse salivation and cold sweating. Their vomit is yellow or yellow-green. Their headache feels like a tight band pulled around the head. Cold, fresh air makes them feel better even though they feel dizzier.  Even closing their eyes help relieve some symptoms. They like to uncover their abdomen. They are worse with any movement.