Motion sickness — whether from cars, boats, planes, or amusement rides — can ruin any journey. Symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats are triggered by conflicts between your sensory systems (visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive).
💡 Good news? Herbal remedies offer gentle, effective, and often scientifically validated ways to prevent or reduce motion sickness without harsh side effects.

🌿 20+ Herbal Remedies for Motion Sickness (with Scientific Backing)

1. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

• Mechanism: Acts on the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Gingerols and shogaols antagonize serotonin receptors, reducing nausea.

• Scientific Proof: A meta-analysis in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology confirms ginger’s anti-nausea effect (source).

• Usage:

  • Ginger tea: Boil 1 inch fresh ginger in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Sip 30 minutes before travel.

  • Ginger capsules: 250–500 mg, 30 minutes before travel.

• Risks: May cause mild heartburn if consumed excessively.

2. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Mechanism: Peppermint oil has a relaxing effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscles via calcium channel blocking.

• Scientific Proof: Research in Phytotherapy Research confirms peppermint reduces nausea and vomiting (source).

• Usage:

  • Oil inhalation: Place 2 drops on a handkerchief and inhale deeply.

  • Peppermint tea: Drink before or during travel.

• Risks: May aggravate gastroesophageal reflux.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Mechanism: Calms the central nervous system and soothes GI inflammation.

• Scientific Proof: Shown effective against nausea and vomiting episodes (Molecular Medicine Reports, source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Steep 1 tsp dried chamomile in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink 2x daily.

• Risks: Allergy risk, especially if allergic to ragweed.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Mechanism: Increases GABA neurotransmission; calms the brain and gut.

• Scientific Proof: Shown effective in reducing nausea and dizziness (Neurochemical Research, source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Steep 1 tsp dried lemon balm in hot water. Drink 30 min before traveling.

• Risks: May cause mild sedation.

5. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

• Mechanism: Antispasmodic; reduces intestinal gas and bloating, easing nausea.

• Scientific Proof: A study in Journal of Research in Medical Sciences supports its anti-nausea effects (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: 1 tsp crushed fennel seeds steeped in boiling water for 5 min.

• Risks: Potential hormonal effects if overused.

6. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Mechanism: Protects the stomach lining and reduces irritation.

• Scientific Proof: Validated in Phytotherapy Research for GI protection (source).

• Usage:

  • DGL tablets: 380 mg 20 minutes before travel.

• Risks: Can increase blood pressure with chronic use.

7. Black Horehound (Ballota nigra)

• Mechanism:
  Contains volatile oils that interfere with vestibular system signaling, reducing nausea and dizziness.

• Scientific Proof:
  Studies have shown black horehound’s potential to relieve nausea in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (source).

• Usage:

  • Capsules: 100–200 mg taken 30–45 minutes before travel.

• Risks:
  May cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

8. Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

• Mechanism:
  Rich in eugenol, cloves stimulate digestion and prevent nausea caused by slow gastric emptying.

• Scientific Proof:
  Research in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows clove’s efficacy in treating nausea (source).

• Usage:

  • Clove water: Boil 2–3 cloves in a cup of water. Sip slowly before traveling.

  • Chew: 1–2 cloves directly for quicker relief.

• Risks:
  Potential irritation of mouth lining if overused.

9. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

• Mechanism:
  Acts as an adaptogen, balancing cortisol and reducing stress-induced nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Validated in Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Steep 5–6 holy basil leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink 30 minutes before travel.

• Risks:
  Rare allergic reactions reported.

10. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

• Mechanism:
  Essential oils in basil act as an antispasmodic agent, relaxing the GI tract.

• Scientific Proof:
  Study in Phytomedicine highlights basil’s anti-nausea potential (source).

• Usage:

  • Fresh leaves: Chew 5–6 leaves or brew tea before travel.

• Risks:
  Potential allergic reactions in some people.

11. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

• Mechanism:
  Stimulates digestive enzymes and bile secretion, improving digestion and preventing nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Cardamom’s antiemetic properties confirmed in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (source).

• Usage:

  • Chew: 2–3 pods before travel.

  • Tea: Steep ½ tsp crushed seeds in hot water for 5 minutes.

• Risks:
  Generally very safe; no major side effects noted.

12. Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

• Mechanism:
  Contains anethole, which calms the stomach lining and prevents nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Reported anti-nausea effects in Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Brew 1 tsp crushed anise seeds in hot water for 10 minutes.

• Risks:
  Possible allergic reactions in rare cases.

13. Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)

• Mechanism:
  Stimulates digestion, tones the GI tract, and prevents gas-related nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Documented use in Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Simmer 1 tsp dried angelica root in water for 10 minutes.

• Risks:
  Avoid in pregnancy; may cause photosensitivity.

14. Coriander Seeds (Coriandrum sativum)

• Mechanism:
  Acts as a digestive tonic; reduces stomach spasms and nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Confirmed anti-nausea and digestive benefits in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Steep 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds in hot water for 5 minutes.

• Risks:
  Rare allergic reactions reported.

15. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

• Mechanism:
  Catechins stabilize digestion and calm mild nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Study in Molecules supports green tea’s digestive benefits (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Brew 1 tsp green tea leaves; sip during travel.

• Risks:
  Avoid excessive intake (may cause mild caffeine-related palpitations).

16. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

• Mechanism:
  Contains salicylates that reduce stomach acidity and nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Shown to support digestive health in Journal of Herbal Medicine (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: 1 tsp dried flowers steeped in hot water for 5–7 minutes.

• Risks:
  Avoid if allergic to aspirin.

17. Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

• Mechanism:
  Relaxes stomach muscles and reduces nausea similar to peppermint but gentler.

• Scientific Proof:
  Phytotherapy Research shows spearmint’s antiemetic potential (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Brew 1 tsp dried spearmint leaves in hot water.

• Risks:
  Very mild, rare allergic reactions.

18. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

• Mechanism:
  Regulates blood sugar and calms gut muscles, reducing nausea and dizziness.

• Scientific Proof:
  Proven in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: Steep 1 stick or 1 tsp ground cinnamon in water.

• Risks:
  Avoid very high doses (can affect liver enzymes).

19. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

• Mechanism:
  Coats and soothes the stomach lining, reducing irritation-driven nausea.

• Scientific Proof:
  Supported by studies in Frontiers in Pharmacology (source).

• Usage:

  • Tea: 1 tsp dried root in cold water overnight. Drink next day.

• Risks:
  Generally safe; may interfere with medication absorption.

20. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

• Mechanism:
  Anti-inflammatory; balances bile production aiding digestion and nausea control.

• Scientific Proof:
  Extensively documented in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (source).

• Usage:

  • Golden milk: Mix ½ tsp turmeric powder in warm milk and drink before travel.

• Risks:
  May cause mild stomach upset in large doses.

🧠 Bonus Herbs Worth Considering

🧪 Expert Quotes Section

🧑‍⚕️ Dr. Alan Greene, MD, Clinical Professor at Stanford University, says:
“Ginger’s active compounds are particularly effective at preventing motion sickness, with studies showing up to a 70% reduction in symptoms within 1 hour.” (Source)

🧑‍⚕️ Dr. Mary Jane Brown, PhD, Nutrition Researcher, adds:
“Peppermint oil aromatherapy can provide rapid symptom relief for motion-induced nausea, especially in mild to moderate cases.” (Source)

🗺️ Step-by-Step Structured Routine for Herbal Use Before and During Travel

⚖️ Comparison: Herbal Remedies vs Over-the-Counter Drugs

Verdict:
✅ For mild to moderate cases, herbal remedies are safer and equally effective.
❗ For severe cases, combine herbal use with medical advice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do herbal remedies take to work for motion sickness?

Most herbs like ginger or peppermint work within 30–60 minutes. Pre-travel dosing is recommended.

2. Are herbal remedies as effective as anti-nausea medications?

For mild to moderate cases, yes. Ginger has shown comparable results to Dramamine in some trials.

3. Can I combine multiple herbs?

Yes, for example, combining ginger and peppermint may enhance the anti-nausea effect. But consult a healthcare provider.

4. Are there risks in using herbs for motion sickness?

Minor risks like reflux, allergies, or blood pressure elevation exist with overuse.

5. Can children use these herbs?

Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile are generally safe for kids but should be dosed appropriately.

6. Is inhaling peppermint oil safe for pregnant women?

It should be used cautiously during pregnancy; consult your doctor.

7. Can I use herbs for seasickness?

Absolutely! Ginger and peppermint are highly effective for seasickness

🔥 Conclusion

Natural herbs like ginger, peppermint, chamomile, and lemon balm offer scientifically-backed, gentle, and effective remedies against motion sickness.
When used correctly, they can prevent nausea, dizziness, and vomiting—making your travel smooth and stress-free.
🌍 Next trip? Pack these herbs and travel naturally!

🚨 Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult your physician before using herbal remedies, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.