Homeopathic Remedies for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness often needs immediate attention, both to relieve the person’s misery and to prevent disruption of a trip. Sometimes, as in the case of sea or air sickness, it is impossible to leave the vehicle—so bringing along a kit of remedies can be a good idea. (If vomiting is extreme or a person shows signs of dehydration, a physician should be consulted.)

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Argentum nitricum: Indications for this remedy include dizziness, faintness, nausea, retching, and possibly balance or perception problems. The person may feel claustrophobic or be extremely anxious and excitable. Eating too much sweet or salty food may have contributed to the problem.

Arsenicum album: A person who needs this remedy is likely to be very anxious and feel both restless and exhausted. Nausea and vomiting can be accompanied by burning pain. The sight and smell of food, or odors of any kind, may make the nausea unbearable. The person may feel a burning sensation in the throat or stomach and want frequent sips of water.

Borax: Indications for this remedy include nausea, gas, and possibly diarrhea. The person has a fear of any downward motion (as is felt on a plane or roller coaster) and can be made sick by it. The person may also be very sensitive to noise, warm temperatures, and cigarette smoke.

Bryonia: A person needing this remedy usually wants to stay completely still and not be talked to or touched. Nausea and vomiting, with pain and pressure in the stomach, can be worse from even minor movements. The person may have a dry mouth and want cold drinks.

Cocculus: Indications for this remedy include dizziness, palpitations, headache, numbness, and an empty or hollow feeling in various parts of the body. The person may talk nervously, yawn, or tremble, and is likely to feel extremely weak. Problems are often worse after getting cold, and from not getting enough sleep.

Kali bichromicum: This remedy is indicated when vertigo and nausea are intense, and bright yellow fluid is vomited. The person feels worse from standing up, and can be very weak. Aching may be felt in facial bones or in small spots on the head. This remedy is often helpful during seasickness.

Petroleum: A feeling of empty nausea in the stomach, accompanied by cold sweat and excessive salivation can indicate this remedy. An ache in the back of the head and neck may be present. Food and warmth may bring some mild relief.

Sepia: This remedy is indicated when the person (often a woman or child) feels dizzy and irritable, and the nausea is made worse by lying on one side. A headache will often accompany these problems. The sight of food can intensify the nausea, although the person may still want sour things.

Tabacum: Indications for this remedy include violent nausea and vomiting with a terrible sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach, pale face, cold sweat, and icy feet and hands. Some relief may come from breathing cold, fresh air.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.