Motion sickness is generally experienced in an airplane, car, boat, elevator, swing or train. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Many factors play a role in the occurrence of motion sickness, such as poor ventilation, genetics, anxiety and traveling soon after consuming a meal. Ginger, when used as an alternative treatment, may help prevent or reduce the frequency of motion sickness. Always consult with your doctor before using herbs to self-treat health conditions.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear, the eyes and the body send mixed or conflicting signals to the brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those at risk for this condition are children between the ages of 2 and 12 and people who have a heightened sense of anxiety or fear. Certain steps can be taken to prevent motion sickness from occurring, such as aiming air vents at your face, not reading while in a moving vehicle, sitting in the front seat and not smoking.
Efficacy
Studies show that ginger may be effective in reducing motion sickness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 80 sailors that were prone to motion sickness who participated in a study taking powdered ginger showed a significant reduction in cold sweats and vomiting compared to those using the placebo. Though these results seem promising, some studies show no benefit of using this herb for motion sickness.
Dosage
Daily ginger consumption should not exceed more than 4 g. The standardized ginger dose is 75 to 2,000 mg in divided doses to be taken with food. For treating nausea due to motion sickness, gas and indigestion, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 2 to 4 g of dried root or up to 3.0 ml of liquid extract per day. For the prevention of vomiting, the university suggests taking 1 g of powdered ginger ever four hours as needed or two ginger capsules up to three times per day. If you use the powdered ginger, you should not exceed more than four doses each day. This herb may be safe if you are pregnant for nausea and vomiting; however, pregnant women should consume no more than 1 g per day for no more than four consecutive days.
Warnings
If you suffer from gallbladder disease or have gallstones, ginger should not be used for treatment. In addition, ginger may decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, such as blood thinners. This herb may be safe if you are pregnant for nausea and vomiting; however, pregnant women should consume no more than 1 g per day for no more than four consecutive days.
