Bobbing among the ocean's waves may seem relaxing for some. For others, seasickness quickly sets in. Seasickness occurs when the inner ear sends signals to the brain that do not match what the eyes see. The contradicting signals result in an overall queasy feeling. Ginger root is known to treat a variety of stomach ailments, including nausea and vomiting associated with seasickness. Ginger root taken as an alternative treatment may aid some people's seasickness and remain ineffective for others.
Timing
Take ground ginger in capsule form 12 to 24 hours before going out to sea, recommends Louisiana State University. Taking ginger when you already have symptoms makes the herbal supplement ineffective. Initial signs of seasickness begin with queasiness, dizziness and sweating. Once nausea sets in, most remedies of any kind will not be effective.
Dose
Take 1 g of ginger every four hours to prevent nausea and vomiting from seasickness. Do not take more than 4 g in 24 hours. Fresh ginger, ginger snaps and ginger ale may also be taken, in addition to ginger supplements, but they do not contain large amounts of ginger. Food sources contain about 0.5 percent ginger, not enough to actively treat seasickness.
Precautions
Ginger may not be for everyone, though the herb is generally safe for most adults. Do not take ginger if you are taking anticoagulant drugs or supplements. These include warfarin, aspirin, heparin, fish oil and ginkgo. Ginger is a natural blood thinner, and will decrease your blood's clotting time. There is no direct scientific evidence stating ginger is effective in curing seasickness. If you are unsure how you will react on the water, discuss other options with your doctor. A variety of prescription medications are available, but these medications may impair judgment and cause drowsiness.
Additional Tips
A full night's rest and avoiding greasy, fried food the day before heading out to sea may be all that is necessary to prevent your motion sickness. Chewing on peppermint leaf or taking enteric-coated peppermint capsules may also reduce nausea. Snack on dry crackers and carbonated beverages. When you're on the boat, focus on a stationary point, such as the horizon. If you feel the need to vomit, always tell someone where you are going, especially when you're near the railing of the boat.
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