Summertime is a time to get away and unwind. A trip out of town, a drive in nature, or a boat ride can be a welcomed retreat from the routine of daily life. One thing that can put a damper on a getaway is travel or motion sickness. The good news is that homeopathy has some great remedies that can provide relief.

There are 3 remedies for motion sickness that I want to highlight: Cocculus, Tabacum, and Petroleum. These are the best known homeopathic remedies for motion sickness, whether it be from sea-, air-, or carsickness. In homeopathy, we select a remedy based upon the symptoms that are presenting. Each remedy has its known characteristics, and we seek to match a person’s symptoms with a remedy that relieves those symptoms.

The first step is to assess what symptoms a person is experiencing. Here are some quick steps:
1) What exactly are you feeling? For example, nausea, vomiting, dizziness(vertigo), disorientation, etc.
2) Which symptom is the worse?
3) What makes you feel better?
4) Does any food or beverage appeal to you?
5) Any other symptoms along with the motion sickness?

Once you have a clearer picture of the symptoms, then you are ready to determine a remedy choice. The following are characteristic features of homeopathic remedies known to relieve motion sickness:

Cocculus
Severe nausea, vomiting with dizzyiness/vertigo (may also have headache). Desire to lie down. Nausea or dizzyness from looking at moving objects or watching things out of a moving vehicle. Also nausea from the sight or smell of food – aversion to food. Better lying on side. Remedy has been used in cases of travel between different time zones when the symptoms match.

Tabacum
Deathly nausea – feels wretched. Cold, clammy and pale with nausea. Motion sickness from the least motion. Symptoms relieved by cold, fresh air. Also improved by uncovering the abdomen. Salivation and spitting increased. Aggravated by cigarette smoke. Closing eyes relieves symptoms a bit. Remedy known for relieving the classic symptoms of seasickness.

Petroleum
Nausea and dizziness/disorientation. Empty, hungry feeling in the stomach relieved by eating – desire to eat. Increased salivation. Cold perspiration. Better with warm and dry air. Pain in the back of head or neck.

When selecting a remedy, assess the important symptoms and larger picture of the discomfort. Then, review the known characteristics of the remedies and make the best selection. These remedies can be invaluable in providing relief from the unpleasant feeling of motion sickness. If a remedy does not provide relief after a few doses, discontinue and try the next best choice.