I remember as a child the dread of going anywhere in the car because I always ended up feeling sick! Even a 20-minute trip would, at times, have me needing to ask my parents to open a window or even stop the car because I could feel that unnerving sensation in my stomach growing by the minute.
There’s nothing worse than being excited about going for a trip and then feeling sick for the entire journey. At the time I didn’t know about homeopathy, and I remember my Mum would give me these disgusting pink tablets often hidden in a strawberry to make them easier to take. Now I know that homeopathy offers that alternative and I have quite a few clients who are now no longer travel or motion sick (and quite a few client’s animals too, who can also suffer!).
So, let’s look at some remedies that may help you and your animals:
Borax – Specifically for motion sickness that is worse for downward motion (those who are sick e.g. when a plane lands or boat dips/car going down steep hill – when they go down everything comes up). Generally, feel better for fresh air. Cocculus – For those who experience motion sickness with dizziness. Waves of nausea are accompanied by belching (in people a faint, empty feeling in the stomach and a metallic taste in the mouth). Nausea worse for smell and sight of food. Getting up makes dizziness and nausea worse, as does fresh air. They need to lie down to prevent vomiting. Feel anxious, dazed and confused. Nux Vomica – motion sickness with irritability. Constant nausea and vomiting which can feel like food poisoning. Copious saliva with the nausea and painful retching, with difficulty vomiting. Want to lie down and feel better for doing so. Petroleum – motion sickness that is worse for fresh air. The nausea is accompanied by an accumulation of water (which isn’t saliva) in the mouth. Empty, hungry feeling in the stomach and a dull, heavy headache. Phosphorus – may be clingy. Excess of saliva and look really miserable whilst travelling in the car. can be afraid of the dark, fireworks (is often given to those dogs who spend Bonfire Night cowering under the table)
Staphysagria – very touchy and irritable when they’re travel sick. Don’t want to be touched or comforted. May have a colicky stomach ache but often no strong symptoms. Tabacum – nausea which is intermittent with weakness, profuse salivation and sweating. Face is white as a sheet and feel wretched. Nausea is better for fresh air though this may make them feel dizzy
Generally, I would give a remedy 10 minutes or so before you are about to leave and perhaps give the remedy during the trip or on arrival if the individual is struggling. It may be an idea to seek advice from a homeopathic practitioner, but in a home-help situation, a 30C is a good potency choice to go with.
If you are struggling to decide on the best remedy to give, the most commonly given travel sickness remedy is cocculus, followed by tabacum and petroleum. Trying these in this order may sort the problem, but if symptoms still persist try one of the other remedies or seek assistance from a homeopath (www.findahomeopath.org) – or if it’s animals that are struggling with travel sickness then get in touch with a homeopathic vet (http://www.bahvs.com/find-a-vet/).
Practical solutions The following are all tried and tested practical solutions for motion sickness:
Ginger—in any shape or form helps motion sickness although children tend not to like the taste! For those that do like it ginger tea, crystallized ginger or ginger cookies all work well. Eat lightly—when traveling stick to small, light meals, both before and during the journey. Take some soda water to sip and some crackers to nibble on when the nausea starts up but before it gets bad. Caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods and large meals can all exacerbate motion sickness. Wear comfortable clothing—especially on a long journey as tight clothes around the abdomen aggravate feelings of nausea. Sit upright—and look straight ahead (at the horizon or a stationary object). Looking down (especially to read) or looking at passing views from the side of the car can both aggravate motion sickness. Or sit with your head leaning back on the head rest and close your eyes. Lie down—if you want to and are able to do so, with your eyes closed, and concentrate on breathing slowly and evenly. Sit as close to the front as possible of cars and planes. Sitting in the driving seat helps those who are easily motion sick—as long as they are old enough to drive and possess a current driver's license! Make frequent stops to stretch, get some fresh air and build up confidence in those who have a history of motion sickness. Be calm and soothing when dealing with motion sick children—tension and anxiety can be contagious!
With gratitude
