8 Best Natural Remedies for Travel Nausea

Ugh, travel sickness. You're not alone if you're having issues with it. I feel like everyone I know gets at least a little bit sick on a long car trip. Especially if you’re not the one driving! It was always like you either had to take some serious medication that would knock you out or just deal with it. But over the years, I've learned a few things that actually work, without all the weird side effects. So, yeah, I just wanted to share my little list of what works for me.

Ginger: This is my favorite. It just plain works. I’ve drunk it as tea, sucked on the candies, even taken the capsules when I knew I was in for a bumpy ride.

Peppermint: This one is like it’s calming your stomach from the inside out. Drinking the tea, eating the candies, or even just smelling the oil can help.

Choose the Right Seat: I always thought this was an urban legend, but it’s not. Where you sit is a huge factor, especially in a car or an airplane.

Snacks: An empty stomach is a recipe for disaster, but so is a full one. Little, light snacks are the key. Think crackers, a banana, that kind of thing.

Herbal Teas: There's just something about a warm cup of ginger, peppermint, or chamomile tea that is so settling. It's become my little travel ritual now.

Vitamin B6: I heard that B6 can alleviate nausea. It can be found in foods such as salmon and bananas.

Essential Oils: Sometimes the smell of ginger, peppermint, or lavender is all it takes to calm everything down. A quick sniff can be a lifesaver.

Motion Sickness Lollipops: Honestly, these are a game-changer, especially with kids Organic, ginger-based lollipops are so easy to use when you're on the move.

Quick Comparison Table

These are the simple things that have helped me stay comfortable and actually enjoy the journey. Okay, let’s get into the details.

Motion/Travel Sickness Relief | Natural Remedies | Vegan ...

1. Ginger: Quick Nausea Relief

I’ve always heard that ginger is good for an upset stomach, but I didn't realize how much science is actually behind it for travel-related nausea. It has these active compounds, I think one is called gingerol, that are supposedly as effective as some of the stuff you buy at the pharmacy, but you know, without making you feel all drowsy.

You can find it in a bunch of easy-to-use forms, which is great because sometimes you need one thing, and other times you need another.

This is my usual lineup:

I remember reading this old study, I think it was in The Lancet, that said ginger worked better than Dramamine for motion sickness. That really stuck with me. It just feels like a natural, solid option.

Safe Usage Guidelines

• Adults: Take 1,000–1,500 mg daily, split into smaller doses.

• Pregnant Women: Limit intake to 1 gram per day and avoid using it close to labor.

• Children: A 2021 study showed ginger reduced vomiting risk by 20% compared to a placebo.

Important Safety Note

Now, even though ginger is amazing, you still have to be smart about it. There are a few situations where you should probably talk to your doctor before you start taking a bunch of it.

• Take blood-thinning medications
• Have gallbladder issues
• Are pregnant with a history of miscarriage
• Have clotting disorders

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified ginger as safe for preventing motion sickness. But again, it never hurts to check with a professional to make sure it’s right for you.

2. Peppermint for Stomach Comfort

Peppermint is another one of my favorites. It just helps everything feel a little calmer, you know? It has these compounds called menthol and menthone that are supposed to help relax the muscles in your stomach and just generally help with digestion. It's become a must-have in my travel bag.

How Peppermint Works

Here’s the simple way I think about how peppermint helps with that awful queasy feeling:

Best Forms for Travel

Depending on what I need, I’ll grab one of these:

• Aromatherapy Solutions
  

  Someone told me that even just smelling peppermint can help, and I've found it to be so true. I read about a study from 2021 that showed it can really reduce nausea. I'll just put a couple of drops on a tissue, or use one of those little roll-on things on my temples. A tiny portable diffuser in the car is also a great idea.

• Edible Choices
  For longer-lasting relief, consider:
  • Sugar-free peppermint candies or lozenges
  • Peppermint tea (steep for 5–10 minutes)
  • Peppermint-infused water (add fresh leaves to cold water)

Safety Guidelines

While peppermint is generally safe, follow these tips to avoid issues:

• Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before applying to your skin.
• Test a small amount first to check for any reactions.
• I try to stick to for sugar-free products when choosing candies or lozenges.
• Let your peppermint tea cool down to room temperature; I find it works better that way.

I've noticed that if I use peppermint and make sure I have good airflow and a good seat, it works even better. It’s a great team player and works well with all the other natural remedies.

3. Seating and Air Flow Tips

Okay, this is a big one. Choosing the right seat and making sure you have fresh air can honestly make or break a trip for me. I used to brush it off, but it’s made a huge difference.

Best Seating Positions

It really, really matters where you sit. Here's a little cheat sheet I've developed over the years:

• Dr. Quay Snyder, President of the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service

Why a Window Seat Helps

A window seat isn't just for the view—though that helps too! It lets you focus on the horizon, which helps your brain and your inner ear stay on the same page.

Jonny Knowlson explains:

“Sitting above the wings means that you’re less likely to feel the full effects of the natural movements of an airplane, such as the lift up, thrust forward, torque, gravity, and drag. Your stomach will be pleased.”

Add that good seat to some fresh air, and you're in much better shape.

Managing Airflow

• Point those little air-con vents right at your face. Staying cool helps so much.

• If you can, crack a window or bring a little fan.

I read that a professor, Dr. Joseph M. Furman, professor of otolaryngology and neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said that cooler temperatures might help with motion sickness symptoms, and I totally agree.

Extra Positioning Tips

Try to keep your head as still as possible and face forward. If you can be the one driving, that’s even better. On a bus, I always try to snag a seat right up front.

4. Simple Snacks That Help

Snacking on light, simple foods can be a real lifesaver. You just have to be smart about it—small bites, and timing is everything. An empty stomach is just as bad as one that's too full.

Best Snack Options

Here’s what I usually pack:

Smart Snacking Tips

"Millions of people suffer from travel sickness, and it can really cast a shadow over their holiday plans...Eat small portions frequently; avoid heavy, greasy, or acidic foods as they worsen sickness because they are slower to digest. Always pick foods that are mild in taste and smell to stop the uneasiness of the stomach."

Natural Candy Options

Ginger candies made with natural sweeteners are my secret weapon. They satisfy the need for something sweet while also helping with the nausea.

Timing Your Snacks

This is the really important part. It’s all about timing.

• Eat a little something every couple of hours so your stomach never feels overwhelmed.

• I like to have crackers with cool water. It just feels calming.

• Stick to things with mild flavors. Nothing too strong or spicy.

• Definitely avoid greasy or acidic foods. They just sit in your stomach.

• Peppermint snacks are also great for settling things down

5. Calming Herbal Teas

There's something so comforting about a warm cup of herbal tea. It's a simple, portable way to deal with travel nausea, and it can bring relief pretty quickly when you're on the go.

Best Herbal Teas for Nausea

These are my top picks:

Expert Insights on Herbal Teas

"The natural compounds in mint, like menthol, are antispasmodic, which means they can help relax the stomach and intestine muscles", says Jessie Wong, MAcc, RDN, LD.

Handy Tips for Tea on the Go

• Pack Smart: I pre-measure my tea into little baggies. For ginger tea, I’ll grate a bunch and put enough for one cup in little containers.

• Brewing Tips:

• Ginger tea:  I drink up to 4 cups a day on long travel days.

• Peppermint tea: Let it steep for a good 10–15 minutes to get all the good stuff out.

• Chamomile tea: Use about 1 tablespoon per cup.

• Timing: I try to have a cup about 30 minutes before we leave, or as soon as I feel that first little wave of queasiness.

I've seen some research that says ginger tea is consistently better than a placebo for nausea. And in some cases, chamomile extract can be even more effective than ginger. So yeah, these teas are a great part of a whole nausea-fighting plan.

Safety Reminder

Most of these teas are safe, but I've read that you should limit licorice tea to just 1 cup a day because it can have side effects. Just use good-quality ingredients and let them steep long enough to work their magic.

6. B6 and Other Helpful Nutrients

This one was new to me a few years ago. Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, actually helps with travel nausea. Adding it to your diet, along with a few other vitamins, really helps with the symptoms.

I’m not entirely sure how it’s done, but I did hear about a study where people taking vitamin B6 reported feeling a heck of a lot less nauseated than those taking the placebo. It’s just another tool in the toolbox, you know? It pairs really well with other things like ginger and herbal tea.

Here are some foods that are packed with B6:

Other Nutrients That May Help

Besides B6, there are a few other things that might help:

• Vitamin C: I read about one study where only about a third of the people who took vitamin C got seasick, compared to almost two-thirds in the placebo group. Pretty interesting.

• Balanced Macronutrients: Eating meals that have a good mix of protein, fat, and carbs can also help settle your stomach.

Note: Ginger's benefits for nausea are detailed in Section 1.

Safety Tips

If you're thinking about taking B6 as a supplement, just be careful:

• Limit your intake to no more than 100 mg per day to avoid potential side effects.

• If you’re pregnant or considering supplementation, talk to your healthcare provider first.

• Super high doses can cause nerve issues, so it's best to get it from food if you can.

How to Incorporate B6 Into Your Routine

I just try to work B6-rich foods into my meals leading up to a trip. Pairing them with my usual ginger tea seems to be a pretty effective combo. Getting it from food just feels safer, and you get all the other good nutrients that come along with it.

7. Scents That Stop Nausea

Sometimes, just a smell can change everything. Using essential oils has been a big help for me in calming down that queasy feeling. There’s research that suggests certain scents can settle your stomach and help with motion sickness.

Effective Essential Oils for Nausea

These are the ones I keep in my travel kit:

• Ginger Oil: It appears to alleviate the frequency and severity of nausea.

• Peppermint Oil: This is very good for relaxing your stomach muscles.

• Lavender Oil: I turn to this if I feel like my anxiety is making the nausea worse.

• Fennel Seed Oil: Aids in digestion and calms the stomach.

• Spearmint Oil: Slightly less potent than peppermint oil, but equally soothing.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely

It’s important to use these correctly so they actually work and don’t irritate your skin. Here are the three ways I usually use them:

These methods are all super easy to work into a travel routine.

Travel Tips for Essential Oils

To make things even easier when you're travelling:

• Keep your oils in bottles smaller than 3 ounces for flights.

• Put them in a sealed, leak-proof bag. Trust me on this one.

• I like to pre-dilute my oils before a trip so they're ready to go.

"Essential oils are natural and affordable options for managing the symptoms of vertigo, including nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Some of the options available for managing vertigo include peppermint, ginger, lavender, and lemon essential oils." – Medical News Today

Safety Guidelines

Just a few more things to keep in mind for safety:

• Test a little patch of skin first to make sure you're not sensitive.

• Try not to open the bottles on a plane; the smell can be strong for others.

• Make sure you have good ventilation if you're using a diffuser.

• For car trips, I'll put a cotton ball with a few drops of an anti-nausea blend on the window ledges.

And finally, try to get high-quality oils. The FDA doesn’t really regulate them, so sticking with a brand you trust is your best bet.

8. MommaBear Organics Motion Sickness Lollipops

Okay, after all these years of trying everything, I finally decided to make something that combined the best remedies into one convenient, on-the-go solution. Our Motion Sickness Lollipops offer the calming effects of ginger, the digestive benefits of lemon, and the natural sweetness of wildflower honey. It’s all the things I trust, in one little pop.

What's Inside?

I was really picky about the ingredients. Everything is organic and carefully chosen:

Perfect for Travel

Each lollipop is wrapped up, so you can just toss them in your bag for road trips, flights, train rides, or boat journeys. One or two a day is usually all you need to help with motion sickness.

What Sets Them Apart

• Made in small batches to ensure top-notch quality

• Free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, and high fructose corn syrup

• Approved for ages 3 and up, with Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) certification

This was all so important to me—creating something that was natural, effective, and that I'd feel good giving to my own family.

What Users Are Saying

It makes me so happy to hear that other people love them as much as we do:

"Digestion after meals is my first concern, but an upcoming long road trip gave me another idea for keeping ginger handy! I love the flavor and how it settles my tummy. I have already ordered more!"

– Lila B., Verified Buyer

With a 4.9 out of 5 stars rating, people seem to really like the strong ginger flavor and how easy they are to travel with.

Tips for Use and Storage

• Keep them in a cool, dry place.

• Pack them somewhere you can reach them easily during your trip.

• Make sure you bring enough for the whole journey!

With their organic ingredients and super convenient design, these lollipops have become my go-to for managing motion sickness naturally.

Conclusion

The question of travel nausea can be reduced to a combination of simple tips and preparation. It seems like many people have problems with motion sickness, so it’s a good idea to have some foolproof methods up your sleeve.

For instance, ginger is a superfood, and when you combine it with smart strategies such as choosing the right seat and ensuring good airflow, it can really help alleviate that terrible sensation. Our MommaBear Organics Motion Sickness Lollipops were the result of all this trial and error, which combined organic ginger, lemon, and honey.

Here’s what one mom said:

"My two young kids have been asking for these daily. My household can't get enough. They have been great for car rides and on the go. They work for nausea and taste amazing!" - Lissa R.

To make the most of all these ideas, here’s a quick little guide I use:

It all comes down to planning ahead. Keeping things like the MommaBear Organics lollipops (starting at $24.99) on hand just makes everything simpler and more effective.

It’s funny, you spend so much time figuring out what works, and then it just becomes second nature. I don’t even really think about it anymore; it’s just part of our travel routine. And I guess that’s the goal, right? To get to a place where you’re not worried about feeling sick, you’re just excited about the adventure.

FAQs

What’s the best natural remedy for travel nausea, and how do I choose the right one for me?

Honestly, the “best” one is whatever works for you. It’s so personal. For me, ginger is definitely the winner, but for my friend, it’s all about peppermint oil. You might have to try a few things to see what your body responds to.

If you're not sure where to begin, I'd recommend giving ginger a shot. It seems to work pretty well for most people. If you're looking for something really easy and low-effort, acupressure wristbands are a good option. Just be kind to yourself, okay? You'll figure it out.

Are there any risks or side effects when using ginger or peppermint for travel nausea?

For the most part, they are really safe, but it is good to know a few things. Sometimes ginger can cause a little heartburn or an upset stomach if you have too much. If you are pregnant, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking high doses, especially as your due date is approaching. The same applies if you have problems with your gallbladder or if you are taking blood thinners.

Peppermint scent is perfectly safe. I mean, if you were just sniffing a whole bunch of it for an extended period of time, maybe it would give you a little bit of a stomachache, but that’s about it. The bottom line is just to use them in moderation and pay attention to your body.

Can I combine natural remedies to get better relief from travel nausea?

Oh, yeah! I do that all the time. I'll wear my acupressure bands while drinking my ginger tea and smelling some peppermint oil. They actually work even better when combined. Just start slow if you're trying something new to avoid any weird reactions.

And like with anything, if you have any health concerns or are on medication, it’s always smart to run it by your doctor before you start mixing and matching a bunch of remedies.

Travel-friendly motion sickness lollipops made with ginger and other natural ingredients can help support nausea relief for kids during car rides, flights, and cruises without the drowsiness of traditional options.

For families looking for a motion sickness natural remedy, these convenient anti nausea lollipops are an easy on-the-go choice for both kids and adults.