Seasickness is a form of motion sickness. [1]
Motion sickness is feeling sick due to the movement of vehicles. [3]
Your ear can sense the fact that your body is moving due to the moving vehicle, but the other parts are not. When this happens, you start to feel dizzy and nauseous. This is what motion sickness is. [4]
The same goes for seasickness. In the case of seasickness, the moving vehicle is a ship or a boat.
The symptoms accompanied by seasickness are dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, vomiting, headache, rapid breathing, sudden sweating, stomach discomfort, and lack of balance.
Seasickness is not a rare thing. Most of us feel seasick during a sea voyage.
Even the young sailors have to go through some trials to win over this sickness.
Some essential oils may provide relief from seasickness and its symptoms. [2]
This article reviews the efficacy and uses of essential oils for seasickness, and some additional tips and precautions.
Some Essential Oils to Reduce Seasickness Symptoms
1. Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger is one of the most used spices in the world. The root of the plant is the source of ginger essential oil. [5]
The oil is beneficial in treating seasickness.
Two significant seasickness symptoms are nausea and vomiting. Research shows that ginger essential oil can treat these two problems.
The carminative properties of this oil help to relieve intestinal gas. [6]
The ginger essential oil also stimulates your nervous system.
It has digestive and tonic properties. These components help with proper digestion and prevent nausea or vomiting. [7]
Key Takeaway:
Ginger oil excites your nervous system. Besides, it can soothe two severe symptoms of seasickness, vomiting, and nausea.
Read More: 10 Health Benefits of Ginger Oil That You Should Know About
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most famous oils in the world of aromatherapy.
The delightful sweet smell of the oil can calm your mind at any time.
Since seasickness is a game of minds, lavender essential oil takes its place as an ailment here. [8]
The oil is especially helpful in treating nausea and vomiting. Because it helps both your muscles and mind to relax.
Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties reduce stomach discomfort and other
digestive issues. [9]
Key Takeaway:
Lavender essential oil is particularly good at soothing vomiting and nausea. Besides, it can reduce stomach problems you may have due to seasickness.
Read More: 11 Health Benefits of Lavender Oil That You Should Know
3. Cardamom Essential Oil
Cardamom is quite an impressive spice. The essential oil is not that famous. But, it had its contribution in many critical situations. [10]
The spicy aroma of cardamom essential oil makes it a great inhaler to treat your seasickness.
It calms the nervous system and fights the urge of nausea and vomiting. [11]
Cardamom oil also soothes stomach pain and checks digestion problems.
People who have asthma or epilepsy must consult a doctor before using this oil. The same goes for them with kidney stones. If you are on any medication, it is wise to talk to your doctor beforehand.
Key Takeaway:
The aroma of cardamom oil calms your nervous system. It helps you to get relief from nausea and vomiting.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a fantastic element for treating many health problems. Its minty fragrance can soothe the nerves. [12]
Peppermint is a hybrid mint that is a cross between spearmint and water mint.
The oil is the extraction of peppermint leaves. It has potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antifungal properties.
All these properties can come in handy in treating seasickness. [13, 14]
One of the key elements of peppermint oil is menthol which inhibits nausea and vomiting. [15]
It helps with respiratory issues and deals with headaches and stomach aches as well.
You can also make peppermint oil at home. For this, you need to chop and crush some peppermint leaves and seal them in a jar mixed with some olive oil.
Then you need to add some more leaves and oil the next day and repeat the same for five days. Now you have your homemade peppermint essential oil.
Key Takeaway:
Peppermint oil has menthol, a vital component to prevent vomiting. Besides, it comes with other medicinal properties that are helpful in treating seasickness.
Read More: Peppermint Oil for Hair: 8 Reasons to Use
5. Fennel Essential Oil
You can also use fennel essential oil for seasickness.
The oil has many health benefits. It can treat nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems as well. [16]
The strong licorice aroma of fennel essential oil has a calming effect on the mind.
The oil combats dizziness, reducing the risk of vomiting or feeling nauseous. [17]
Fennel essential oil also works on your digestive issues and cures the loss of appetite. The oil also relieves gas and heartburn and reduces your discomfort. [18]
Key Takeaway:
Fennel oil is quite useful in dealing with dizziness. It can also soothe heartburn and give you comfort.
Methods of Using Essential Oils for Seasickness
You can use essential oils in a few ways.
Inhaler
You can make a blend by mixing your favorite essential oils and storing them in a glass bottle.
Take a few drops on a cotton ball or an inhaler fabric and inhale when necessary.
Massage Oil
You can also use essential oils to massage certain areas to treat seasickness.
For this, you need to take a few drops of the essential oil of your choice and dilute them with a suitable carrier oil.
Rub this blend on your neck, shoulder, wrists, and stomach area.
Roller Blend
You can make a roller blend by mixing your choice of essential oils. Here’s a recipe:
Mix 8 drops of ginger essential oil and 5 drops of each cardamom and peppermint essential oil. Add one oz of sweet almond oil into that mixture.
You need to mix well and pour it into a roller bottle. You can apply the blend to your stomach area, nostrils, and temples when you feel seasick.
Read More: 15 Essential Oils For Your Bruises Plus How To Use Them
Tips and Precautions
- Apply a little amount of oil to a smaller part of your skin first to check for allergies or irritation.
- Don’t apply undiluted potent oil to your bare skin.
- Be careful when using any of the above remedies for children.
- Keep the bottles of essential oils, roller bottles, or nasal sprays away from children.
- Try to stand or sit in open places from where you can see the horizon while on a trip.
- Avoid heavy meals and too much alcohol and caffeine before going on a trip.
- Also, avoid sweets until you start feeling better.
When You Need to Consult a Doctor
Seasickness is a common issue and usually goes away after the journey. But, if you still have the following symptoms, consult your doctor immediately:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Hearing loss
Final Word
It’s easy to fight off seasickness and let yourself enjoy a long sea voyage. You need to do some extra preparations before going on a trip.
Pack your necessary essential oils to treat seasickness. Also take cotton balls, spray bottles, or other essentials and you are all set for the water trip!
The therapeutic compounds and mind soothing aroma of the essential oils can provide much relief from seasickness.
Read Next: How to Use Essential Oils for Sprains: Natural And Effective Treatment
