How to relieve motion sickness with essential oils?
Traveling should be synonymous with pleasure, escape, and discovery. Yet, for many people, every journey by car, boat, plane, or train turns into a real ordeal. Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, feelings of unease ... Motion sickness, this uncomfortable experience that almost everyone will experience at least once in their life, can affect children and adults alike, sometimes spoiling the excitement of departures or the tranquility of vacations.
Fortunately, there are natural, gentle and effective remedies for these problems. Among them, Essential Oils stand out for their soothing, digestive and balancing properties . When used properly, they help combat motion sickness , prevent movement-related disorders and finally allow you to travel with complete peace of mind.
Understanding Motion Sickness
What is motion sickness?
Also known as " motion sickness ," motion sickness is a benign but uncomfortable condition that occurs when the brain receives conflicting information about movement. It can occur during car, boat, plane, train, or even mountain travel , and affects both children and adults. While some are highly susceptible, others can travel without experiencing any symptoms.
Before looking for ways to combat this discomfort, it's important to understand its origins: motion sickness results from an imbalance between the signals sent by the eyes, the inner ear, and the nervous system. Normally, these organs work together to help us understand where we are in space. But when they become unsynchronized—for example, when reading while driving—the brain struggles to interpret the situation. It's this confusion that causes feelings of nausea, dizziness, or unease.
Causes of motion sickness
Motion sickness is caused by what is called sensory conflict . Specifically, your inner ear, which is responsible for balance, registers the vehicle's movements, while your eyes may perceive a static scene (for example, a phone screen or the pages of a book on the road). These two types of contradictory information are transmitted to the brain, which is no longer able to interpret the situation correctly.
Certain factors can aggravate this desynchronization: poor vehicle ventilation, strong odors (gasoline, food, perfume), cornering, stress , or even an empty or overly full stomach. In addition, children, pregnant women , and anxious individuals are often more vulnerable to these sensory disturbances.
Signs and symptoms to recognize
The most common signs are:
- Nausea, even vomiting;
- Dizziness;
- Sudden fatigue;
- Hot flashes;
- Headaches;
- Hypersalivation;
- Excessive sweating;
- Anxiety ;
- Tinnitus.
The benefits of essential oils against motion sickness
Why choose essential oils?
Essential oils are appreciated for their rapid, natural and targeted action. Anti-nausea, digestive, calming or invigorating , they act effectively on motion sickness without serious side effects.
The mechanisms of action of essential oils
By olfaction , cutaneous application or sometimes orally , essential oils act directly on the autonomic nervous system . Some regulate digestion, others calm stress or improve sensory balance.
Discover all our essential oils to create your natural travel kit.
The Best Essential Oils to Combat Motion Sickness
Peppermint: to soothe nausea
Peppermint Essential Oil is one of the most effective essential oils for combating motion sickness . The essential oil has a refreshing, digestive and invigorating effect . It is also very useful in cases of headaches related to travel thanks to its decongestant properties.
Uses of Peppermint Essential Oil :
- Inhalation directly from the bottle;
- On an inhaler stick ;
- Orally (1 drop of essential oil under the tongue);
Contraindications : In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old and people with epilepsy.
Ginger: an ally against the symptoms of motion sickness
Highly valued in aromatherapy, Ginger Essential Oil helps stimulate the digestive system and prevent nausea.
Use of Ginger Essential Oil :
For inhalation: a few drops on an inhaler stick.
Contraindications : In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old
True Lavender: to soothe stress and anxiety
Stress, apprehension, or nervous tension before a journey can aggravate motion sickness. True Lavender Essential Oil helps soothe the nervous system, reduce tension, and promote a state of calm conducive to travel.
Use of True Lavender Essential Oil :
By smell: 1 drop of Essential Oil on the wrists, then take a deep breath.
Contraindications: In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old
Lemon: to aid digestion and prevent nausea
Lemon , in the form of Essence, is a safe bet for the digestive system. It helps to tone, refresh and fight against feelings of drowsiness .
Use this Essence for motion sickness thanks to its digestive and anti-nausea properties.
How to use it? By smell: 4 to 8 drops on an inhaler stick and inhale as many times as necessary.
Orally: 1 drop in a teaspoon of organic honey.
Contraindications: In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old
Exotic Basil: to relieve digestive spasms
Less well known but just as valuable, Exotic Basil Essential Oil helps to calm spasms and reduces feelings of heaviness or discomfort .
Ideally used in synergy with other Essential Oils.
Contraindications: In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding women, children under 6 years old
Ways to Use Essential Oils for Motion Sickness
Skin application and application points
Dilute 1 drop of essential oil in a few drops of vegetable oil (sweet almond, hazelnut, etc.) then apply to:
- The wrists;
- The solar plexus;
- Behind the ears;
Inhalation: a simple and effective method
Breathe directly from the bottle or through a soaked tissue. This method acts quickly on the nervous system and the digestive system. It's also discreet and can be used in public places or while traveling without disturbing others.
Diffusion: for a peaceful environment
In the car or in a room, diffuse a few drops of essential oils of your choice (Mint, True Lavender, Lemon Tree, etc.) for an anti-nausea and overall relaxing effect.
Preparation of synergies and suggestions
On an inhaler stick , add:
- 2 drops of Peppermint;
- 4 drops of Lemon Tree Essence;
- 2 drops of Ginger;
This synergy acts on digestion, nausea, and mental vitality while traveling. A complete aromatic treatment to slip into every travel bag! These three essential oils with digestive-stimulating properties help improve digestion and reduce feelings of nausea common when traveling by car, boat, or plane.
Take a breath from the stick as soon as you feel the need.
Contraindications: Pregnant women - breastfeeding women - children under 6 years old and people with epilepsy.
Practical advice and precautions for use
Respect the recommended dosages
- Always dilute essential oils for cutaneous use;
- Respect the recommended dosages ;
- Test in the crease of the elbow 24 hours before any first application;
- Never apply in the eyes or on mucous membranes;
- Avoid in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women (except on medical advice)
Peppermint Essential Oil is not recommended for people with epilepsy.
Caution: sensitive people: children and pregnant women
Some oils are contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under 6 years old. In such cases, it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Important considerations before use
Always perform a skin tolerance test in the crease of the elbow 24 hours before use. Never apply pure essential oil to mucous membranes or eyes.
Complementary natural tips
Breathing and relaxation
Conscious breathing is a valuable tool for calming the physical and mental tensions that often cause or aggravate motion sickness. Practicing slow, deep, and rhythmic breathing helps soothe the autonomic nervous system, reduce anxiety, and oxygenate the brain more effectively .
Before you start or as soon as you feel uncomfortable, make yourself comfortable and focus on abdominal breathing: inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 4 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat this cycle for 3 to 5 minutes.
Listening to soft music, white noise, or practicing a short cardiac coherence session via a mobile application can also promote overall relaxation and reinforce the effectiveness of this calming breathing.
Favorable food and beverage choices
Diet plays a crucial role in managing motion sickness. An overly full stomach or one irritated by rich, fatty, or strongly odorous foods can exacerbate nausea.
Before the trip, choose a light meal , consisting of easily digestible foods: toast, rice, or a banana, for example. Dry foods like plain biscuits can also help stabilize the stomach during the trip, provided you eat them in reasonable quantities.
Ginger, in particular, is known for its natural antiemetic properties . It can be consumed as a herbal tea, in capsules, or in the form of candied pieces to be chewed regularly during the trip, again without excessive quantities.
Finally, remember to hydrate regularly , preferably with small sips of water, to avoid dehydration which can accentuate symptoms of dizziness or fatigue.
Pressure points and massage
Acupressure is a simple and effective method derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Point P6, also called Nei Guan, is particularly recognized for its action against nausea and vomiting.
It is located three finger widths below the wrist crease, between the two central tendons of the forearm. To stimulate it:
- Place your thumb on this point;
- Apply firm but not painful pressure;
- Perform circular movements for 1 to 2 minutes;
Repeat this massage as needed, on one or both wrists.
Acupressure bracelets are also available in pharmacies or specialist stores: they exert continuous pressure on the P6 point and can be worn throughout the journey.
In addition, a self-massage of the solar plexus, trapezius muscles or neck, with or without essential oil (diluted), helps to release tension and improve general comfort during travel.
Motion sickness affects many people and can turn a simple journey into a real ordeal. Fortunately, nature provides you with powerful and well-tolerated remedies .
Essential oils for motion sickness , such as Peppermint, Ginger, or Lemon, are true allies. Inhaled, massaged, or diffused, they gently soothe the body.
Combined with simple actions: breathing , hydration, appropriate nutrition and acupressure, they transform your journeys into moments of tranquility. Follow these tips to make every trip a more peaceful experience.
Before your next trip, let nature guide you and consider bringing a suitable essential oil with you. It will be your discreet but precious companion, ready to support you at every turn.
Before your next departure, remember to take a suitable essential oil with you, to create your natural well-being kit and savor every moment of the trip.
