money RS Recommends: The Essential Motion Sickness-Relief Products You Should Take on Your Next Trip
After the last few years delayed many travel plans, more people are finally planning their next trip. But whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, nothing can ruin travel more effectively than motion sickness. The good news? You don’t have to power through it, and there’s a new group of products designed to help you feel better fast. Here’s what you need to know about finding the best gear and beyond to relieve motion sickness in no time.
Why Does Motion Sickness Happen?
Motion sickness symptoms might include fatigue, uneasiness, and vomiting, and it can be caused by increased motion that doesn’t really make sense to your brain as it communicates with your body. Put simply, your eyes, inner ears, muscles, and joints are sending conflicting information as you’re traveling because they’re unsure if your body is stationary or moving. It’s this state of confusion that brings on feelings of nausea, which can leave you feeling debilitated and confused, and overall not how you want to feel on a trip.
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How to Beat Motion Sickness
Thankfully, motion sickness is only temporary, and there are ways you can mitigate your symptoms. For example, you may want to opt to be the driver if you’re someone who tends to be nauseous in the passenger’s seat; by driving, you can keep your eyes fixated on the road which may prevent you from feeling sick. If you’re unable to take control, try changing your position (if possible); if you’re standing, try sitting or laying down. Drinking carbonated beverages or enjoying a light snack, like saltine crackers, might soothe the feeling of nausea. You can also try distracting yourself with music or conversing with those around you, though be sure to avoid screens or books, as this might actually make your symptoms worse.
If you need a little extra help in relieving your motion sickness, the good news is that there are a variety of things available, from medicines to patches, that can provide some relief. Below is our list of the best products available to help prevent, and manage, motion sickness-related symptoms.
1. Dramamine Motion Sickness Original
If you want fast-acting relief (or to prevent feeling sick altogether), these over-the-counter tablets treat symptoms so you aren’t left feeling ill when you should be preparing to enjoy yourself. It might cause you to feel drowsy, so we recommend using these when you can delegate driving responsibilities to someone else.
Dramamine
2. Dramamine Ginger Chews
Not a fan of swallowing tablets? Not to worry; Dramamine has an alternative relief option in the form of these soft, lemon-honey-flavored chews.
Dramamine Ginger Chews
3. MQ Motion Sickness Patch
You’ve probably heard of nicotine patches, but did you know about motion sickness patches? Simply attach one behind your ear at least 10 minutes before you plan on traveling to prevent and cure symptoms. These patches last for up to three days and are 100 percent natural, though they’re not recommended for pregnant people or those who have recently had surgery. Just be sure not to get the patch wet. Available in packs of 10, 20, and 30.
MQ Motion Sickness Patch, 30 Count
4. TOULIFLY Travel Wristbands
Whether you’re traveling by land, air, or sea, these wristbands offer a medicine and drowsy-free way to combat the effects of motion sickness almost instantly through the magic of acupressure. The sewn plastic knob puts pressure and stimulates the pressure point on your wrist, which in turn is designed to help relieve you from feeling the effects of motion sickness. Simply slide the bands onto your wrists at any point in your journey, though it is recommended to do so before you start traveling for the best results.
Travel Wristbands
5. Upspring Nausea Relief Drops
These fast-acting candies work similarly to cough drops, quelling the unsettled feeling in your stomach brought on by motion sickness. The winning blend of ginger, lemon, and mint, along with vitamin B6, is every bit as delicious as it is soothing.
Upspring Stomach Settle Nausea Relief Drops
6. Reliefband Classic Anti-Nausea Wristband
At first glance, you might confuse this for a watch, but it’s actually a high-tech, wearable solution to the effects of nausea, whether brought on by anxiety, a hangover, and even motion sickness. To get started, rub some of the hypoallergenic conductivity gel that comes included with the band on the underside of your wrist and put the device on. Once activated, the FDA-cleared band begins sending pulses to stimulate the median nerve (located beneath your skin), which helps prevent feelings of nausea, fatigue, or uneasiness. The pre-installed batteries last up to 150 hours, and will notify the wearer when it’s running low.
Reliefband Classic Anti-Nausea Wristband
7. NEOISM Anti-Motion Sickness Glasses
If you’re not someone who already wears glasses, these anti-motion sickness frames are a lightweight solution to overcoming unpleasant side effects. How do they work? The level of liquid within the frame changes depending on the movement of the vehicle to simulate a horizon in the wearer’s field of vision so their eyes are resynchronized. Pretty nifty, right? Additionally, the frames can be adjusted if needed thanks to the flexible TPE they’re made from.
Neoism Anti-Motion Sickness Glassesfor Adults or Kids
8. Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum
Chewing gum has been a popular way for people to help cure their bad breath as well as manage their anxiety, but Sea-Band’s anti-nausea gum takes the healing properties of ginger to help soothe your upset stomach. Whether you’re preparing to board your boat, plane, or you’re getting in the car, you can leave potential motion sickness firmly behind you so it doesn’t accompany you on your excursion. Not only do many of the over 2,000 five-star reviews highlight the gum’s effectiveness in helping with motion sickness-related symptoms, but even anxiety-induced nausea.
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum
9. Basic Vigor Vertigo Ease Roll-On
Topicals can be an attractive option for those who may not feel comfortable with tablets or medicines. This fast-acting vertigo roll-on helps ease feelings of dizziness and/or nausea brought on by motion sickness. Formulated with lavender, ginger, and essential oils, this roll-on should be applied behind your ears when you start to feel lightheaded or unsettled. Many reviewers highlighted they preferred this method to taking medicine, which brought on feelings of drowsiness that this oil did not.
Basic Vigor Vertigo Ease Roll-On
10. White IN-Haler Nausea Essential Oil
Whether you’re suffering from a headache, upset stomach, or fatigue brought on by motion sickness, these essential oil sticks are a travel-friendly and discreet solution to motion sickness. Instead of applying this directly on the skin, simply take off the cap and inhale the pleasant combination of ginger oil, lemon, and peppermint for fast-acting relief.
Essential Oil Inhaler
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