Homeopathic Remedies for Motion Sickness

Homeopathy, an alternative medicine system, is based on the principle of "like cures like. Homeopathic remedies for motion sickness are determined by the specific symptoms a person is experiencing and come in the form of highly diluted compounds of substances derived from plants, minerals, and animals.

Argentum Nitricum

This substance, which is made from silver nitrate, is believed to relieve dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. It's regarded as especially beneficial for someone who is feeling excitable and anxious. Argentum nitricum also is thought to be help soothe claustrophobia.

Borax

Borax is a type of salt, also called sodium borate. Because it is thought to soothe fear of downward motion, such as when an airplane begins to descend before landing, it is sometimes used for people who experience motion sickness in this or similar situations.

Cocculus Indicus

Cocculus indicus, which is derived from the seeds of a shrub called the Indian cockle, is the homeopathic remedy prescribed most often for motion—especially carsickness, seasickness, or nausea and dizziness brought own by watching moving objects. It's often prescribed when nausea worsens with the sight or smell of food, after becoming cold, or from lack of sleep. Other symptoms targeted by Cocculus indicus are weakness, dizziness, a need to lie down, and an empty or hollow feeling in the stomach.

Kali Bichromicum

This remedy, made from potassium dichromate, is frequently prescribed for seasickness. It's often used for severe nausea and dizziness that worsens with standing up. Kali bichromicum may be prescribed when nausea is accompanied by weakness, achiness in the bony areas of the face or head, and vomit that is bright yellow.

Nux Vomica

This homeopathic remedy for motion sickness is derived from the strychnine tree. It is used for severe nausea accompanied by an intense headache that's centered at the back of the head or over one eye. A person who desires warmth and loathes food, tobacco, and coffee is likely to benefit most from Nux vomica. Other symptoms this remedy may be helpful for are bloating, gagging and retching in which nothing coming up.

Petroleum

Also referred to as parrafin oil, homeopathic petroleum is prescribed for persistent nausea accompanied by an empty feeling in the stomach. There may be excessive salivation, stomach pain, and pain or stiffness at the back of the head or neck. A person may feel worse when exposed to light or noise or when they try to sit up. Homeopathic petroleum is thought to be especially helpful for those whose symptoms subside somewhat when kept warm and after eating.

Rhus Toxicodendron

This remedy is made from the poison ivy plant. It is extremely diluted and will not cause a skin reaction nor is it harmful to ingest. Rhus toxicodendron is often used to treat air sickness when there is nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms helped by this remedy include giddiness when attempting to sit up, an intense headache in the area of the forehead, scalp sensitivity, dry mouth and throat, and extreme thirst.

Tabacum

Tabacum is made from the tobacco plant. It is given when a person is nauseous or faint, whose skin is extremely pale or greenish, feels icy cold or very tired and has a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach. These symptoms may be accompanied by a cold sweat, yellow or yellow-green vomit, and a headache that feels like a tight band pulled around the head. The person may feel better when exposed to cold, fresh air or when closing their eyes.

Using Homeopathy for Motion Sickness

While the FDA has manufacturing and labeling requirements, and does periodic safety checks on homeopathic remedies and supplements, there are many companies out there taking risky shortcuts and manufacturing products not in alignment with these rules; should the FDA encounter them they would be shut down.

If you're considering using a homeopathic remedy for motion sickness, it is worth doing research on brands that follow manufacturing guidelines, and asking your doctor for recommendations. Never give a homeopathic product or dietary supplement or someone who has a chronic medical condition or is taking prescription medication. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding also should speak to their doctor before using a homeopathic remedy for any reason.