10 Best Herbal Baths For Motion Sickness

Herbal baths can be a soothing and natural remedy for alleviating symptoms of motion sickness by promoting relaxation and reducing nausea.

Certain herbs such as lavender, peppermint, and chamomile are known for their calming properties and may help ease the discomfort associated with motion sickness when used in bath form. Adding a few drops of essential oils or dried herbs to warm water can create a calming environment that helps ease anxiety and dizziness. These baths work by stimulating the senses and encouraging a sense of well-being, which can counteract the effects of motion sickness.

While herbal baths are not a cure, they can serve as a complementary therapy to support overall comfort during travel or situations that trigger motion sickness.

1. Black pepper (Piper nigrum)

Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The essential oils and compounds found in black pepper, such as piperine, are believed to have stimulating and digestive properties that may help reduce nausea. When incorporated into a warm bath, the aromatic compounds can be absorbed through the skin, potentially calming the nervous system and easing motion-induced discomfort. Some practitioners suggest adding a few drops of black pepper essential oil to bath water for its grounding and soothing effects.

While more research is needed to confirm its efficacy, many people find relief from motion sickness through this natural and holistic approach.

2. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for various health conditions, including hormonal imbalances and menstrual disorders.

While it is not a direct treatment for motion sickness, some studies suggest that its calming properties may help alleviate nausea and anxiety, which are common symptoms during motion sickness. Herbal baths infused with vitex can promote relaxation and ease digestive discomfort, potentially offering relief from the discomfort associated with motion sickness. These baths are typically prepared by steeping the dried herb in hot water and then adding it to a warm bath, allowing the aromatic compounds to be absorbed through the skin.

Although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy for motion sickness, vitex agnus-castus may be a complementary option for those seeking natural remedies to manage nausea and stress-related symptoms.

3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The refreshing scent of peppermint is believed to stimulate the senses and help reduce nausea by calming the nervous system. When incorporated into a bath, the aromatic compounds from peppermint leaves can be absorbed through the skin, promoting a sense of relaxation and easing motion-induced discomfort. A warm peppermint herbal bath can also help soothe the digestive system, which is often affected during episodes of motion sickness.

While not a substitute for medical treatment, peppermint baths may offer a natural and soothing remedy for those experiencing mild motion sickness symptoms.

4. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The essential oils derived from cinnamon bark are believed to have calming and soothing properties that may ease nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness. When infused into bath water, the aromatic compounds can be inhaled, providing a natural remedy that promotes relaxation and reduces discomfort. These baths are often recommended for their ability to ease the symptoms of seasickness, car sickness, or air travel sickness.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using cinnamon-based treatments, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or existing health conditions.

5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness due to its potential antiemetic properties.

When incorporated into herbal baths, ginger is believed to help soothe the body and reduce nausea through its calming and circulatory benefits. The aromatic compounds in ginger may interact with the senses, potentially easing the disorienting effects of motion. To prepare a ginger herbal bath, fresh or dried ginger root can be simmered in water and then added to a warm bath, allowing the steam and essential oils to be absorbed through the skin.

While not a substitute for conventional remedies, ginger baths may offer a natural, complementary approach to managing motion sickness symptoms.

6. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is a herb traditionally used for its calming properties and is sometimes incorporated into herbal baths to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

When added to warm water, valerian root is believed to promote relaxation and reduce nausea by calming the nervous system. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically supporting its use for motion sickness, some individuals report finding relief from its soothing effects during travel. Herbal baths with valerian may also help ease anxiety and stress, which are common contributors to motion sickness.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially for those with existing medical conditions or who are taking other medications.

7. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The aromatic compounds in rosemary, such as cineole and camphor, are believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help reduce nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness. When used in a bath, the steam from rosemary-infused water can help stimulate the senses and promote a sense of relaxation, aiding in the body's natural balance. However, it is important to note that while some anecdotal evidence supports its use, scientific studies on rosemary baths specifically for motion sickness are limited.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using rosemary baths, especially for individuals with known allergies or medical conditions.

8. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

When incorporated into herbal baths, licorice root can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by promoting relaxation and reducing nausea through its calming effects on the nervous system. The essential oils and compounds found in licorice root may help ease the body's response to motion-induced stress and discomfort. To prepare a licorice root bath, steep the dried root in hot water for several hours, then add the infused liquid to a warm bath, allowing the beneficial compounds to be absorbed through the skin.

While not a substitute for medical treatment, licorice root baths may offer a natural and complementary approach to managing motion sickness symptoms.

9. Citrus sinensis

Citrus sinensis, commonly known as the sweet orange, has been traditionally used in herbal baths to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The essential oils extracted from the peel of the fruit contain compounds like limonene and linalool, which are believed to have calming and anti-nausea properties. When infused into bath water, these oils can be absorbed through the skin, promoting relaxation and reducing the sensation of nausea. Herbal baths with citrus sinensis are often recommended for their soothing aroma and ability to ease the stress associated with motion sickness.

While not a cure, these baths may offer a natural and complementary approach to managing motion sickness symptoms.

10. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

While it is more widely recognized for its role in culinary and medicinal supplements, curcuma longa herbal baths have been explored as a natural remedy for motion sickness. The essential oils and compounds in turmeric, such as curcumin, may help soothe the nervous system and reduce nausea when absorbed through the skin during a bath. Some proponents suggest that the calming effects of turmeric in bath water can ease the symptoms of motion sickness by promoting relaxation and improving circulation.

However, more scientific research is needed to fully validate the effectiveness of curcuma longa baths as a treatment for motion sickness.