10 Best Herbal Creams For Motion Sickness

Herbal creams for motion sickness are topical treatments that incorporate natural ingredients believed to help alleviate symptoms such as nausea and dizziness.

These creams often contain herbs like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, which are known for their soothing and anti-nausea properties. Unlike oral medications, herbal creams offer a non-invasive alternative that can be applied directly to the skin for localized relief. They are generally considered safe for most people, though individuals with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before use.

While they may not replace prescription medications, herbal creams can be a useful complementary therapy for managing motion sickness symptoms.

1. Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum verum, also known as true cinnamon, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its soothing and calming properties.

When incorporated into herbal creams, cinnamon can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by promoting relaxation and reducing nausea. These creams are often applied topically to the wrists, temples, or chest, where the aromatic compounds can be absorbed through the skin. The warming sensation of cinnamon may help ease the discomfort associated with motion sickness by stimulating circulation and easing tension.

While not a substitute for medical treatment, cinnamon-based creams can serve as a natural and complementary option for managing mild cases of motion sickness.

2. Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chaste tree, has been traditionally used for its potential calming and regulatory effects on the nervous system.

Some herbal creams containing vitex agnus-castus are marketed for their ability to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness, by supporting the body's natural balance. These creams are often applied topically to the temples, wrists, or neck, where they are believed to help ease the physical and emotional stress associated with motion sickness. While there is limited scientific evidence directly linking vitex to motion sickness relief, many users report a sense of comfort and reduced discomfort when using these products.

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

3. Piper nigrum

Piper nigrum, commonly known as black pepper, contains compounds like piperine that may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by stimulating digestive enzymes and improving gastric motility.

While there is limited scientific research specifically on piper nigrum herbal creams for motion sickness, some traditional remedies use black pepper in formulations to ease nausea and vomiting. These creams are typically applied topically to the wrists or temples, where they are believed to help absorb into the bloodstream and provide relief. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using such creams, especially for children or individuals with sensitive skin.

Despite its traditional use, more clinical studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of piper nigrum herbal creams in treating motion sickness.

4. Cuminum cyminum

Cuminum cyminum, commonly known as cumin, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its digestive and calming properties.

While cumin itself is not typically used in creams, some herbal formulations may incorporate cumin essential oil or other related ingredients to address symptoms of motion sickness. These creams often aim to soothe nausea and ease the discomfort associated with travel by leveraging the aromatic and anti-spasmodic effects of natural ingredients. However, it is important to note that scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of cumin-based creams for motion sickness is limited.

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

5. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has long been used in traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

Herbal creams containing ginger extract are formulated to provide a topical application of its active compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, which may help reduce nausea and vomiting. These creams are often applied to the wrists, temples, or chest area, where the absorption of the active ingredients is believed to be most effective. While some studies suggest that ginger can be beneficial for motion sickness, the effectiveness of topical creams compared to oral ginger supplements remains a topic of ongoing research.

Nonetheless, many people find relief from motion sickness symptoms through the use of zingiber officinale herbal creams as a natural and non-invasive remedy.

6. Citrus aurantium

Citrus aurantium, also known as bitter orange, has been traditionally used in herbal remedies for its potential anti-nausea properties.

Citrus aurantium herbal creams are formulated with extracts from the plant's fruit and are applied topically to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. These creams are believed to work by stimulating the skin's receptors and promoting a calming effect on the nervous system. While some studies suggest that the active compounds in citrus aurantium may help reduce nausea, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy for motion sickness.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

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

When incorporated into creams, glycyrrhiza glabra may offer relief for symptoms associated with motion sickness by reducing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract. These creams are often applied topically to the abdomen or wrists, where they can help alleviate nausea and discomfort caused by motion sickness. While scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for motion sickness is limited, many users report a calming effect from licorice-based topical treatments.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for individuals with known allergies or medical conditions.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba herbal creams are topical products derived from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, known for their potential to improve circulation and cognitive function.

While primarily used for conditions like dementia and circulatory disorders, some formulations incorporate ginkgo biloba into creams aimed at alleviating symptoms of motion sickness. These creams are believed to work by enhancing blood flow and reducing the severity of nausea through localized application on the skin. However, scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for motion sickness is limited, and results may vary among individuals.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for those with existing medical conditions or on medication.

9. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is traditionally used in herbal remedies for its potential immune-boosting properties.

While it is more widely recognized for treating colds and infections, some herbal creams containing echinacea purpurea have been explored for their possible soothing effects on skin irritation. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of echinacea purpurea herbal creams specifically for motion sickness. Motion sickness typically involves symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and sweating, which are not directly addressed by echinacea-based products.

As a result, while echinacea purpurea may offer general wellness benefits, it is not a recommended or effective treatment for motion sickness.

10. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, has been traditionally used for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in herbal creams designed to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

These creams often combine lavender essential oil with other natural components like chamomile or peppermint to enhance their effectiveness in reducing nausea and dizziness. The aromatic compounds in lavender are believed to work by calming the nervous system and easing the discomfort associated with motion sickness. When applied topically to the wrists or temples, these creams can provide a gentle, non-invasive relief for those experiencing motion sickness during travel.

While not a cure, lavender-based creams offer a natural and accessible option for managing the symptoms of motion sickness.