10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Motion Sickness

Herbal essential oils, such as peppermint, ginger, and lavender, are commonly used to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness due to their calming and nausea-reducing properties.

Peppermint oil, in particular, is known for its ability to soothe the digestive system and ease feelings of queasiness. When used in a diffuser or applied topically with a carrier oil, these essential oils can provide natural relief without the side effects of over-the-counter medications. Many people find that inhaling the scent of these oils before or during travel helps prevent or reduce motion sickness symptoms.

However, it is important to use them in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or are severe.

1. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a widely used herb in aromatherapy for its calming and soothing properties.

Its essential oil is particularly valued for its ability to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness, due to its calming effect on the central nervous system. When inhaled, the scent of lavender essential oil can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being, which may ease the discomfort associated with motion sickness. It is often recommended to use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or as a few drops on a tissue near the nose during travel.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or allergies.

2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a versatile herb whose essential oil has been traditionally used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

The essential oil of rosemary contains compounds such as 1,8-cineole and camphor, which are believed to support mental clarity and reduce nausea. When used in aromatherapy, rosemary essential oil may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by stimulating the olfactory system and promoting a sense of calm. It is often diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the wrists or inhaled through a diffuser during travel.

While more research is needed, some studies suggest that rosemary essential oil could be a natural and effective complementary remedy for motion sickness.

3. Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, is a herb that has been traditionally used to support hormonal balance and has shown potential in alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.

While primarily studied for its effects on menstrual health and stress reduction, some preliminary research suggests that its essential oil may have calming properties that could help ease nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness. The essential oil of vitex is often used in aromatherapy, and its soothing aroma may help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being, which can indirectly support the body's ability to manage motion sickness. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy specifically for motion sickness.

As with any herbal remedy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using vitex agnus-castus essential oils, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking medications.

4. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, contains essential oils that have been traditionally used for their calming and digestive properties.

The essential oils derived from its bark and leaves are rich in compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which may help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by reducing nausea and promoting a sense of well-being. Studies suggest that the aromatic compounds in cinnamon oil can stimulate the olfactory system, potentially helping to counteract the disorienting effects of motion. When used in diffusers or applied topically (with a carrier oil), these essential oils may offer a natural remedy for motion sickness.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for individuals with allergies or medical conditions.

5. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Mentha piperita, commonly known as peppermint, is a widely used herb in aromatherapy for its refreshing and invigorating essential oil.

The essential oil of peppermint contains high concentrations of menthol, which has a cooling effect and can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by calming the nervous system. When inhaled, the scent of peppermint oil can help reduce nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness by stimulating the olfactory system and sending signals to the brain's vomiting center. It is often recommended to use peppermint oil in a diffuser, as a topical application, or in a inhaler during travel to provide relief.

While generally safe, individuals with respiratory conditions or skin sensitivities should consult a healthcare professional before using peppermint essential oil.

6. Pogostemon (Pogostemon cablin)

Pogostemon cablin, also known as lemongrass, is a herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its refreshing and calming properties.

Its essential oil, derived through steam distillation, contains compounds like citral and geraniol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. When used for motion sickness, the essential oil of pogostemon cablin is often applied topically or inhaled to help alleviate nausea and dizziness. Some studies suggest that its aromatic compounds may help regulate the central nervous system, reducing the symptoms of motion sickness.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.

7. Citrus sinensis

Citrus sinensis, commonly known as sweet orange, is a botanical source of essential oils that has been explored for its potential to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The essential oil derived from the peel of the fruit contains compounds like limonene and linalool, which are known for their calming and anti-emetic properties. Studies suggest that the aromatic compounds in citrus sinensis essential oil may help reduce nausea and vomiting by influencing the central nervous system and digestive processes. When used in aromatherapy, inhaling the oil can provide a soothing effect, making it a natural alternative for managing motion sickness.

However, individual responses may vary, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils for medical conditions.

8. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as cinnamon, produces a valuable essential oil that has been explored for its potential to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.

The oil contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which may help regulate nausea and vomiting by influencing the central nervous system. Studies suggest that the aromatic properties of cinnamon essential oil can stimulate the olfactory system, potentially counteracting the disorienting effects of motion. When used in diffusers or applied topically, it may offer a natural remedy for those experiencing motion sickness.

However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in this context.

9. Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Anethum graveolens, commonly known as star anise, is a spice and herb that contains essential oils with potential benefits for alleviating motion sickness.

The essential oils derived from its seeds contain compounds such as anethol and limonene, which have been studied for their calming and anti-emetic properties. When used in aromatherapy, these oils may help reduce nausea and vomiting by influencing the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Some research suggests that inhaling the aroma of star anise essential oil can help ease the symptoms of motion sickness by regulating the body's response to motion.

However, more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety for this specific use.

10. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a popular herb whose essential oil has been traditionally used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

The essential oil of thyme contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which are known for their antispasmodic and calming effects on the nervous system. These properties make thyme essential oil a potential natural remedy for motion sickness, as it may help alleviate nausea and reduce the sensation of dizziness associated with travel. When used in aromatherapy, inhaling thyme essential oil can stimulate the limbic system, which is involved in emotional responses and memory, potentially helping to ease the symptoms of motion sickness.

However, it is important to use thyme essential oil with caution, as it is highly concentrated and should always be diluted before application or inhalation.