Last updated: Apr 28, 2024
10 best herbal teas for motion sickness
Certain herbal teas offer reliable relief for motion sickness.
Ginger tea, renowned for its soothing properties, effectively calms the stomach and reduces nausea. Peppermint tea, with its cooling and antispasmodic qualities, alleviates digestive discomfort, making it an ideal choice for those prone to motion sickness. Chamomile tea, known for its calming effects, can also ease stomach irritation, fostering a sense of relaxation during travel.
By incorporating these herbal teas into a daily routine, individuals can significantly minimize the symptoms of motion sickness.
1. Ginger
Ginger, a primary ingredient in ginger tea, contains gingerols and shogaols, compounds known for their ability to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
These active components work by neutralizing gastric contractions and reducing stomach irritability, thereby preventing the onset of motion sickness. Moreover, ginger tea demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and further combat motion sickness symptoms. By promoting the production of digestive enzymes, ginger tea expedites stomach emptying, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of motion sickness.
Furthermore, ginger tea's calming effect on the digestive system results in a notable reduction of motion sickness symptoms such as dizziness, cold sweats, and queasiness.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with motion sickness.
- Rhizomes: Ginger tea's primary ingredient, containing active compounds that aid in alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.
- Leaves: Contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping settle the stomach during motion sickness.
- Flowers: Offer mild sedative qualities, aiding in relaxation during motion sickness.
- Seeds: Contain essential oils and compounds, reducing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Buds: Packed with bioactive compounds and antioxidants that provide relief from motion sickness symptoms.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Gingerols: Gingerols are compounds in ginger that help to reduce nausea and vomiting by acting as a natural antiemetic.
- Shogaols: Shogaols are compounds in ginger that help to relieve motion sickness symptoms by reducing inflammation in the stomach.
- Paradols: Paradols are compounds in ginger that help to soothe the stomach and reduce feelings of queasiness, making them effective in preventing motion sickness.
- Zingerone: Zingerone is a compound in ginger that helps to relax the gastrointestinal muscles, reducing the symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea and vomiting.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for motion sickness.
- Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, then let it steep in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the ginger pieces from the water, leaving behind the ginger-infused liquid.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon to the ginger water, stirring to combine.
- Warm the tea on low heat for 2 minutes, ensuring it doesn't reach a boil.
- Pour the ginger tea into a cup and sip slowly to alleviate motion sickness.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint tea combats motion sickness due to its active ingredient, menthol.
This compound calms the stomach by reducing muscle spasms, promoting the flow of bile, and lessening inflammation. Moreover, menthol's cooling sensation alleviates feelings of nausea. Simultaneously, peppermint tea soothes the nervous system, diminishing anxiety often associated with motion sickness.
Ultimately, the synergistic effects of peppermint tea's components provide a natural, dependable remedy for motion sickness.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with motion sickness.
- Leaves: Contain menthol and menthone, which help to calm the stomach and reduce nausea.
- Flowers: Rich in essential oils that have antispasmodic properties, providing relief from motion sickness symptoms.
- Stems: Contain rosmarinic acid, which aids in reducing inflammation and minimizing motion sickness discomfort.
- Seeds: Packed with antioxidants and have volatile oils that alleviate digestive issues associated with motion sickness.
- Buds: High in menthol, offering rapid relief from nausea, dizziness, and other motion sickness symptoms.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Menthol: A natural compound that has a cooling and calming effect, which can help alleviate the feelings of nausea associated with motion sickness.
- Mentin: A compound that helps relax gastrointestinal muscles, reducing the symptoms of motion sickness such as stomach discomfort and vomiting.
- Limonene: A compound with anti-inflammatory and calming properties, which can help soothe an upset stomach and reduce the feeling of queasiness caused by motion sickness.
- Eugenol: A compound with analgesic and anti-emetic properties, which can help alleviate pain and reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Rosmarinic acid: A compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the stomach lining and reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.
- Luteolin-7-O-glucoside: A compound that has been shown to have anti-emetic effects, which can help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for motion sickness.
- Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a temperature of 208-212°F, for 1-2 minutes.
- Crush 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves or use 1 peppermint tea bag.
- Steep the crushed leaves or tea bag in the boiled water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove the leaves or tea bag.
- Sip the peppermint tea slowly, allowing it to soothe your stomach for immediate relief.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile tea alleviates motion sickness due to its antiemetic and relaxing properties.
This herbal tea contains active compounds like apigenin and bisabolol, which combat nausea and vomiting. Moreover, chamomile's soothing effects on the digestive system reduce symptoms associated with motion sickness. By promoting relaxation and stress reduction, chamomile tea also tackles motion sickness brought on by anxiety or tension.
Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent the inner ear disturbances that cause motion sickness.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with motion sickness.
- Flowers: Contain azulene, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids, providing calming effects on the digestive system, which can help reduce motion sickness.
- Seeds: Contain anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe stomach discomfort caused by motion sickness.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Apigenin: A flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the central nervous system, reducing anxiety and nausea associated with motion sickness.
- Chamazulene: A terpene with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to alleviate gut spasms and discomfort caused by motion sickness.
- Matricin: A precursor to chamazulene, exhibiting antiemetic effects and reducing nausea and vomiting related to motion sickness.
- Bisabolol: A sesquiterpene alcohol with anti-inflammatory and calming properties, helping to soothe digestive system irritation and unease during motion sickness.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for motion sickness.
- Boil 1 cup of water, fresh from the tap, to a rolling boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to a teapot or infuser.
- Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers and steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers, discarding the spent botanicals.
- Sip the hot chamomile tea slowly, allowing it to soothe your stomach and help alleviate motion sickness.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm tea contains rosmarinic acid, a compound that exhibits antiemetic properties, preventing nausea and vomiting.
This herbal tea also boasts calming effects due to its concentration of antioxidants and relaxants, which soothe the nervous system and alleviate motion sickness symptoms. Furthermore, lemon balm tea's ability to reduce anxious feelings helps mitigate motion sickness by minimizing stress responses. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can help decrease inflammation in the stomach lining, lessening motion sickness symptoms.
Lastly, lemon balm tea's antispasmodic effects help relax gastrointestinal muscles, reducing motion-sickness-induced muscle spasms and cramps.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with motion sickness.
- Leaves: Contain rosmarinic acid, which helps reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Flowers: Rich in antioxidants that help soothe the digestive system and alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Stems: Provide tannins that can help reduce inflammation in the stomach, reducing motion sickness.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Rosmarinic acid: Possesses antiemetic properties that help alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.
- Citral: Exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can aid in reducing inflammation in the inner ear, a common cause of motion sickness.
- Neral: Acts as a relaxant and can help reduce anxiety and stress related to motion sickness.
- Geraniol: Has been shown to have calming effects, which may help alleviate the discomfort associated with motion sickness.
- Caffeic acid: Known for its antioxidant properties, which can protect against oxidative stress caused by motion sickness.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for motion sickness.
- Gather 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves and rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Boil 1 cup of water in a teapot or saucepan and add the lemon balm leaves, letting them steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea to remove the leaves, pouring the liquid into a teacup or mug.
- Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired, for added flavor and potential soothing properties.
- Drink the tea while it is still warm, ideally 30 minutes before traveling to prevent motion sickness.
5. Valerian
Valerian tea's effectiveness against motion sickness stems from its natural properties, specifically its ability to alleviate digestive discomfort and regulate nerve function.
The active compounds in valerian root, such as valepotriates and volatile oils, interact positively with the body's nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By calming the vestibular system in the inner ear, this herbal tea can minimize motion-induced nausea. Additionally, valerian tea's antispasmodic qualities soothe the gastrointestinal tract, further alleviating motion sickness symptoms.
Ultimately, by addressing both the mental and physiological aspects of motion sickness, valerian tea offers a holistic remedy for those seeking relief.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in valerian tea that help with motion sickness.
- Roots: Valerian tea's roots contain active compounds that help relax the smooth muscles of the stomach, reducing motion sickness symptoms.
- Rhizomes: The rhizomes of the valerian plant have natural sedative properties that help alleviate anxiety and nausea caused by motion sickness.
- Leaves: Valerian leaves have been used for centuries to treat digestive issues, making them ideal for reducing motion sickness symptoms.
- Flowers: Valerian flowers contain volatile oils that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Valerenic acid: Interacts with receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and nausea.
- Valepotriates: Possess anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties that help alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Isovaleric acid: Acts as a muscle relaxant and reduces intestinal spasms that contribute to motion sickness.
- Bornyl acetate: Exhibits anti-emetic effects and helps alleviate feelings of nausea.
- Acetoin: Enhances GABA receptor activity, which has a calming effect that helps prevent motion sickness.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for motion sickness.
- In a teapot, combine 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root with 8 ounces of boiling water.
- Steep the mixture, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse.
- Strain the tea to remove the valerian root pieces.
- Pour the strained tea into a cup, and let it cool to a drinkable temperature.
- Drink the valerian tea up to three times a day, as needed, to alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
6. Licorice
Licorice tea combats motion sickness due to its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin.
This compound soothes the stomach lining and reduces inflammation, alleviating nausea and discomfort. Moreover, glycyrrhizin affects the nervous system, regulating hormone levels responsible for triggering motion sickness.
Additionally, licorice tea provides hydration and electrolytes, replenishing the body and supporting overall balance. Its calming properties further contribute to relieving stress and anxiety, common factors that exacerbate motion sickness symptoms.
Ultimately, licorice tea's multifaceted benefits make it an effective natural remedy for motion sickness.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with motion sickness.
- Rhizomes: Contain glycyrrhizin, which helps to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea.
- Roots: Rich in flavonoids that aid in digestion and alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Leaves: Have antispasmodic properties, helping to relax the gastrointestinal tract and reduce motion sickness.
- Seeds: Contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help in managing motion sickness and related discomfort.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Glycyrrhizin: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce inflammation in the stomach, which can cause motion sickness.
- Liquiritigenin: Functions as an antiemetic, preventing vomiting and nausea associated with motion sickness.
- Glabridin: Helps alleviate anxiety and stress, common factors that can trigger motion sickness.
- Licochalcone: Possesses anti-spasmodic properties, helping to relax the gastrointestinal tract and reduce motion sickness symptoms.
- Isoliquiritigenin: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the stomach lining from damage caused by motion sickness.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for motion sickness.
- Measure - Pour 8 ounces of water into a teapot.
- Boil - Bring the water to a boil using a stove or kettle.
- Steep - Add 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root to a tea infuser and submerge in the boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain - Remove the tea infuser and discard the licorice root.
- Serve - Drink the licorice tea while warm, up to three times a day as needed for motion sickness relief.
7. Anise
Anise tea provides relief from motion sickness due to its active compound, anethole, which resembles the human neurotransmitter dopamine.
This compound helps regulate nausea and vomiting by acting on the vomiting center in the brain. Additionally, anise tea promotes the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in proper digestion and reducing motion-induced stomach discomfort. Furthermore, its calming properties soothe the nervous system, alleviating anxiety and tension that can exacerbate motion sickness symptoms.
Lastly, anise tea's carminative effects diminish gastric spasms and bloating, ensuring a smoother digestive process during travel.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in anise tea that help with motion sickness.
- Seeds: Anise tea made from these seeds is commonly used for treating motion sickness due to its antispasmodic and carminative properties that help reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Leaves: The leaves of the anise tea plant are used in medicinal teas for motion sickness as they contain anti-emetic compounds that alleviate symptoms such as queasiness and dizziness.
- Flowers: Infusions prepared with anise tea flowers provide relief from motion sickness by acting on the digestive system and reducing inflammation, hence controlling symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain.
- Rhizomes: As a vital part of the anise tea plant, rhizomes are beneficial in medicinal teas for motion sickness because of their tonic effects, promoting digestion and reducing spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Bark: Utilized in medicinal teas for motion sickness, anise tea bark contains essential oils and other bioactive compounds that help alleviate symptoms by calming the digestive system and soothing the stomach.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in anise tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Anethole: Acts as a natural antispasmodic, helping to relieve the stomach spasms that can cause motion sickness.
- Methyl chavicol: Possesses anti-emetic properties, reducing the feelings of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Anisaldehyde: Helps to reduce inflammation in the stomach lining, providing relief from the discomfort of motion sickness.
- Phenylpropanoids: Aid in the relaxation of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms of motion sickness.
- Limonene: Contributes to the reduction of anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate symptoms of motion sickness.
- \-pinene: Supports respiratory function, promoting easier breathing and reducing feelings of suffocation during motion sickness.
- \-Beta-caryophyllene: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the digestive tract caused by motion sickness.
- \-Estragole: Acts as a natural pain reliever, alleviating abdominal pain associated with motion sickness.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic anise tea for motion sickness.
- Boil 1 cup of water in a tea kettle or pot, which typically takes 3-5 minutes on a stovetop.
- Add 1 teaspoon of crushed anise seeds to a tea infuser or a tea ball.
- Pour the boiling water over the anise seeds in a teacup and steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the tea infuser or tea ball from the teacup.
- Consume the anise tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day, to help alleviate motion sickness.
8. Fennel
Fennel tea combats motion sickness due to its powerful carminative and gastric properties.
This herbal infusion relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Fennel contains volatile oils, including anethole, which act as antispasmodics, soothing stomach muscles and alleviating motion-induced discomfort. Furthermore, fennel tea's calming effect on the digestive system helps balance internal secretions, countering the negative impacts of motion sickness.
Finally, this soothing tea promotes overall relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with motion-related queasiness.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in fennel tea that help with motion sickness.
- Seeds: Fennel seeds contain oils that help settle the stomach and reduce nausea, making them an effective ingredient in medicinal tea for motion sickness.
- Leaves: The leaves of the fennel plant have calming properties that help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, making them a popular addition to medicinal teas.
- Rhyzomes: Fennel rhyzomes are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe an upset stomach and reduce motion sickness symptoms.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Anethole: Acts as a antiemetic, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Fenchone: Calms the stomach and soothes digestion, reducing motion sickness symptoms.
- Limonene: Helps to relieve anxiety and stress, common in motion sickness.
- Estragole: Aids in reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, alleviating motion sickness.
- Alpha-pinene: Improves mental clarity and focus, helping to combat motion sickness-induced confusion.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel tea for motion sickness.
- Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh fennel seeds or 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds.
- Boil 1 cup of water and add the fennel seeds.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea, discarding the seeds.
- Drink the tea warm, up to three times a day as needed.
9. Cloves
Cloves tea aids motion sickness due to its active chemical compounds, primarily eugenol, that stabilize the stomach.
This spice's volatile oils address the imbalance in the inner ear, a primary cause of motion sickness. Furthermore, cloves contain anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated digestive tract lining, reducing symptoms of nausea. Drinking this warm beverage activates the vagus nerve, which eases the symptoms and promotes overall well-being.
In sum, cloves tea alleviates motion sickness by counteracting the symptoms through its chemical components and calming effects.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in cloves tea that help with motion sickness.
- Buds: Contain high levels of eugenol, a compound known to have anti-emetic properties that help alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and essential oils, have calming and soothing effects on the stomach, reducing nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness.
- Seeds: Packed with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds, the seeds help soothe digestive discomfort and relieve motion sickness symptoms.
- Flowers: Contain tannins and volatile oils that work together to reduce inflammation and provide relief from symptoms such as nausea and dizziness.
- Stems: Provide benefits through their essential oils, which soothe the digestive system and reduce the severity of motion sickness symptoms.
- Bark: Contains eugenol, a compound known to help alleviate nausea and vomiting, making it suitable for treating motion sickness symptoms.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in cloves tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Eugenol: This compound acts as a natural antiemetic, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Acetyl eugenol: This compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness such as dizziness and headaches.
- Kaempferol: This flavonoid has been found to have antispasmodic effects, helping to relax the gastrointestinal tract and relieve symptoms of motion sickness.
- Oleanolic acid: This compound has been shown to have antiemetic properties, helping to reduce the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting.
- Ursolic acid: This compound exhibits anticholinergic activity, which can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness such as excessive sweating, salivation, and tear production.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cloves tea for motion sickness.
- Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes.
- Add 3-5 crushed cloves to the boiling water, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the cloves.
- Optional: Add honey or lemon to taste for improved flavor.
- Sip the tea slowly, letting it soothe motion sickness symptoms.
10. Skullcap
Skullcap tea reduces motion sickness through its active compounds, such as flavonoids and saponins, which regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
This herbal tea, derived from Scutellaria lateriflora, contains antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating symptoms of nausea, dizziness, and vomiting associated with motion sickness. Moreover, skullcap tea's calming effects on the central nervous system can help restore balance, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Its long-standing traditional use as a medicinal remedy for various ailments, including motion sickness, further supports its effectiveness.
By consuming skullcap tea before travel, individuals can effectively prevent and manage motion sickness symptoms.
Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with motion sickness.
- Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants and volatile oils that help soothe the stomach and alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that aid in reducing inflammation and nausea in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Seeds: Packed with essential fatty acids and nutrients that help regulate digestion and alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Stems: Contain active compounds that help relax the smooth muscles of the digestive system to reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.
- Rhizomes: A rich source of antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to quell motion sickness symptoms and settle the stomach.
The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with motion sickness.
- Flavonoids: These antioxidant compounds help reduce inflammation and nausea by regulating the body's response to motion.
- Melatonin: A natural neurohormone found in skullcap, melatonin helps regulate circadian rhythms, reducing motion sickness symptoms.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds have anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrheal properties, helping alleviate motion-induced stomach issues.
- Sesquiterpenes: These compounds are known to have antispasmodic properties, which can help soothe muscle spasms and reduce motion-sickness-related nausea.
- Phenolic acids: Acting as natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, phenolic acids help provide relief from motion sickness symptoms.
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for motion sickness.
- Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons of crushed skullcap leaves to the boiling water.
- Steep the mixture, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow for active compounds extraction.
- Strain the tea to remove leaves, then let it cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Drink the skullcap tea, sipping slowly, for motion sickness relief.