By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Motion Sickness
Herbal teas for motion sickness are a natural remedy that helps alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by soothing the digestive system and reducing nausea.
The best herbal teas for motion sickness include Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Passiflora incarnata, Avena sativa, Lavandula angustifolia, Foeniculum vulgare, Cinchona officinalis, Piper methysticum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Valeriana officinalis.
If left untreated, motion sickness can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and even anxiety, negatively impacting daily life, work, and travel plans, affecting overall well-being and quality of life.
1. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with motion sickness because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe the digestive system.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, work to calm the stomach and reduce nausea. By regulating digestive enzymes and improving blood flow, ginger tea helps to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, making it a popular remedy for travelers and individuals prone to seasickness.
Its natural and gentle approach has made it a trusted solution for many.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with motion sickness.
- Gingerols: Gingerols have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have a calming effect on the digestive system and help to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness such as dizziness and disorientation.
- Volatile oils: The volatile oils present in Zingiber officinale teas have a sedative effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce the severity of motion sickness symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes: the underground stem of the plant, are commonly used for their gingerol content which helps to alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Leaves: Leaves: while not as commonly used as the rhyzomes, the leaves of the ginger plant are also used for their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Flowers: Flowers: the flowers of the ginger plant are also used in some teas to help alleviate nausea and motion sickness, although they are less commonly used than the rhyzomes.
2. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with motion sickness because it improves blood flow to the brain, reducing the severity of symptoms.
The flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba may also help to stabilize and regulate blood flow, which is essential for reducing the effects of motion sickness. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to alleviate nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness, promoting a sense of balance and calmness in the body.
This makes Ginkgo biloba teas a popular natural remedy for motion sickness sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with motion sickness.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the inner ear, which are contributing factors to motion sickness.
- Terpenoids: These constituents have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by reducing the severity of nausea and dizziness.
- Bilobalide: This sesquiterpene lactone has been shown to have a stabilizing effect on the inner ear and can help reduce the sensitivity of the balance system, which can contribute to motion sickness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
- Seeds: The seeds are used because they contain bilobalide and ginkgolides, which have anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce motion sickness.
- Buds: The buds are used because they contain flavonoids and terpenoids, similar to the leaves, which help to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness and promote relaxation.
3. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas helps with motion sickness because it contains a unique combination of flavonoids and other compounds that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
The active ingredients in the tea have a sedative effect on the nervous system, which helps to calm the stomach and alleviate nausea. Additionally, the tea's antispasmodic properties can help to regulate the digestive system, further reducing the symptoms of motion sickness.
This natural remedy has been traditionally used to soothe motion sickness and other travel-related ailments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata teas that help with motion sickness.
- Harmane: It has a sedative effect, which can help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Flavonoids: They possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with motion sickness.
- Isoflavones: They act as a natural antispasmodic agent, which can help alleviate nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness by relaxing the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Passiflora incarnata used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Leaves: Used for making teas to alleviate motion sickness due to their sedative and anti-anxiety properties.
- Flowers: Utilized in teas to help manage motion sickness symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, due to their calming effects.
- Roots: Employed in teas to address motion sickness and anxiety by providing a natural source of sedative compounds.
4. Avena sativa
Avena sativa teas helps with motion sickness because it contains a natural compound that works to calm the stomach and reduce nausea.
The active ingredients in Avena sativa, such as avenacosides and avenanthramides, have been shown to have a sedative effect on the digestive system, helping to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.
Additionally, Avena sativa teas can help to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, making it a popular natural remedy for motion sickness sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa teas that help with motion sickness.
- Beta-amylase: Helps to break down starches into easily digestible sugars, reducing nausea and discomfort associated with motion sickness.
- Avenacosides: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the stomach and intestines.
- Furofuran lignans: Acts as a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce histamine release and alleviate symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Avena sativa used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Seeds: Avena sativa seeds are commonly used to make teas due to their high content of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
- Leaves: Avena sativa leaves are used to make teas because they contain a variety of flavonoids and saponins that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to soothe and calm the digestive system during motion sickness.
- Roots: Avena sativa roots are used to make teas because they contain a wealth of bioactive compounds, including saponins and flavonoids, that can help to reduce inflammation, calm the nervous system, and alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
5. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with motion sickness because of its calming and balancing properties.
The herb contains linalool and linalyl acetate, natural compounds that have a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress related to motion sickness. As the body relaxes, the digestive system also calms down, reducing the likelihood of nausea and vomiting.
Additionally, the tea's gentle sedative properties may help regulate the body's internal clock, further alleviating symptoms of motion sickness and promoting a sense of well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with motion sickness.
- Linalool: Acts as a natural anti-emetic, helping to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties, which can help alleviate the anxiety and stress often contributing to motion sickness.
- Perillyl alcohol: Displays anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the inflammation in the inner ear that can contribute to balance and equilibrium problems during motion sickness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for motion sickness due to their calming and soothing properties.
- Flowers: Used to make teas for motion sickness due to their calming and anti-anxiety effects.
- Stems: Used to make teas for motion sickness as they may contain some of the same calming compounds found in the leaves and flowers.
6. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare teas helps with motion sickness because of its natural anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as anethole and fenchone, have been found to have a calming effect on the digestive system and reduce nausea. By soothing the stomach and intestines, Foeniculum vulgare teas can alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, making it a popular remedy among travelers and individuals prone to seasickness.
Its natural properties also help to regulate digestive rhythms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with motion sickness.
- Anethole: This terpene helps alleviate motion sickness by providing anti-emetic properties that counteract nausea and vomiting.
- Bisabolol: Bisabolol's anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects help reduce stomach discomfort and alleviate symptoms associated with motion sickness.
- Foeniculin: Foeniculin's anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the digestive system, reducing nausea and discomfort caused by motion sickness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Foeniculum vulgare used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part for making teas, as they are easily accessible and contain the majority of the essential oils responsible for the medicinal properties.
- Seeds: The seeds are used due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly anethole, which is believed to help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
- Buds: The buds are used as they contain a high amount of essential oils, including anethole, which is thought to provide relief from motion sickness symptoms.
7. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with motion sickness because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which alleviate nausea and discomfort associated with travel.
The tea contains quinine, a compound that has been historically used to treat malaria, and has also been found to have a calming effect on the stomach. By reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive system, Cinchona officinalis teas can provide relief from motion sickness symptoms, making it a popular natural remedy among travelers.
Regular consumption may also help prevent future episodes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with motion sickness.
- Quinic acid: It helps with motion sickness by acting as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Quinine: Quinine helps with motion sickness by acting as a natural antiemetic, reducing the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting caused by motion.
- Quinovic acid glycosides: They help with motion sickness by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Leaves: Containing quinine, a natural antiemetic, which helps alleviate symptoms of motion sickness.
- Leaves: Rich in alkaloids that help reduce nausea and dizziness caused by motion sickness.
- Leaves: Serving as a natural source of quinine, which is effective in treating and preventing motion sickness.
8. Piper methysticum
Piper methysticum teas helps with motion sickness because they contain compounds that have a calming effect on the body and mind.
The tea's active ingredients, such as kavalactones, work to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for motion sickness. By promoting relaxation and balance, Piper methysticum teas can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, including dizziness, nausea, and disorientation.
This natural remedy can provide relief for individuals who experience motion sickness during travel or other activities.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum teas that help with motion sickness.
- Kavain: Helps with motion sickness by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, which can reduce anxiety and nausea associated with motion sickness.
- Dihydromethysticin: Helps with motion sickness by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce the severity of nausea and vomiting.
- Yamamajioside: Helps with motion sickness by acting as a neuroprotective agent, which can help reduce the negative effects of motion on the inner ear and balance organs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Piper methysticum used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Leaves: Used for their anti-inflammatory and sedative properties to help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Rhyzomes: Utilized for their ability to relax muscles and calm the digestive system, reducing the symptoms of motion sickness.
- Roots: Employed for their sedative and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe the stomach and alleviate nausea caused by motion sickness.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with motion sickness because of its unique combination of active compounds, including glycyrrhizin and flavonoids.
These natural substances have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to reduce the severity of motion sickness symptoms.
Additionally, the calming and soothing effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra may help to relax the mind and body, reducing the anxiety and discomfort associated with motion sickness, making it a promising natural remedy for those who experience this common issue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with motion sickness.
- Saponins: Help with motion sickness by reducing nausea and vomiting due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, which alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Flavonoids: Contribute to alleviating motion sickness by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body associated with motion sickness.
- Glycyrrhizin: Relieve motion sickness symptoms by acting as an anti-nausea agent, possibly due to its effect on the gastrointestinal tract and its ability to reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Roots: They are the primary source of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps reduce nausea and alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.
- Rhyzomes: They have a similar composition to roots and also contain glycyrrhizin, making them a suitable alternative for teas.
10. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with motion sickness because it contains a unique combination of compounds that work together to alleviate its symptoms.
The root of the Valeriana officinalis plant, also known as valerian, has been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety. The tea's natural properties help to stabilize the digestive system, reduce nausea and dizziness, and promote a sense of balance and relaxation, making it a popular remedy for motion sickness and travel-related discomfort.
Regular consumption can also improve overall digestive health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with motion sickness.
- Valerenic acid: Helps with motion sickness by having a sedative effect on the nervous system, reducing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Valeranone: Contributes to the anti-motion sickness properties of Valeriana officinalis by exerting a sedative effect on the central nervous system, thereby alleviating symptoms of nausea and dizziness.
- Isovaleryl valeranate: Displays an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect that may help reduce the severity of motion sickness symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for motion sickness.
- Roots: Valerian root is commonly used to make teas for motion sickness because it contains valerenic acid, which has a sedative effect that can help alleviate nausea and dizziness.
- Leaves: Valerian leaves are used to make teas for motion sickness because they have a similar composition to the roots and contain valerenic acid, which helps to calm the digestive system.
- Flowers: Valerian flowers are used to make teas for motion sickness because they are rich in essential oils that have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce nausea and dizziness.