Motion sickness can turn any journey into an uncomfortable experience, causing nausea, dizziness, headaches, and general fatigue. Fortunately, several simple, non-medication methods can help ease these symptoms almost immediately. Below are eight proven remedies you can try before or during your trip.

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1. Using Citrus Peels (Orange, Tangerine, Lemon)

Many people who are sensitive to the smell of fuel or the enclosed air inside cars become nauseous quickly. Citrus fruits such as tangerines, oranges, and lemons contain natural essential oils that help refresh the senses and reduce discomfort.

About an hour before traveling, peel a tangerine and keep the peel. Gently fold the peel to release its aromatic oils, then inhale the scent. During the trip, continue to squeeze the peel occasionally to maintain the calming effect.
This approach is widely used in aromatherapy, which has been shown to reduce nausea in some individuals (Source: Mayo Clinic).

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2. Using Bread to Reduce Nausea

Bread is also a surprisingly effective method for easing motion sickness. If you begin to feel dizzy or nauseated, simply smell a piece of freshly baked bread.

Eating a small amount can also help. When you consume bread, the pancreas releases trypsin, which interacts with amino acids and helps stabilize the nervous system. In addition, having a small, bland snack can settle the stomach, which aligns with recommendations from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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3. Drinking Ginger Water

Ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea, recommended even by major health institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and NHS UK.

You can drink a small cup of warm ginger water 30 minutes before starting your journey. Ginger candies or lozenges may help as well, although ginger water is usually more potent. Ginger works by improving digestion and reducing signals that trigger nausea.

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4. Using Betel Leaves

Betel leaves have a warming effect, which helps soothe discomfort caused by motion sickness.

Before getting on the vehicle, crush 3–4 betel leaves and place them on the navel. Cover with a clean cloth or gauze and secure with medical tape. The warmth stimulates blood flow and reduces feelings of nausea.

You can also carry a few leaves to smell occasionally to mask unpleasant odors, which is helpful for people sensitive to fuel smells.

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5. Choosing the Right Seat

Your seating position can significantly affect your comfort level. To reduce motion sickness:

• Sit in the front seats of a car where there is less vibration.

• On a boat, choose the upper deck or the middle-rear area to avoid strong engine smells and excessive rocking.

• Try to focus on the road or the horizon instead of looking down or closing your eyes for long periods.

These seat-selection strategies are backed by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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6. Looking Outside to Stabilize Balance

When traveling, keeping your eyes on distant objects—such as the horizon—helps your brain synchronize visual information with the motion your body feels. This reduces sensory conflict, the main cause of motion sickness.

Avoid looking at your phone or reading, as this often makes symptoms worse.

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7. Acupressure: Pressing the Nei-Guan (P6) and He-Gu (LI4) Points

Acupressure is a traditional technique supported by some modern studies for reducing nausea. It is commonly applied in both Eastern medicine and Western integrative health practices (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine).

How to find the P6 (Nei-Guan) point:

1. Place three fingers below the crease of your wrist.

2. The point just beneath your index finger is the P6 point.

3. Press firmly for 4–5 seconds and release. Repeat for several minutes.

How to find the LI4 (He-Gu) point:

• Located between the thumb and index finger, at the end of the natural crease where the two fingers meet.

• Press firmly for 2–3 seconds, rest, and repeat for 1–3 minutes.

This method may relieve nausea, bloating, dizziness, and stomach discomfort.

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8. Avoid These Foods and Drinks Before Traveling

Lychee, egg yolks, and soy milk

These foods contain sugars and compounds that can ferment or create a feeling similar to intoxication, increasing nausea during travel.

Greasy or heavy foods

Eating too much or consuming oily foods forces the digestive system to work hard. Blood flows toward the stomach instead of the brain, increasing dizziness and discomfort.
This advice is consistent with recommendations from Mayo Clinic and NHS UK.

Strong-smelling foods

Foods with intense odors—like durian or alcoholic dishes—can worsen nausea, especially in closed vehicles.

Carbonated drinks and milk tea

Soda and milk tea cause bloating and indigestion, which easily triggers vomiting. It’s best to avoid them both before and during travel.

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Conclusion

Motion sickness can be extremely uncomfortable, but applying these simple, natural techniques can greatly reduce symptoms without the need for medication. By choosing suitable foods, controlling your environment, and using natural remedies like citrus peels, ginger, and acupressure, you can enjoy long journeys much more comfortably and confidently.