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Car sickness—ugh. If you’ve ever had your fun road trip ruined by that awful wave of nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness, you’re not alone. I’m one of those unfortunate folks who have had to figure out what works through trial and error. Luckily, over the years, I’ve gathered some tried-and-true homemade treatments and prevention tips for car sickness that actually help. Here’s how to stop motion sickness in its tracks—or at least give it a serious delay.
Ginger: The Gold Standard Remedy
Ginger has been my go-to remedy for calming a queasy stomach. It’s a natural anti-nausea hero and as effective as many over-the-counter remedies. You can take it a few different ways.
- Suck on spicy ginger candy
- Sip warm ginger tea before (or during) the drive
- Take ginger capsules (available at most pharmacies and health food stores)
Just be sure to follow dosage directions if you’re going the capsule route. Ginger works best when taken before symptoms start.
Eat a Protein-Packed Meal Before You Go
Eating a small, protein-rich meal an hour or so before your trip can help stabilize your stomach. Try options like lean meats, hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, or even peanut butter toast. Avoid heavy, greasy, or acidic foods, which tend to exacerbate symptoms. Avoid fruit juice and coffee too—more on that in a bit.
Sit Up Front for a Smoother Ride
Riding shotgun? Lucky you. Sitting in the front seat often reduces motion sickness. You’ll feel less of the sway and bumps from the back of the vehicle, and you’ll be able to focus your eyes on the road ahead, lessening the disconnect between your senses that contributes to nausea.
Avoid Reading or Looking Down
This one hits me hard: if I even glance at a map while moving, my stomach flips. Reading while the car is in motion creates a disconnect between what your eyes and inner ears are telling your brain. If you must look at directions or your phone, hold it up to eye level and try to keep your gaze as still as possible.
Fresh Air Does Wonders
Even cracking a window makes a difference. Fresh air helps to cool your skin and ease that nauseated feeling. If you’re the driver, blast the vents toward your face. If you’re a passenger, ask for airflow—or sit near a window that opens.
Mint for Stomach Soothing
Mint is another natural aid for nausea relief. Sip on peppermint tea, suck on strong mints, or chew mint gum before and during the ride. Whether it’s peppermint, spearmint, or wintergreen, it helps settle your stomach and provides a little mental distraction, too.
Consider Your Route
If you’re planning the trip, choose highways or main roads over winding backroads. Fewer curves = less nausea. Sure, it may be a longer route on paper, but smoother roads can make a big difference for motion-sensitive travelers.
Avoid Caffeine and Fizzy Drinks
As tempting as that soda or iced coffee might be, skip it before and during the drive. Caffeine and carbonated beverages can upset an already sensitive stomach and contribute to dehydration. If you normally drink a lot of caffeine, taper down the day before to avoid headaches from withdrawal.
Light, Simple Meals Only
An hour before the trip, eat a light meal with bland, calming foods—think dry cereal, toast, or oatmeal. Skip anything with vinegar, citrus, or creamy dressings. Avoid chocolate too—it’s sneaky but often makes car sickness worse.
No Alcohol or Smoking
Avoid alcohol the night before and during your journey. It can mess with your stomach, your sleep, and your hydration levels. The same goes for smoking (or being around smoke). Both make nausea more likely and harder to manage once it starts.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Being overtired and anxious only increases your chances of getting car sick. Aim for a full night of sleep, hydrate well the day before, and go into your trip with a positive mindset. Don’t expect to get sick—because sometimes the anticipation alone can bring it on.
Bonus Tip: Try a GPS-Enabled Tracker
If you’re a solo traveler or have kids prone to motion sickness, wearing a GPS-enabled device, using Google Maps, or using a tracker app is smart. Not only does it help loved ones keep tabs on you, but if you need to stop, get help, or reroute your trip, you’ll have support.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Treatments for Car Sickness
Car sickness may feel like an annoying fact of life for some of us, but it doesn’t have to ruin your road trip. From ginger tea to good seat selection, small tweaks make a big difference. These homemade treatments and prep tips have saved me on countless road trips—and hopefully, they’ll help you too.
Got your own go-to homemade treatments for car sickness I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear it! Safe travels and smoother rides ahead.
