Whether you're cruising the Great Barrier Reef, winding through the Blue Mountains, or catching a ferry across Sydney Harbour, travel sickness can put a dampener on even the most anticipated adventures. For many Australians, the wobbly sensation that comes with motion on boats, in cars, or on planes is all too familiar — and the search for natural approaches to managing it is growing.
Here's a look at some of the natural travel sickness remedies Australians are exploring, along with some practical tips for your next trip.
Why Does Travel Sickness Happen?
Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness or sea sickness, occurs when there's a mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear senses. Your brain receives conflicting signals about movement, which can lead to feelings of nausea, dizziness, and general discomfort. It can affect anyone, though some people are more sensitive than others.
Natural Approaches Worth Knowing About
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries across many cultures as a wellness staple, particularly around digestive comfort. It's available in many forms — fresh, powdered, as a tea, or in capsule form — making it an easy addition to your travel kit.
Acupressure
Acupressure wristbands, which apply gentle pressure to the P6 (Neiguan) point on the inner wrist, are widely used by travellers looking for a drug-free option. They're reusable, discreet, and easy to pack.
Peppermint
Peppermint — whether as a tea, essential oil, or lozenge — is another popular choice among wellness-minded travellers. Many people find the scent and taste calming during journeys.
Fresh Air and Positioning
Sometimes the simplest strategies make the biggest difference. Sitting at the front of a car, choosing a cabin near the waterline on a boat, fixing your gaze on the horizon, and getting fresh air can all help reduce the intensity of travel sickness symptoms for many people.
Staying Hydrated and Avoiding Heavy Meals
Travelling on an empty stomach or after a heavy meal can worsen the sensation for some people. Light, bland foods and staying well hydrated before and during travel are commonly recommended by health professionals.
Pharmacist-Formulated Options
For those who prefer a more targeted natural formulation, pharmacist-compounded capsules are an increasingly popular option. NCC Health's Sea Sickness Extra Strength Capsules are compounded by Australian pharmacists and formulated with natural actives — a great option to have on hand for longer journeys or rougher conditions.
For those after a standard-strength option, the Sea Sickness Capsules are a convenient, Australian-made choice formulated for everyday travel. Both options are compounded at NCC Health's Gold Coast pharmacy and ship Australia-wide.
Tips for Your Next Trip
- Pack your travel sickness remedy before you leave — symptoms can come on quickly and it's not always easy to stop mid-journey.
- Start your remedy ahead of time, not after symptoms begin.
- Choose your seat strategically — front seats in cars, mid-ship on ferries, over the wings on planes.
- Limit screen time during travel; reading or scrolling can worsen the sensation for many people.
- Keep the space well-ventilated where possible.
Stock Up Before You Go
Natural travel sickness remedies work best when you're prepared. Whether you prefer acupressure, ginger, or a pharmacist-compounded capsule, having your preferred option ready before you set off gives you the best chance of a comfortable journey.
Explore NCC Health's range of sea sickness capsules and travel wellness products — compounded by Australian pharmacists and shipped to your door.
