Motion sickness has a way of sneaking up at the worst times—on a scenic road trip, during a long flight, or while enjoying a day out on the water. The nausea, dizziness, and discomfort can quickly turn an exciting adventure into a miserable experience.
While there are plenty of traditional remedies available, more people are exploring CBD for motion sickness as they seek natural options to help potentially manage these symptoms. Among these, CBD has gained attention as a potential tool for supporting wellness. Could this popular wellness compound play a role in helping you find non-pharmaceutical remedies while on the road, in the air, or on the water?
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes motion sickness, common remedies, and how CBD might fit into the equation. While research on CBD and motion sickness is still developing, we’ll also look at what science has to say about its potential benefits and share practical tips for incorporating it into your travel routine.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness happens when your brain receives conflicting signals from your eyes, inner ear, and body. For example:
- On a boat, your inner ear senses the rocking motion, but your eyes see a stationary cabin.
- In a car, your body feels still, but your eyes notice the movement of the scenery.
This sensory mismatch can confuse your brain, triggering symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, and even vomiting. Some people are more sensitive to motion sickness than others, and triggers can vary. For some, it’s winding roads or turbulent flights; for others, it might be long stretches on the water. No matter the cause, the result is the same—your body is struggling to find balance, and your brain isn’t happy about it.
How Do People Typically Manage Motion Sickness?
When motion sickness strikes, most people reach for tried-and-true remedies to keep the symptoms at bay. These include:
- Over-the-Counter Medications
Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate or meclizine are popular choices for managing motion sickness. While they’re effective for many, they often come with side effects like drowsiness, which isn’t ideal for every situation. - Acupressure Bands
These simple wristbands apply gentle pressure to specific points on the wrist, believed to help reduce nausea. While the science behind them is debated, many travelers swear by their effectiveness. - Focusing on the Horizon
Looking at a stable point in the distance can help realign the signals between your brain and body. Fresh air or an open window can also help minimize queasiness. - Dietary Adjustments
Avoiding heavy meals, greasy foods, or excessive alcohol before travel can make a big difference in preventing an upset stomach.
While these options work well for some, they’re not always perfect. Medications can cause unwanted side effects, and other remedies might not be enough for severe cases. That’s where natural alternatives, like CBD, come into the picture.
Could CBD Offer a Natural Option?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant that has become a popular topic in wellness circles. Known for its potential to support relaxation and balance, CBD has piqued interest for various discomforts—including nausea and nervousness.
What makes CBD unique is how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a key role in maintaining balance across different systems in the body, including those involved in responses to motion and balance. While research specific to motion sickness is still limited, some studies have explored how cannabinoids like CBD may potentially interact with bodily systems associated with balance and discomfort.
It’s worth noting that everyone’s body responds differently to CBD. For those who struggle with motion sickness, incorporating CBD as part of a broader strategy might offer a gentle, natural alternative to explore.
What Does Science Say About CBD and Nausea?
Although research directly linking CBD to motion sickness is still in its early stages, studies on cannabinoids have provided valuable insights into how they may potentially influence processes like discomfort and balance. A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology explores how cannabinoids like CBD may potentially interact with the body’s systems, including serotonin receptors.
For those interested in diving deeper, you can check out the full study here. While this research isn’t definitive for motion sickness, it offers valuable insights into how CBD might influence similar processes in the body.
How to Incorporate CBD into Your Travel Routine
If you’re curious about how to use CBD for motion sickness, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you make the most of it during your travels:
- Start Low and Go Slow
If you’re new to CBD, begin with a low dose and see how your body responds before increasing. Everyone’s tolerance is different, and starting small allows you to find the right balance without overdoing it. - Choose a Convenient Form
For travel, portability is essential. Travel-friendly options like CBD gummies, CBD capsules, or CBD tinctures are easy to pack and use on the go. While CBD gummies and CBD capsules offer convenient pre-measured doses, some travelers prefer CBD oil for motion sickness because it allows them to easily adjust their dosage with a dropper tailoring relief to their specific needs. - Time It Right
Timing matters. Consider taking CBD 30–60 minutes before your journey begins to give it time to take effect. If you’re traveling for an extended period, you might want to bring an additional dose for longer trips. - Pair CBD with Other Strategies
Using CBD alongside other motion sickness remedies, like acupressure bands or focusing on the horizon, might enhance your overall comfort. Remember, no single remedy is a guaranteed fix—combining approaches often yields the best results. - Consult a Healthcare Provider
If you’re taking medications or have specific health concerns, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before adding CBD to your routine.
Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or boarding a plane, planning ahead can make your journey much smoother. CBD may just become a helpful addition to your travel toolkit.
Natural Support
Check out CBD options often chosen by those seeking gentler, non-pharmaceutical approaches to handle motion unease.
Exploring Other Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness
For those looking to manage motion sickness without relying on pharmaceuticals, there are several natural options that may provide relief. These remedies have been used by many to address nausea and discomfort, offering alternative approaches to traditional medications:
- Ginger
Ginger has a long history of being used to support digestion and alleviate nausea. Whether in tea, candies, or capsules, it’s a popular option for those prone to queasiness. While not a cure-all, its natural compounds may help soothe an uneasy stomach. - Peppermint
Known for its cooling and calming effects, peppermint is another go-to for nausea relief. Sipping on peppermint tea or using peppermint oil as an aromatherapy option are common ways to incorporate it during travel. - Aromatherapy
Certain scents, like lavender and chamomile, are known for their calming properties. Inhaling these essential oils during a trip may help ease anxiety and discomfort, potentially reducing the severity of motion sickness symptoms.
These natural alternatives can be used on their own or alongside other strategies, like deep breathing or focusing on the horizon. Just as with CBD, it’s all about finding the combination of remedies that works best for you.
A Holistic Approach to Managing Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can be a frustrating experience, but finding the right combination of strategies can make all the difference. Whether you’re reaching for ginger chews, experimenting with acupressure bands, or exploring CBD as a natural option, the key is discovering what works best for you.
While research on CBD’s role in motion sickness is still evolving, its potential to support overall wellness makes it an intriguing option for many travelers. Pairing it with other natural remedies and traditional strategies can create a well-rounded approach to keeping queasiness at bay.
Every journey is unique, and so is every traveler’s response to motion. If motion sickness has held you back from enjoying trips in the past, there are plenty of tools available—including CBD for motion sickness to help you hit the road—or waves—with confidence.
If you’re new to CBD, start small. Begin with a low dose—perhaps a single gummy or a half-serving of a tincture—and see how you feel. Over time, you can gradually adjust the amount until you find the level that provides noticeable relief without unwanted side effects. Consider keeping notes on how you feel after each dose, and don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Absolutely! Many people find that using CBD alongside other natural strategies enhances their overall comfort. Ginger candies, peppermint tea, or acupressure wristbands can all work together with CBD to create a more comprehensive approach. Every body is different, so feel free to experiment to discover the combination that best relieves your symptoms.
Timing can make a big difference. Try taking CBD about 30–60 minutes before you start your journey. This gives it time to enter your system and potentially relieve discomfort. If you’re traveling for an extended period, consider taking an additional dose halfway through, especially if you know you’ll encounter more challenging conditions, such as turbulence or winding roads.
You’ll likely notice that the usual feelings of queasiness or dizziness are less intense or occur less frequently. Pay attention to whether you feel calmer and more settled than usual. If you’ve tried several doses and still don’t feel an improvement, it might be worth exploring different forms of CBD, adjusting your dosage, or pairing it with other natural remedies. Sometimes, it takes a bit of trial and error.
Yes! Many travelers prefer portable options like CBD gummies, capsules or tinctures. These are easy to slip into a carry-on bag or purse and can be taken discreetly. Look for products that are clearly labeled, third-party tested, and easy to measure so you can feel confident about what you're getting.
It comes down to personal preference and convenience. Gummies and capsules are pre-measured and easily portable, which makes them great for travel. Oils (tinctures) offer more customization with dosing but can be a bit messier on the road. If you’re unsure, start with a form you’re comfortable using and see how it fits into your travel routine. You can always try another format on your next trip.
