Are you about to leave for your sailing adventure but fear the unavoidable symptoms of seasickness? We've got you covered! Look forward to a summer of fun and relaxation and say goodbye to nausea and dizziness: these are the best natural remedies for seasickness, share them with your crew or anyone who avoids being on the water to prevent this condition. 

First of all, seasickness can affect any sailor - no matter how often you have been and are on the water without any problems. The symptoms range from frequent yawning to dizziness and severe vomiting. This can make you miss the fun of the most beautiful time of the year on the water, and your passion for sailing grows manageable.

But what is the actual cause? The cause of seasickness is a condition of our brain. If the eyes deliver different information than the organ of balance in the ear or the muscles and joints, the body reacts in a correspondingly confused way and produces stress hormones, such as histamine.

This is not a new phenomenon of course - ever since the early days of seafaring, a wide variety of natural remedies and tricks have been developed to alleviate seasickness and its symptoms. You don't always have to take hard drugs, which often make you tired or cause other side effects in the body. Why not experiment with home remedies first, which may not always work for everyone, but at least for some of those who suffer?*

.

Yacht Charter: Rent your boat with Sailogy! 

.

.

1. GINGER

Ginger has long been a proven household remedy to inhibit nausea - and is therefore particularly helpful in severe cases of seasickness. However, it is best consumed as a preventive measure before the first symptoms appear. The form does not matter: whether in tea, raw in fine slices, or as a powder in capsules, the effect remains almost the same.

.

.

2. PRESSURE POINTS 

Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that applying pressure to a specific point called "pericardium 6," "P6," or "Nei-guan" on the inner side of the forearm, approximately two inches above the wrist crease and between the two tendons may alleviate nausea. Although there is limited research on the effectiveness of acupressure for motion sickness, preliminary studies on postoperative nausea and vomiting suggest that acupressure may be helpful in reducing nausea.

The P6 point can be stimulated by applying pressure with the index finger of the opposite hand, or through the use of acupressure wristbands commonly known as "sea bands". These bands are worn on the forearm and have a plastic button or bead that applies pressure to the P6 point. The person wearing the band can also press on the bead for further stimulation. These bands are affordable, typically costing under $10 for a pair, and can be purchased online or in select health food stores.

.

3. VITAMIN C

The cause of seasickness is thought to be histamines, messenger substances of the nervous system, which are produced more by the body during seasickness due to stress. Another approach to avoid seasickness is therefore to reduce histamine levels - for example, by consuming high doses of vitamin C, whether from foods such as citrus fruits or other sources, preferably before the first symptoms appear.

Avoiding foods that contain histamine is also beneficial. These include red wine, smoked meats, salami, ham, fish, seafood, hard cheeses, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, beer, yeast, and vinegar. If you are susceptible, it is better to avoid these.

.

4. HOMEOPATHY

Although the effect of homeopathic remedies is medically controversial, some hit by seasickness report their effectiveness: Cocculus LM12, Tabacum LM12, Vomitus Heel, Vertigo Heel, and Nux Vomica, among others, are said to provide relief and also alleviate acute symptoms. Whether this is based on the placebo effect or an actual medical effect remains to be seen - the main thing is that it helps!

.

.

5. PLUGGING AN EAR

It sounds crazy, but it really helps some people: It is reported that seasickness does not occur if one (!) of the two ears is plugged with an earplug. This makes the brain believe that there is a problem with hearing, and for this reason, the opposing sensory impressions are blocked out.

Since the brain is primarily occupied with the different ear signals, the confusing signals are not processed, there is no stress, no histamine, and consequently no seasickness - so the theory goes. None of us have tried this trick ourselves yet, but many a sea dog swears by it!

.

6. HORIZON MAY HELP

Last but not least, it has to be said that the psyche also plays an important role in seasickness. If you only mentally deal with the danger of nausea during the entire cruise, you will probably actually feel bad. That's why some distraction is good here: the famous look at the horizon or taking on a meaningful task on deck - the main thing is that your thoughts don't only revolve around seasickness.

Sleep is also helpful in alleviating the first symptoms. If you sleep, you won't suffer from nausea, and for the rest of the time: just try to stay loose and relaxed.

.

Bareboat Yacht Charter: click here to book your holiday!

.

*This article is not intended as medical advice of any kind. Therefore Sailogy does not assume any liability and/or responsibility for any income or use by our readers. For potential side effects and interactions, it is highly recommended to consult medical professionals or appropriate authorities or institutions.