Sea sickness can quickly turn a great sailing holiday into an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to prevent or reduce seasickness so you can enjoy your time on the water.
Here are 10 effective solutions to combat seasickness
1. Steering the Boat Yourself
If you suffer from seasickness, you have probably also dealt with motion sickness while driving a car. You may know very well that you wouldn't feel sick at all if you were the one driving the car. Well, the same principle can be applied to boating. If you start feeling queasy, it's helpful to steer the boat yourself and focus on the horizon ahead of you. Although this method works for many, of course, steering a boat might be the last thing you want to do in this situation. Nevertheless, at that moment, it might be the best of the many solutions against seasickness.
2. Ginger
As you may know, ginger is a natural stomach soother and works very well against seasickness. You can consume ginger in the form of foods as well as drinks. We recommend keeping plenty of ginger ale in the fridge just in case, even if you assume you won't get seasick. There are other options like ginger candies, cookies, or water and tea with fresh ginger. Whatever you choose, ginger will prove to be a lifesaver for those seasick moments on board.
3. Self-Affirmation and Positive Talk
It might seem quite silly to you, but this approach can indeed help you combat seasickness. Self-affirmation and positive talk are therefore rightfully on this list of solutions against seasickness. Here's an example of how you can implement this to alleviate the feeling of nausea on board...
Recognize the problem - Seasickness.
Possible cause - Fear or lack of control.
New mindset - "I am completely safe, nothing will happen to me, and I am at peace with myself."
4. Hypnosis
Even though many people have concerns about the entire idea of hypnosis, it can indeed help you not only with seasickness and motion sickness but also with dizziness. A great example of possible hypnosis is a CD by Giovanni Lordi (Mind Journeys). If you google his name, you'll find some information about it. If hypnosis has helped you in the past, then you should try it again in this case.
5. Sea-Bands & Acupressure
If you feel seasick during your sailing adventure, there's a simple acupressure point you can use to combat your sickness. Simply place three fingers lengthwise at the base of your wrist and press just below and in the middle of your arm. Although this is highly likely to work, it might only provide temporary relief from seasickness. Another option is Sea-Bands, wristbands with balls inserted in them that exert pressure at exactly this point. Many people swear by them.
6. Nevastic Audio
Believe it or not, an app is also one of the 10 solutions against seasickness. The clinically proven Nevastic Audio app helps you combat nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. The session lasts for 27 minutes, and you listen to a series of songs and sounds that you must hear through headphones due to the balance. It's an excellent way to treat seasickness in your children. Perhaps you might want to invest in this app if you plan on traveling with your kids.
7. Nelson's Travella
This is a homeopathic remedy that combines Staphisagria, Apomorph, Cocculus, Petroleum, Theridion, Nux vomica, and Tabacum to help with seasickness. You can usually find these types of medications at your local pharmacies or various online stores. It's definitely worth stocking up on some before your trip.
8. Explorer Relieve Band
Similar to the Sea Bands mentioned earlier, the Relief Band actually sends an electric current to your pressure point. If you've never tried these types of bands before, be aware that this typically leads to a tingling sensation in the palm or middle finger. That's completely normal, so don't worry. There are 5 different levels of electrical intensity that you can adjust as needed. The band costs around 80 euros and is definitely an investment worth considering if you've tried other remedies but haven't had the desired success.
9. Scopoderm TTS or Scopolamine INN Patches
One of the biggest problems faced by people with seasickness and vomiting is taking tablets that their stomach simply can't handle. In this case, the Scopoderm TTS or Scopolamine INN patches come into play. If you feel sick and need to vomit, apply one of these patches and wait for your stomach to calm down. Although there's no guarantee here, the patches seem to work quite well.
10. Cinnarizine/Stugeron
Unlike the ones mentioned above, this is actually a swallowable tablet. This medication prevents vomiting and dehydration. However, keep in mind that this medication can cause drowsiness as a side effect. But if you'd rather deal with fatigue than vomiting during your sailing trip, this is a fantastic option!
Don't forget to stay positive and remember that seasickness will pass!
And when you're no longer seasick, then of course, you'll want good food. Find out our tips for cooking on board here!
What are the symptoms of seasickness?
The following symptoms are typical for people who feel sick or uncomfortable at sea:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Apathy (a lack of emotions, motivation, and/or enthusiasm)
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Pale face
- Drowsiness
- Changes in blood pressure