Tips For Sea Sick

Sea Sickness Cures
Sensory confusion in your body causes sea sickness. Symptoms include vertigo, nausea and cold sweats. You can overcome the unpleasant feeling of motion sickness as your body adjusts to the movement of the sea. A variety of treatments and medications are available, however each remedy will affect a person differently.

Medications
Take medications prior to traveling on a boat--some medications must be administered several hours prior to setting sail. Over-the-counter medications include Bonine and Dramamine. Scopolamine is a prescription patch that you place behind your ear six to eight hours prior to travel. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is the most common form of medication prescribed for motion sickness. Side effects of medications include drowsiness--they should not be taken by someone operating a boat.

Natural Remedies
Ginger, peppermint and black horehound are natural herbal substances that may treat the symptoms of sea sickness. You can add all three to hot water to make tea. Drink two to three cups of tea a day for relief. Ginger and peppermint come in tablet form. Drinking ginger ale and sucking on a piece of ginger candy also can help nausea symptoms.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture and acupressure may relieve some of the symptoms. Acupuncture involves small needles placed on specific areas of your body, while acupressure adds pressure to the areas using fingers and hands. The Pericardium 6 is a pressure point located on the inside of your wrist. Many believe that applying pressure to this point eliminates the feeling of nausea. You can purchase bracelets that add pressure to this point.

Physical Aspects
When traveling on a boat, look out at the horizon line. Do not focus on the water. Laying down may help, but only temporarily. If you need to vomit, always have someone go with you to the boat's railing. When resting, stay in the middle of the boat where there is less motion.
Food and Nutrition
Eat a light meal before going out to sea--drink ginger ale and eat toast or crackers. Hydrate by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration is a symptom of sea sickness. Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid greasy and fatty foods that can further upset your stomach. If you are going out to sea for several days, speak to your physician about a dietary plan.