Ginger chews for motion sickness: what should you know?

Motion sickness occurs when signals from the eyes and the balance organs do not match during travel. Nausea, dizziness, sweating and vomiting can follow. Ginger may settle nausea for some people, but a chew cannot correct the mismatch or guarantee that vomiting will not occur.

Chews differ in ginger content, sweetness and other ingredients. Check the label for allergies, sugar and interactions, particularly if you are pregnant or take regular medicines.

If you choose a ginger chew, try it before travel rather than waiting until severe symptoms develop, and follow the package directions. Keep water available, eat a light meal, look towards the horizon, choose a seat with less movement and take breaks for fresh air when possible.

For repeated or severe travel sickness, ask a pharmacist or clinician about other options. A travel health consultation can help if you have a long journey, medical condition or complex medicines.

Seek medical advice if vomiting prevents you keeping fluids down, you become faint or confused, or symptoms continue well after travel. Urgent care is appropriate for severe headache, weakness, chest pain, blood in vomit or signs of dehydration.

Are ginger chews suitable with my medicines or health conditions? What option should I carry if I have a history of repeated vomiting during travel?