This Flavorful Food Is A Natural Remedy For Sea Sickness Worth Trying On Your Next Cruise

Cruising can be an enjoyable way to vacation, especially with its sweet combination of accommodation and transportation. It gives you the chance to experience a variety of beautiful destinations in the world with little or no stress. But then, despite the convenience and comfort that come with cruising, the gentle (or not-so-gentle) rocking of the ship — which is primarily caused by wind and waves — can lead to a discomforting experience for some travelers. Seasickness can be an unfortunate part of cruising, with symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, and vomiting.

While some tourists may prefer going for over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat seasickness, it's sometimes better to go for an easily accessible and natural remedy. In this case, ginger is the spicy, flavorful piece of magic. Beyond its use in cooking rich delicacies, it is also one of nature's medicines that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments or improve some body functions. According to a 2011 review published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, ginger is useful as a medicinal remedy for various conditions including nausea, inflammation, pain, and the like. What makes it especially appealing is the fact that you don't need a prescription to get it, plus it doesn't cause drowsiness, which is a common side effect of over-the-counter medicines like Dramamine. Also, it can be sipped as tea, chewed like candy, or sprinkled into your meals; and you can simply incorporate it into your day without it feeling like you're taking medicine.

You might wonder how something as small as ginger can be so powerful against seasickness. Well, it's simple: As confirmed in a StatPearls publication, the secret lies in the fact that ginger contains some bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-nausea properties. These compounds work by interacting with certain receptors in the body, which are involved in vomiting and nausea. By influencing these receptors, ginger also helps to improve overall digestive function. In simpler terms, ginger blocks out the queasy feeling your stomach gets or the imbalance your brain tends to fall into as a result of motion.

A study published in the Lancet (via The New York Times) involving 36 individuals who were exposed to motion sickness confirmed that powdered ginger can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. During the study, the participants were divided into groups, as some of them were given ginger, while others received a placebo or an anti-nausea medication. The result was that those who took the powdered ginger reported much less nausea compared to the other participants who didn't. This goes to show that ginger is potentially more effective than some conventional anti-nausea drugs.

As you've already seen, taking ginger is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get rid of seasickness on a cruise. However, as with anything, timing is key. It is recommended to give your body a head start by taking some ginger a few hours before departure. If you don't mind the taste, you can just take a warm cup of ginger tea in the morning, or go for some ginger candies. For those who may not be okay with the sharp taste, opt for the capsule forms. Additionally, it'd generally be helpful to have low-sugar ginger chews or lozenges with you at all times, especially in case you need quick relief when you're away from your cabin, such as during excursions.

Fortunately, when on board, it's not impossible to find dishes that are infused with ginger on the menu, particularly in Asian-style restaurants. You may also have bartenders prepare your cocktails and mocktails with the inclusion of fresh ginger. This way, you're not only enjoying yourself but also preventing seasickness. Of course, while ginger is considered generally safe with little or no side effects for most people, caution may be required, especially for people with certain conditions (such as those on blood thinners or those who are allergic). If you're on any medication, it's wise to consult with your doctor before using ginger. Also, moderation is advised, as experts warn that overuse can cause additional gastrointestinal issues. According to UCLA Health, the recommended amount is 3 to 4 grams per day or 1 gram per day for pregnant women.