Car Sick? Here’s How to Fix it Quickly
While on a car trip, have you ever looked into your car mirror and thought you saw a ghost? You know, a very pale being with blue lips and big, wide eyes? Well, that’s not a ghost. That’s you and you are about to throw up because you are car sick.
There are many things you can do to help your family NOT get car sick.
1. Have the queasy person NOT sit in the back of the car. Have them sit closer to the front and by a window.
2. Put down electronics and look out the window.
3. Stay hydrated (water, water, water–no sugary drinks).
4. Don’t eat a ton of sugar on your trip. Eat protein packed snacks.
5. Make a DIY Car Sick bag to have in your car if things get rough.
6. One of the EASIEST things you can do is use Peppermint Essential Oil (see below).
We were on our way home from our Spring Break trip in Colorado and decided to take a different route home. It was beautiful, but super windy going through the mountains. I started to feel a bit queasy. I didn’t have a cotton ball, so I grabbed a napkin out of the glove box and my hand lotion out of my purse. Here is what I did with these:
What you will need:
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Napkin (in a pinch) or cotton ball
- Lotion (fragrance fee)
Instructions:
1. On a cotton ball or napkin, apply 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
2. Slide your cotton ball or wadded up napkin (I know, classy) into one of your car air vents. Not all the way through, just so it is held there.
3. Turn your fan on and soon your car will smell pepperminty and your tummy will start to settle.
4. In addition to the above, you can also add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to a dollop of lotion (fragrance free). Rub into your hands. Rub a little onto your chest. Cup your hands and breathe in whenever you start to feel queasy.
According to Dr. Axe, some of the most common peppermint essential oil uses include:
- Reduces stomach aches
- Soothe digestive issues
- Relieves headaches
- Antimicrobial properties
- Improves mental focus
- Clears respiratory tract
- Boosts energy
- Releases tight muscles
So, before your next car trip, my advice is to grab your peppermint essential oil, some cotton balls or napkins and make sure you have your travel size hand lotion with you also. You will not regret it!
Keep in mind that peppermint oil can cause respiratory issues in children under 6 so it should not be used if you have young children in the car.
Yes, great point. Plant Therapy does have a KidSafe line of oils. If you have young children, I would suggest the KidSafe Spearmint Essential Oil, instead of Peppermint.