A large part of the enjoyment of a holiday is the anticipation of travelling to the destination. The adventure of leaving home and setting out for parts unknown, whether across the state by car or across the world by plane, can be just as much fun as the holidday itslf. But unfortunately not for everyone.

What is Travel Sickness?

For some of us, travelling from one place to another can be miserable because of motion sickness. It can happen in cars, trains, boats, buses or planes, in fact anywhere there are repeated small changes in the position of the body and movements of the horizon. The movements affect the balance organs of the inner ear - the semi-circular canals - and excessive stimulation of these canals can activate the part of your brain that induces vomiting.

Side-Effects of Synthetic Remedies

Unfortunately, until recently the treatment caused as many problems as it solved, as the synthetic anti-nauseant drugs often prescribed for motion sickness contain anti-histamines, and these have a depressant effect on the brain. This causes drowsiness, blurred vision and dryness of the mouth.

However, Nature has an alternative, safe solution.

Stay Alert and Active.

A US clinical study reported in the British Medical Journal The Lancet has shown powdered ginger root to be more effctive than a leading synthetic anti-nausea drug, without any of the drowsiness often experienced with synthetic motion sickness preventatives. Ginger is a herb that appears to act directly on the gastro-intestinal tract. It is rich in volatile oils which accounts for its calming, soothing influence on the stomach.

Next time you plan a travel holiday, be sure to buy a good brand of powdered ginger root, in capsule or tablet form, to alleviate travel sickness problems and help you enjoy your holiday to the full. Follow the manufacturer's directions which will usually involve taking the tablet at a specified time before travel, and at stated intervals during travel, and you will be amazed at the results.

Travelling Hints

Here is a checklist to help you enjoy carefree travel:

• Avoid fatty or spicy foods before or during travel.
• Drink sparingly and eat lightly.
• Get plenty of sleep before the journey.
• Do not attempt to read on any moving vehicle.
• If possible have a stream of cool air on your face.
• Look to the front and keep your eyes on the horizon.

Vertigo Help

"Total success - I have even been jet-boating for the first time ever, a (fast!) 5 hour trip on the water up a winding river, after a 2 hour drive on an even windier road - and back!!) My partner can now drive (instead of me all the time), and I am actually looking forward to an overseas trip we have planned!! I no longer feel anxious about travelling on buses, trains, planes, cars - even BOATS!! I can now even enjoy the scenery, not having to drive myself, or keep looking only dead ahead to avoid getting ill! I sincerely wish I had one of these 20 years ago, but am certainly making the most of it now!" Beth (NZ) Conquer Vertigo

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