Seasickness Remedies

Seasickness Remedies

If you suffer from seasickness whilst aboard a boat, it can be very debilitating to the extent that safety can be compromised. Some of the signs that you may be about to succumb are pale skin, cold sweat, dizziness, yawning, increased saliva production and hence increased swallowing, and lastly vomiting (obviously!).  Here are a few seasickness remedies which may guard against this awful predicament.

Seasickness Tablets

Several types of medication can be used as seasickness remedies.  Tablets containing Hyoscine, also known as Scopolamine, can be very effective.  These do need to be taken before you start your journey when the sickness starts your body will not absorb medication as quickly as normal.  These tablets also have contraindications and side effects, including drowsiness, so do check the datasheet or talk to a pharmacist before taking them.

Anti-Histamine Tablets

If nausea has caught you or a crew member unawares, then something you may have in the boat’s first aid kit is anti-histamine tablets.  These are normally used for allergies but will have some effect on nausea and vomiting.  They may not stop the symptoms but they can reduce some of them so it is more bearable.  Again some of these medications do have contraindications so do check with a pharmacist before you take them or read the datasheet usually contained in the box.  They can also produce side effects one of which can be drowsiness so be aware.

Patches

These are available on prescription only and again use Hyoscine as their active ingredient.  They are placed behind the ear a few hours before the onset of the sickness and slowly release the chemical into the bloodstream.  Again check for contraindications and side effects.

Self Care

Some simple measures can help reduce and sometimes even stop the onset of nausea. If you start to feel queasy try looking at a fixed point, the horizon is a good example.  If you are down below and can’t see out then if possible move outside where you can focus on that fixed point.   Try and reduce head and body movement by sitting in the middle of the boat.  Fresh air can also help as can trying to cool down.  Getting out on deck will help with these.  Lastly helming is a good way to take your mind off the problem and has stopped many a sailor from feeding the fish!

Related Articles: Alternative Seasickness Remedies

Lovesail.com is a community of sailing folk that meets for sailing events, dating or just making friends whilst having fun on the water.  Sign up for our friendly community today.