Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Motion sickness correlates with the Ayurvedic concepts of Chardi meaning vomiting and Bhrama meaning giddiness often triggered by Yana gamana or traveling in vehicles. This condition arises from the aggravation of Vata dosha due to constant movement and vibration which disturbs the stomach and sensory organs. The pathology involves the upward movement of Udana Vayu forcing stomach contents out. Management focuses on pacifying Vata and settling the stomach. According to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India formulations like Eladi Churna and Bilvadi Gutika are effective for controlling emesis and vertigo. Classical texts like Chakradatta also recommend the use of Ardraka or ginger and Matulunga or citron juice to check nausea and restore digestive balance during travel.
Motion Sickness is a condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness induced by travel in a moving vehicle, such as a car, boat, or airplane. While Ayurveda does not describe "motion sickness" as a singular, independent disease entity with that exact name, the symptoms are comprehensively covered under the disorders of Chardi (Vomiting) and Bhrama (Giddiness). It is specifically attributed to the aggravation of Vata Dosha caused by the vibrations and movement of vehicles (Yana-gamana).
The primary cause is Agantuja (external factors), specifically the movement of vehicles, but dietary factors make one more susceptible.
While Motion Sickness is an acute condition, it manifests differently based on the dominant Dosha involved:
Management focuses on Vata-Pitta Shamana (pacifying Vata and Pitta) and Stambhana (checking the upward urge).
World Health Organization (WHO) – Balance and vestibular disorders
https://www.who.int/teams/health-product-policy-and-standards/standards-and-specifications
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Motion sickness
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/motion-sickness
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD – NIH) – Motion sickness
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/motion-sickness
Mayo Clinic – Motion sickness
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/motion-sickness
StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) – Motion Sickness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513291/
National Health Portal of India – मोशन सिकनेस (Motion Sickness)
https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/ear-nose-throat/motion-sickness
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India – यात्रा स्वास्थ्य
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
Q: What is the best Ayurvedic remedy for travel sickness?
A: Eladi Gutika (pills made with cardamom) or simply chewing on Ela (Cardamom) and Lavanga (Clove) is highly effective for nausea and dizziness.
Q: Should I eat before traveling?
A: A heavy meal should be avoided. However, traveling on a completely empty stomach can also aggravate Vata. It is best to have light, dry food (like crackers or parched rice).
Q: Does Ginger help with motion sickness?
A: Yes. Ardraka (Ginger) is mentioned in Chakradatta and other texts as a key ingredient for stopping vomiting (Chardi) and digestive disturbances.
Q: Why do I feel dizzy in a car according to Ayurveda?
A: This is called Bhrama. It is caused by the Chala (moving) quality of the vehicle increasing the Vata Dosha in your body, which destabilizes your senses.
Q: Can lemon juice help?
A: Yes. The juice of Matulunga (Citron) or Nimbuka (Lemon) mixed with a little rock salt and honey is a classical remedy to check vomiting and nausea.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Apr 2, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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