Does ginger help with motion sickness on car rides, flights, or boat days?

Ginger has a long history as a travel companion, and research on its role in digestive comfort helps explain why. Studies on ginger and gastric motility show it can speed stomach emptying and support normal digestive function, which is part of why people have reached for it before a bumpy car ride, a flight, or a boat day for centuries.† The evidence is strongest for pregnancy-related and general digestive nausea specifically, and more mixed for motion sickness on its own, so ginger is best thought of as one tool in your travel bag, not a guarantee.

What the research actually shows

A systematic review of clinical trials on ginger and gastrointestinal disorders found that ginger is a useful option for several digestive symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and bloating, according to a review published in Food Science & Nutrition. That review cites earlier clinical research by Wu and colleagues, published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, showing that ginger accelerated gastric emptying and stimulated antral contractions in healthy volunteers, a plausible mechanism behind why ginger is traditionally used for an upset stomach.†

Worth knowing before you pack a bag of Nausea Sweets specifically for a flight: the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, while most studies looking specifically at motion sickness have not shown a clear benefit. That distinction matters. Ginger's strongest evidence is for general digestive comfort and pregnancy-related nausea, and its role for classic motion sickness specifically is less settled.

Why ginger still earns a spot in your travel bag

Mayo Clinic's first-aid guidance on motion sickness lists ginger, in supplement, candy, or ginger ale form, among the practical options people use alongside seating position, focusing on the horizon, and eating lightly before and during travel. None of these are guarantees, but together they form a reasonable, low-effort travel routine, and a portable ginger option is an easy one to keep on hand.

An easy addition to any travel bag

Pink Stork's organic ginger and vitamin B6 nausea lozenges, Nausea Sweets, come in Ginger Mango and Ginger Raspberry flavors made with active, organic ginger, not ginger flavoring, plus Vitamin B6 to help ease occasional upset stomach and digestive discomfort.† Each lozenge is individually wrapped, so it fits in a glovebox, a bag, or a coat pocket, the same way you would grab gum or mints before a day that moves. Nausea Sweets are USDA organic and third-party tested, and Pink Stork is woman-founded and woman-led.

"We started keeping ginger in the diaper bag long before Pink Stork existed. Some remedies earn their place through generations of women who trusted them, not a trend cycle. That is the kind of thing worth building a formula around."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

If pregnancy-related morning sickness is what actually brought you here, our guide on why pregnancy nausea candies use vitamin B6 and ginger goes deeper on that specific research, and our breakdown of which Nausea Sweets flavor is right for you can help you pick between peppermint and ginger.

Frequently asked questions

Does ginger definitely stop motion sickness?

Not definitively. Most studies specifically on motion sickness have not shown a clear benefit, though ginger has stronger evidence for general digestive comfort and pregnancy-related nausea. It is worth trying as part of a broader travel routine, not relying on alone.

Is ginger safe to take before every trip?

Ginger is generally recognized as safe for most healthy adults in typical food and lozenge amounts. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a medical condition, talk with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.

What is the difference between ginger flavoring and active ginger?

Active ginger means the actual ginger root is included at a functional level, not just used to flavor the product. Pink Stork's Ginger Mango and Ginger Raspberry Nausea Sweets use active, organic ginger.†

Can I use Nausea Sweets for something other than travel?

Yes. Nausea Sweets are formulated to help ease occasional upset stomach, indigestion, and feelings of bloat generally, not only for travel days.†

What other travel tips help with motion sickness?

Mayo Clinic suggests focusing on the horizon, keeping your head still, choosing seats where you feel the least motion, and eating lightly before and during travel, alongside options like ginger.

How many Nausea Sweets can I have in a day?

Follow the dosing on the product label, and check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure what is appropriate for your situation.†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.