Do you get motion sickness? This citrus fruit might be your best travel companion!

Not quite. While it might sound like a homespun remedy, science backs it up. A 2017 study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that inhaling lemon essential oil significantly reduced nausea in post-surgical patients. And although that research wasn’t specifically focused on travel-related nausea, the physiological process is similar.

In 2023, Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia featured lemon among natural remedies supported by research, quoting aromatherapy experts who recommend carrying a slice of lemon on trips — or even using a portable diffuser with lemon oil for long car rides or flights.

The secret lies in a compound called limonene, found in citrus peel. This molecule has shown anxiolytic and anti-nausea effects, and the fresh, bright scent of lemon works on the brain’s limbic system — the part that regulates emotions, stress, and balance.

In short, lemon scent might interrupt the brain’s nausea signals and soothe travel anxiety, helping you feel better before you even leave the driveway.

No complicated tools or recipes needed — just scratch the peel of a fresh lemon, or gently press your fingernail into it and inhale the aroma. This simple motion releases the citrus essential oils into the air, offering almost immediate relief for many.

Prefer a more discreet option?

• Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and sniff gently as needed.
• Use a portable diffuser with lemon oil during long journeys.
• Some people even keep a small lemon wedge or peel in a sealed container, ready to open and sniff at any time.

Reminder: Lemon essential oil can make skin photosensitive — avoid direct contact with skin before sun exposure, and always dilute properly if applying topically.

While natural remedies can be helpful, persistent or severe motion sickness might signal something more serious. If your symptoms occur often or outside of travel, consult a doctor — issues like inner ear problems, neurological disorders, or even nutritional deficiencies can sometimes be the cause.

Watch for warning signs like:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Blurred vision
• Disorientation or fainting
• Nausea unrelated to motion

If in doubt, don’t self-diagnose — speak to a healthcare professional.

Seatbelt on, window cracked, gum chewed — and still, the queasiness won’t quit. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. But next time, a simple whiff of lemon could be the trick that changes everything.

Have you ever tried using lemon for nausea? Got another foolproof travel tip? Share your experience — your story might help someone else travel a little more comfortably.

Sources:

Kim, M., Nam, E. S., & Paik, H. (2017). The effects of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in post-operative patients. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. ScienceDirect

Vanguard. "Aromatherapy for motion sickness: the essential oils that do work," 15 July 2023.

Mayo Clinic. Motion sickness overview.

National Geographic Spain. "The power of scent: how it influences our body and emotions," 2022.