Travel sickness can turn a simple journey into a nightmare, but a simple trick using a common cold remedy has gone viral on social media, offering hope to sufferers. In a video on Instagram, user Kiki Rough shared how a taxi driver's unexpected remedy saved her from vomiting during a ride to the airport.
Rough explained that she was 'fighting for her life' to avoid being sick in the back of the taxi. When she told the driver she would pay for cleaning and give a hefty tip if she vomited, the driver instead handed her a pot of Vicks VapoRub and instructed her to put it under her nose. 'When I tell you, three decades of my life where I have fought to not throw up on every long-form car trip just disappeared. My nausea? Out the window,' Rough said.
The driver also scooped some VapoRub into a small container for Rough to use during her flight, adding, 'Don't get sick on your flight.' Commenters on the video were amazed, with many calling the trick 'life-saving' for their upcoming trips. One person wrote, 'I'm actually excited to try a long car ride now. Thank you for sharing this!'
It is believed that the menthol scent in Vicks VapoRub blocks strong smells that can exacerbate motion sickness. Getting fresh air and breathing in clean smells are proven ways to alleviate the condition, and the smell of Vicks may contribute to that. However, Vicks is not designed to cure motion sickness, and the trick may not work for everyone.
For those seeking other remedies, the NHS recommends steps such as focusing on the horizon, avoiding reading, and taking antihistamines. The viral video has sparked renewed interest in simple, accessible solutions for a common problem.
