For those who suffer from travel sickness, the prospect of using public transport or even enduring a car ride can transform a simple journey into a distressing ordeal. While a variety of products like patches and tablets promise relief, they can be hit-or-miss and aren’t always available when sudden motion sickness strikes.

In a surprising twist, one woman has discovered a simple yet effective remedy using a common household item. Kiki Rough shared her experience on Instagram, recounting a bout of severe nausea while in a taxi heading to the airport. Preparing for the worst, she assured the taxi driver she would pay for any cleaning necessary and offer a generous tip if she became ill in the vehicle.

To her surprise, the driver’s response was not one of frustration. Instead, the driver handed Kiki a small tin of Vicks VapoRub, advising her to apply it under her nose. This unexpected advice turned out to be a game-changer for Kiki.

“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,” Kiki recounted, amazed by the effectiveness of the remedy.

Going above and beyond, the taxi driver also offered Kiki a small container to take with her, filled with VapoRub, along with the kind-hearted message: “Don’t get sick on your flight.”

The video quickly gained attention, with viewers expressing their astonishment at this simple hack. Many commented that such a straightforward solution could indeed be “life-saving” for their upcoming travels, offering hope for those who struggle with travel-induced queasiness.

One individual commented: “I’m actually excited to try a long car ride now. Thank you for sharing this!”.

Another remarked: “This is LIFE SAVING.”

A third penned: “Did you just change my life with this?”.

It’s thought that Vicks VapoRub functions because the menthol fragrance masks any potent odours that might be worsening your nausea. Getting fresh air and inhaling clean aromas are established methods to reduce motion sickness, and the scent of Vicks could play a part in that.

Guidance for managing motion sickness

Vicks isn’t formulated to treat motion sickness, and the technique may not be effective for everyone; however, there are alternative approaches you can try. According to the NHS, you can try these measures to relieve the queasiness yourself:

• Reduce motion by sitting in the front seat of a car or the middle of a boat
• Look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon
• Breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window
• Close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing
• Break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk
• Try ginger to settle the stomach, either as a tablet, in a biscuit, or in tea

The NHS also advises that you should not do the following:

• Do not read, watch films or use electronic devices
• Do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves
• Do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods, or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel
• Do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell