anti-seasickness remedy: G&T

The humble G&T: quinine, carbonation and alcohol combine to make a slightly old-school anti-seasickness remedy.



Plenty of salty seadogs suffer from seasickness. There are numerous solutions on the market, from tablets, to bands that sit on your wrists, and even spectacles that claim to stop the affliction (see Boarding Ring glasses: anti-seasickness specs). However, when I’m not actually helming a boat, I still believe in the merits of a good quality gin and tonic.

This happy, glass-mounted medicine provides you with an effective representation of the natural horizon - and in addition to the combined stomach calming effects of quinine and carbonation, the alcohol does a great job of muting the sensory conflict.

Remarkably, quinine also helps you put up a very stern defence against muscle cramps and malaria – and the fact that it tastes great and happens to resonate with historical maritime significance only adds to its allure. Certainly, other "magic cures" are worth a look, but now as ever, the humble gin and tonic remains the world’s greatest maritime panacea.

Time, perhaps to stock-up the drinks cabinet!

For more anti-seasickness ideas, see 5 secret ways to stop being seasick.

Written by: Alex Smith
Alex Smith is a journalist, copywriter and magazine editor with a long history in boating and a happy addiction to the water. He’s worked on boats, lived on boats, bought boats, sold boats and – when he’s not actually on board a boat – he can generally be found in his Folkestone office, tapping away at the computer and gazing out to sea.
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