When you see a simple hack video on social media that seems too good to be true, what is your first thought? Whether you are tempted to try the advice or not, you should fact-check it first. Social media has shown us time and again that not everything shared online is reliable.

One such video has sparked a lot of discussion.

What is claimed in the video?

A video of a woman sharing a unique trick to deal with motion sickness has garnered over 8 million views. According to Jasmine, the woman seen in the viral clip, sticking a Band-Aid on your baby’s navel can prevent nausea during travel.

“If your child suffers from motion sickness while traveling, put a Band-Aid over his or her navel from top to bottom,” she says.

Although he admits he doesn’t know exactly how it works, he is convinced by its effectiveness, saying it has helped his children and many others who have sent him thank you messages.

What are people saying?

Usually, viral myths are debunked in the comments section. But in this case, many viewers are praising (and even agreeing with) Jasmine’s advice.

Instagram user Melissa Nonis also mentioned a similar traditional Asian practice involving newborns, placing a cloth over the navel to prevent gas or colic. While some doctors believe this to be a myth, Melissa found it helped her baby. She also mentioned another remedy – placing a slice of ginger on a Band-Aid on the navel, as ginger is known to help with digestive problems.

However, some also said that it could be a “placebo effect.”

The placebo effect occurs when a person experiences a genuine improvement in their symptoms after taking a treatment that contains no active medical ingredients, simply because they think the treatment will work. In short, it is the power of belief that leads to perceived or real benefits.

Instagram user Emma Louise Barton says: “That would be a placebo but I would definitely do it!”

What does science say about this hack?

Here’s where it gets tricky – there’s no scientific evidence to support this method. Motion sickness occurs when there’s a mismatch between what the eyes see and what the inner ear feels, leading to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Bandaging the navel doesn’t directly address this sensory conflict, which is the root cause of car sickness.

Dr Poonam Sidana, Director of Neonatology and Pediatrics at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains, “There is no solid scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of methods like the ‘Band-Aid trick’ or wrist bands that claim to stimulate acupressure points for motion sickness. While such measures are popular among some people, the scientific community does not have studies that confirm their efficacy. True, many placebo methods have been tried by different people, but there is no scientific consensus or rigorous testing that can prove their effectiveness.”

“There is no other scientific basis for this, though theories circulating online suggest that it calms the vagus nerves and hence reduces nausea and vomiting,” says Dr Shobha Subramanian Itolikar, Consultant-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai.

Experts share their insights

Medical expert Dr. Sam Hay explained news.com.au“What we have here is an imperfect storm of the placebo effect, and bored parents lured by crazy internet influencers.”

“The placebo effect may be at work here. The placebo effect occurs when a person experiences a perceived or actual improvement in their symptoms because they believe a treatment is helping, even though the treatment has no therapeutic effect. Wearing a Band-Aid or wristband may give individuals the impression that they will feel better, leading to a reduction in symptoms, even though there is no direct physical effect from this method,” Dr. Sidana further explains.

Can it be harmful?

For parents, the question may arise – can this hack, which seems helpful, harm my children?

So, the answer is, no.

Sam says, “Although there is no truth or science behind this trick, will it do any harm? No. If you can convince your kids that it works – go for it, but don’t fool yourself, it’s real!”

“In most cases, there’s no real harm in trying these methods, as long as they’re non-invasive, such as wearing a band or Band-Aid on the wrist. However, parents should be cautious. For young children, these things can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, depending on the ingredients used.”

“However, relying too much on such measures may hinder seeking proper medical advice, especially if there is an underlying medical condition, such as problems related to the vestibular system, that may be the actual cause of nausea,” says Dr. Sidana.

Proven Methods That Help With Motion Sickness

If you want to rely on proven methods to deal with your kids’ motion sickness, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Medicines for motion sickness: Some medications can be taken before traveling, but they should only be used under medical supervision, especially for children.*Always consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying condition and ensure the medication is safe and the dosage is appropriate.
• Positional Changes: Sitting in the front seat of a car or near the wing of an airplane can help reduce motion sickness. These positions reduce the conflict between the body’s balance system and the signals perceived by the eyes.
• Visual Focus: Focusing on a distant, stationary object can also help the brain reconcile conflicting sensory information.
• Ginger and Mint: Natural remedies such as ginger candy or mints can help soothe nausea.
• Dietary Considerations: Some parents find that avoiding heavy meals before the trip or offering small snacks during the trip can help reduce nausea.

Since the safety of many motion sickness medications for children is not well known, it is always best to discuss all options with a healthcare provider before trying any medication.