MythBusters Season 3 Episode 27 Seasickness - Kill or Cure

In the 27th episode of the third season of MythBusters, titled Seasickness - Kill or Cure, hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman tackle the age-old question of whether or not there are any legitimate cures for seasickness.

The episode begins with Adam and Jamie consulting with a group of experienced sailors to determine the severity of seasickness and the various home remedies and commercial products that are purportedly effective in preventing or alleviating the symptoms. The sailors share their own experiences and opinions on the matter, which Adam and Jamie take into consideration as they plan their experiments.

The first experiment involves testing ginger, which is a popular home remedy for seasickness. The hosts set up a simple obstacle course that sailors must navigate while experiencing the effects of the seasickness simulator. Some sailors are given ginger supplements, while others are given a placebo. The results are mixed, with some sailors experiencing slight improvements while others do not.

Next, Adam and Jamie test commercially available remedies such as motion sickness bracelets and patches, as well as prescription medications such as scopolamine. They use the simulator to put the sailors through a similar obstacle course while under these various treatments. The results suggest that the bracelets and patches are marginally effective, while the scopolamine is more consistently effective but has some unpleasant side effects.

Adam and Jamie then move onto more unconventional remedies, such as the controversial electric shock wristband. They consult with a manufacturer of the device and test it out on themselves, as well as on a group of willing sailors. The results are surprising, with some sailors claiming that the device entirely eliminated their seasickness symptoms. Adam and Jamie are skeptical, but the data suggests that the device does seem to work for some people.

Finally, the hosts move onto more extreme remedies such as acupressure and hypnosis. They consult with experts in both fields and test out various techniques on a group of sailors. The results are mixed, with some sailors experiencing some improvement while others do not.

Throughout the episode, Adam and Jamie provide historical context for each remedy they test and discuss the science behind why certain treatments may or may not work. They also take into consideration the fact that seasickness is a complex condition that can be influenced by a variety of factors, including individual physiology, the type of boat, and the weather conditions.

In the end, the hosts conclude that there is no one definitive cure for seasickness that will work for everyone. However, they do acknowledge that some of the remedies they tested showed promising results and may be worth trying for those who suffer from chronic seasickness. They also caution against relying too heavily on medication and encourage sailors to try out non-medicinal remedies before turning to drugs.

Overall, Seasickness - Kill or Cure is an informative and entertaining episode that sheds light on the mysteries of seasickness and provides valuable insights for sailors who are looking for ways to alleviate their symptoms.