As much as we love escaping our day-to-day life by traveling to far-flung destinations, jet lag can make the first few days of a holiday feel like hard work. How to correct our body clocks in a different time zone and bypass the effects of disturbed sleep patterns is a question that still stumps travelers.
Ways to reduce jet lag
While jet lag cannot be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce its effects. Here, Wylde Grey shares tips for all natural cures for jet lag.
1. Stick to tea
Jet lag occurs because traveling usually throws off our circadian rhythm, which is the biological clock that helps control when we wake up and fall asleep. When we’re in the air and crossing different time zones, it disrupts our natural rhythm and forces our bodies to do extra work to catch up. One thing people usually do in this case is fill their bodies with caffeine so that they have the “fuel” to keep going, but this is actually making it more difficult for your body and confusing your circadian rhythm even more. I recommend sticking to decaffeinated tea, which will not only help soothe your body, but will also ensure that you’re staying hydrated. Once you’ve landed, figure out the time difference and only drink coffee when you normally would at home. This will really help your body stay balanced.
2. Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs that have been used in ancient Chinese medicine to help stabilize the nervous system. They’re known to help ease stress, and certain adaptogens, like ashwagandha, are also known to aid with sleep.
3. No-Jet-Lag Homeopathic Remedy
These chewable tablets are game-changers when it comes to naturally relieving jet lag. These tablets are made with just five active all-natural ingredients: wild chamomile, leopard’s bane, daisy, ipecac, and clubmoss.
This homeopathic remedy will help to alleviate jet lag symptoms that affect body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure, and physiological patterns. Just chew one tablet before your plane takes off and one right when you land (if you’re flying a long distance, take one every two hours) and you will honestly see and feel how effective these are.
4. Melatonin supplements
Our bodies naturally secrete a hormone called melatonin (which regulates our sleep cycle), but if you have an extra-tough time sleeping on flights or sleeping in new locations, there’s the option to take an all-natural melatonin supplement.
5. Lavender essential oil
Essential oils are known for boasting incredibly powerful benefits and are often used in a holistic healing treatment called aromatherapy. The scent of lavender, for instance, is known for its calming properties. While studies haven’t explored the use of lavender oil for jet lag, there is existing preliminary research that suggests that the lavender aroma may improve sleep quality.
6. Eat nutrient-dense foods
The best all-natural way to beat jet lag is to fuel and nourish your body with the proper foods. I promise you—if you go straight from your flight to a business meeting on just coffee and a donut, you will feel much more weighed down and groggy than if you fuel your body with something clean and nutrient-dense like a smoothie. I highly recommend grabbing one that’s filled with greens like spinach, kale, spirulina, cucumber, celery, mint, parsley, and whatever else you can get!