Herbal Remedies for Jet Lag
Herbal remedies cannot cure jet lag but can assist the body in coping with the stress of readjusting the body clock. Adaptogenic herbs, such as St John's Wort and Echinacea, will help the mind and body cope with change and should be taken up to two weeks before travelling. Herbs and plants that aid rest and sleep, such as lettuce and hops, will restore sleep without the side effects of sleeping tablets.

Simple practical steps to reduce the symptoms of jet lag will make your journey more pleasurable:

• Watch what you eat - Eat simple, light meals during the flight, avoiding fatty or spicy food.

• Drink fluids - Remember to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water. Avoid consuming alcohol; it may relax you in the short term, but can exacerbate the effects of jet lag through dehydration.

• Sleep patterns - Try not to nap during the day of arrival and get a good night's sleep before the flight.

Some herbs to cure jet lag are best taken before a flight, while others are more suitable one you have landed. Learn how to use herbal remedies to your best advantage.

• Siberian ginseng - Siberian ginseng is an excellent tonic to negate the effects of travel. A tincture or decoction of the dried rhizome of this shrub will fortify the adrenal glands to combat the physical effects of disturbed biorhythms. Ginseng also increased stamina, helping the body to cope with the exhaustion brought on by travelling.

Oats - Oats, either as porridge or a decoction of oat straw, are an excellent fortifying pre-flight food. Oats contain saponins, alkaloids, sterols and vitamins, which raise stamina. Take them to combat exhaustion and as a tonic for restful sleep.

• Passion flower - The gentle sedative properties of passion flower will help to restore natural sleep patterns disturbed by air travel. The herb is also pain relieving for flight-induced headache and anxiety.

• Wu wei zi - Increase your zest and energy after a long-haul flight with this traditional Chinese herbal preparation. A decoction made from the dried berries of this woody vine will help to strengthen and tone your body, as well as aiding restful sleep. Wu wei zi, or schisandra, has long been renowned for its restorative and regulatory functions.

• St John's Wort - Preparations made from the aerial parts of this golden-flowered herb are regarded as a herbal panacea. An Adaptogenic, take it regularly 2-3 weeks before travel to regulate body functions and enhance stamina. An infusion or tincture can be prepared from the dried flower tops. The herb's euphoric effects can also help you overcome fears about flying and travelling.

• Valerian - This popular herbal remedy for insomnia is useful for a restful night's sleep after air travel. The roots and rhizomes of this perennial European herb are harvested and dried in autumn to preserve their volatile oils, iridoids and alkaloids. Take valerian as a tincture to reduce insomnia and induce relaxation during and after travel.

• Hops - Hops contain valerianic acid, which is sedative and relaxes the body and activities of the central nervous system. It can be taken as an infusion of the flowers (called strobiles) both during and after the flight.

• Chamomile - A wonderfully effective, but very gentle, sedative that is suitable even for children and the elderly, chamomile's daisy-like flowers make a sleep-inducing infusion that will leave you refreshed.

To make this energy-providing tonic that will restore your vitality as quickly as possible after a flight, you will need:

• 1 tsp vervain
• 1 tsp wild oats
• 1 tsp St John's Wort
• Half a litre of boiling water
• Small teapot.

1. Place one teaspoon each of these herbs into a teapot; vervain, St John's Wort and wild oats.

2. Slowly add half a litre of boiling water to the mixture.

3. Allow the herbs to infuse in the water for 5-10 minutes.

4. Strain, reserving the liquid, and take a teacupful 3 times during the first day after travelling.
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