Jet lag causes dizziness, fatigue, and disturbed sleeping patterns when you go on a holiday or vacation to other places with different time zones. Fortunately, there are natural ways that can help in preventing and fighting jet lag whenever you travel across different time zones. Jet lag happens when there is a disturbance to the normal circadian rhythm or internal body clock during travel across another time zone. The circadian rhythm is responsible in regulating biological rhythms in the body, such as the sleep and wake cycle. In jet lag, the body may take several days before it can fully adjust to the new time zone.
Herbal Remedies for Jet Lag
As mentioned earlier, there are natural remedies that can be done to help the body adjust to the new time zone faster, to prevent jet lag or relieve symptoms of jet lag as soon as possible. However, herbal remedies can’t cure jet lag, but it can only support the body in adjusting to the new time zone. Here are some herbal remedies that can help in the body in coping with the sudden change of time zone:
- St. John’s Wort
- Siberian Ginseng
- Basil
- Echinacea
- Passion Flower
Oats for Jet Lag
Oats are rich in melatonin (1,000 picograms to 1800 picograms of melatonin per gram), a hormone that regulates the sleep and wake cycle. For jet lag, oats can be taken to help in fighting exhaustion and it can help in inducing a restful sleep at night. There are several types of preparation of oats (oatmeal, cereal drink with oats, nature bars, oatmeal cookies, and oatmeal bread). No matter what type of oatmeal preparation you take, you can always benefit from its melatonin properties. Aside from melatonin, oats contain other nutrients that can help in increasing stamina, such as saponins, alkaloids, sterols, and vitamins.
Other Natural Remedies for Jet Lag
There are other things you can do aside from herbal remedies to fight jet lag. Just follow these easy steps to help your body in adjusting to the new time zone quickly.
- Even if you arrive at your destination during daytime, as much as possible, never go to sleep not until nighttime. If you sleep at night, your body can adjust to the new time zone more quickly. You can drink a cup of coffee or tea during the day to keep you awake, but never drink too much, for it can confuse your sleep-wake pattern more.
- During morning, expose yourself under natural sunlight. Sunlight or even bright light can send signals to your brain that it is already daytime and it can help in keeping you awake.
