Originally published February 21 2013
Avoid the nuisance of jet lag with these top natural remedies
by Carolanne Wright
(NaturalNews) Suffering from jet lag and dragging yourself around is not the most pleasant experience after a long flight. Luckily, several natural remedies can help save the day. By tending to physical and mental balance along with the circadian rhythm, marathon travel doesn't have to be a traumatic and exhausting ordeal.
Arrive calm, well-rested and alert
Lets face it, air travel can be stressful. It really isn't a natural way of being and can cause annoying physical and emotional disruptions -- often lasting for days. In spite of this reality, there is a solution. Adaptogens like Rhodiola rosea, schisandra and ginseng are your best friends in the battle against jet lag. Melatonin, effervescent vitamin C and valerian are first-rate allies as well. Take a look at all the exceptional benefits of each:
Rhodiola rosea is one powerful adaptogen. It boosts endurance and stamina (essential for surviving the TSA security check), reduces stress, enhances mental performance (important in oxygen-deprived environments) and uplifts the mood (vital when facing horrifying inflight meals). 300-400 milligrams per day is recommended. It's best to begin taking rhodiola several weeks before travel and continue for at least a week thereafter.
Schisandra is another exceptional herb for deflecting the effects of flying. Similar to rhodiola, it imparts heightened mental and physical performance. Schisandra strengthens alertness, memory and mental energy -- an important consideration in EMF infested environments like airports and jets. For best results, take 200 milligrams of the extract daily.
Ginseng is the granddaddy of adaptogens for good reason. Chinese emperors recognized a good thing when they saw it and used this herb to increase mental function and physical vigor. Ginseng offers an additional benefit: increased oxygen utilization. Efficiency in this area keeps the mind sharp and senses alert. Take 500 milligrams per day.
Melatonin is the sleep regulating hormone in the brain. It encourages much needed rest during long flights and assists in resetting the body's internal clock to the local time of the destination. As an added bonus, it helps to diminish inflight free radical damage due to its antioxidant properties. One to three milligrams at bedtime is adequate.
Effervescent vitamin C is another flight survival supplement. Not only does it fortify the immune system, but it also boosts stamina with B-complex vitamins -- helping to maintain energy levels and fend off those nasty infectious bugs often found in recirculated cabin air.
Valerian root is superb for avoiding anxiety and soothing the nervous system. Instead of feeling like a wound-up bundle of nerves while traveling, valerian promotes relaxation and rest.
Homeopathic remedies are an excellent option for maintaining equilibrium as well. Good choices for avoiding jet lag include: Arnica 30c, Cocculus 30c, Pulsatilla 30c and Melatonin 6c.
Tend to natural rhythms
Keep your balance with the following in-flight tricks. Move and walk as much as possible to keep circulation humming and muscles flexible. You have heard it before, yet it cannot be stressed enough: drink an abundance of water. If you do one thing during a flight, this would be it. Staying hydrated is crucial to avoiding jet lag. Also, meditating for even just a few minutes will maintain a relaxed body and mind. Additionally, adapt to a new time zone quickly by changing your watch to local destination time as soon as you board the airplane and adjust your sleep/wake cycle accordingly. Lastly, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lights are helpful in resetting your internal clock too. Lightweight USB models are available.
Long distance air travel need not be overly stressful and taxing. Armed with a few supplements and recommendations, jet lag can be avoided happily and easily, saving sanity and emotional well-being in the process.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.medicinehunter.com/jet-lag
http://travel.nytimes.com
http://docakilah.wordpress.com
http://www.travelsmartnewsletter.com/po_jetlag.html
http://www.fodors.com/news/story_4457.html
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/07/30/how-to-avoid-jet-lag/
About the author:
Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.
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Read her other articles on Natural News here:
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Carolanne believes if we want to see change in the world, we need to be the change. As a nutritionist, wellness coach and natural foods chef, she has encouraged others to embrace a healthy lifestyle of green living for over 13 years. Through her website www.Thrive-Living.net she looks forward to connecting with other like-minded people who share a similar vision.
Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Thrive-Living/499578863433146
For Pinterest fans: www.pinterest.com/thriveliving/
Find at Google+: www.goo.gl/cEZiyR
Diaspora*: [email protected]
Tsu: www.tsu.co/ThriveLiving
and Twitter: www.twitter.com/Thrive_Living
Read her other articles on Natural News here:
www.naturalnews.com/Author1183.html
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