By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Jet Lag
Herbal teas for jet lag are a type of natural remedy that helps alleviate symptoms associated with jet lag, such as fatigue, insomnia, and disrupted circadian rhythms.
These teas are particularly effective due to their adaptogenic properties, which enable the body to adjust to new time zones. The best herbal teas for jet lag include Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Lavandula angustifolia, Camellia sinensis, Zingiber officinale, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Corydalis yanhusuo.
If left untreated, jet lag can significantly impact daily life, leading to sleep deprivation, decreased productivity, and mood disturbances, ultimately affecting relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with jet lag because it promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which are common symptoms experienced by travelers crossing time zones.
The Valerian root has a natural calming effect, regulating the body's internal clock and aiding in the adjustment to a new sleep-wake cycle. As the body's natural melatonin production is enhanced, it becomes easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, reducing the fatigue and disorientation associated with jet lag.
This helps the body to quickly adapt to the new time zone.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with jet lag.
- Valerenic acid: Helps with jet lag by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, making it easier to adjust to a new sleep schedule.
- Valeranone: Contributes to the sedative effects of valerian root, which can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality after traveling across time zones.
- Valerenal: Exhibits a sedative and anxiolytic effect, which can aid in reducing the anxiety and stress often associated with jet lag, allowing the body to recover from the disruption of the sleep-wake cycle.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for jet lag.
- Roots: Used due to their high concentration of valerenic acid and other active compounds that promote relaxation and reduce sleep disturbances.
- Leaves: Utilized for their mild sedative properties and ability to help regulate sleep patterns.
2. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis teas helps with jet lag because its unique properties work to regulate the body's internal clock.
The herb contains adaptogenic compounds that help the body adjust to new time zones by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By calming the nervous system and promoting a restful night's sleep, Melissa officinalis teas enable travelers to quickly acclimate to their new environment.
Additionally, its soothing effects can help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and anxiety associated with long-distance travel.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with jet lag.
- Rosmarinic acid: Helps with jet lag by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Luteolin: Assists with jet lag by regulating the body's circadian rhythms and promoting relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Oleanolic acid: Contributes to alleviating jet lag by reducing inflammation and improving sleep quality, which is often disrupted by traveling across time zones.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melissa officinalis used to make teas for jet lag.
- Leaves: The leaves of Melissa officinalis are commonly used to make teas for jet lag because they contain the highest concentration of the herb's active compounds.
- Flowers: The flowers of Melissa officinalis are often used in teas for jet lag due to their calming and sedative properties, which help alleviate symptoms of jet lag.
- Stems: The stems of Melissa officinalis are occasionally used in teas for jet lag, as they contain a similar balance of active compounds to the leaves.
3. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas helps with jet lag because it contains a unique blend of natural chemicals, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, that promote relaxation and reduce stress.
The herb has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia, common symptoms experienced by travelers crossing multiple time zones.
By calming the mind and body, Passiflora incarnata teas can help regulate the body's internal clock and improve the quality of sleep, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone and alleviate the symptoms of jet lag.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata teas that help with jet lag.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds help alleviate symptoms of jet lag by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, which can aid in adjusting to new time zones.
- Harmane alkaloid: This type of alkaloid has sedative properties that can help regulate the body's internal clock and promote better sleep quality, essential for recovering from jet lag.
- Isovitexin flavonoid glycoside: This flavonoid compound has been shown to exhibit anxiolytic effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with jet lag, promoting a smoother transition to a new time zone.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Passiflora incarnata used to make teas for jet lag.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas because they contain a high concentration of flavonoids and other compounds that can help regulate sleep patterns and alleviate jet lag symptoms.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas because they are rich in antioxidants and have a calming effect, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, essential for overcoming jet lag.
- Roots: The roots are used to make teas because they contain a higher concentration of passifloric acid, which has been traditionally used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it an effective remedy for jet lag.
4. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with jet lag because it regulates the body's internal clock and promotes relaxation.
The calming properties of lavender can aid in adapting to new time zones by reducing stress and anxiety caused by travel. The tea's soothing effects can also help improve sleep quality, which is essential for adjusting to a new sleep schedule. Additionally, lavender's natural sleep-promoting properties can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and fatigue associated with jet lag.
This makes Lavandula angustifolia tea a popular choice for travelers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with jet lag.
- Linalool: Helps with jet lag by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, allowing the body to adjust to the new time zone more efficiently.
- Linalyl acetate: Contributes to the relief of jet lag symptoms by promoting better sleep quality and duration, which is essential for recovering from travel-related disruptions.
- Caffeic acid: Helps alleviate jet lag by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by traveling, which can aid in the recovery process and minimize the negative effects of time zone changes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for jet lag.
- Leaves: Used for their calming properties to promote relaxation and reduce stress associated with jet lag.
- Flowers: Utilized for their soothing and sedative effects to help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality.
- Stems: Employed for their potential to ease anxiety and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate jet lag symptoms.
5. Camellia sinensis
Camellia sinensis teas helps with jet lag because they contain a unique blend of antioxidants and amino acids that help regulate the body's internal clock.
The L-theanine content in these teas promotes relaxation and reduces stress, allowing the body to adjust to new time zones. Additionally, the caffeine in tea helps increase alertness without causing jitters, making it an ideal beverage for traveling across time zones.
This natural combination helps alleviate symptoms of jet lag and promotes a smooth transition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis teas that help with jet lag.
- Catechins: Help regulate the body's internal clock by influencing the expression of genes involved in circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycles, thus reducing jet lag symptoms.
- Theaflavins: Act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by jet lag, promoting overall well-being and faster recovery from travel-related fatigue.
- L-theanine: Contribute to relaxation and reduced stress levels by increasing the production of neurotransmitters that promote sleep and relaxation, making it easier to adjust to new time zones.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Camellia sinensis used to make teas for jet lag.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Camellia sinensis for tea production, and their adaptogenic properties help reduce stress and fatigue associated with jet lag.
- Buds: The young buds of Camellia sinensis are also used to make tea, which is believed to have a more delicate and soothing effect on the body, helping to counteract the effects of jet lag.
- Stems: The stems of Camellia sinensis can be used to make tea, which is said to have a more robust and energizing effect, helping to combat fatigue and other symptoms of jet lag.
6. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with jet lag because its active compound, gingerol, aids in regulating the body's circadian rhythms.
Drinking ginger tea before traveling can help ease the transition to a new time zone by reducing inflammation and improving digestion. As the body adjusts to the new schedule, ginger tea's anti-inflammatory properties can also help alleviate fatigue and discomfort associated with jet lag.
Regular consumption of ginger tea may also promote a sense of balance and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with jet lag.
- Gingerols: These compounds help alleviate jet lag by reducing inflammation and nausea associated with air travel, promoting a more comfortable transition to the new time zone.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have been shown to have antioxidant properties and help regulate the body's circadian rhythms, making it easier to adjust to a new sleep schedule after traveling across time zones.
- Volatile oils: These essential oils have been found to have a sedative effect, promoting relaxation and sleep quality, which is essential for readjusting to a new sleep schedule after experiencing jet lag.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for jet lag.
- Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale is its rhyzomes, which are the underground stems that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate jet lag symptoms.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale contain compounds that help regulate the body's internal clock, making them suitable for teas aimed at managing jet lag.
- (optional) leaves: Some herbal teas may use the leaves of Zingiber officinale, as they contain lesser amounts of the active compounds found in the rhyzomes and roots, but still provide some benefits for jet lag relief.
7. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with jet lag because it is believed to improve circulation and oxygenation to the brain, enhancing alertness and reducing fatigue.
The flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba tea may also help to regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality. Additionally, its antioxidant properties may help to combat the oxidative stress caused by air travel, further contributing to its potential benefits in alleviating jet lag symptoms.
This may help travelers adapt to new time zones.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with jet lag.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate symptoms of jet lag by protecting brain cells from oxidative stress caused by long-distance travel and time zone changes.
- Terpenoids: Terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the body adjust to new sleep-wake cycles and reduce fatigue associated with jet lag.
- Bilobalide: Bilobalide acts as an antioxidant, which can help reduce the impact of fatigue and improve cognitive function, making it easier to adapt to new time zones and travel schedules.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for jet lag.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Ginkgo biloba for teas, as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that help improve circulation and reduce fatigue associated with jet lag.
- Seeds: Ginkgo seeds are used to enhance the effects of the leaves, as they are rich in fatty acids and may help to improve memory and reduce stress caused by jet lag.
8. Avena sativa
Avena sativa teas helps with jet lag because it promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality, which are often disrupted by long-distance travel.
This herbal tea, derived from oat straw, contains a unique combination of flavonoids and alkaloids that help to regulate the body's internal clock and reduce stress levels.
By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, Avena sativa teas enable travelers to adapt to new time zones more easily, reducing the symptoms of jet lag and making it easier to adjust to a new schedule.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa teas that help with jet lag.
- Fatty acids: These help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be caused by the disruption in sleep patterns due to jet lag.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid: This neurotransmitter has a calming effect on the body, which can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and alleviate symptoms of jet lag.
- Lignans: These flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote relaxation, ultimately aiding in the recovery from jet lag.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Avena sativa used to make teas for jet lag.
- Seeds: They are often used in teas due to their high concentration of saponins, which can help regulate sleep patterns and reduce stress caused by jet lag.
- Leaves: The leaves of Avena sativa are rich in flavonoids and other compounds that promote relaxation and help adjust to new time zones.
- Roots: The roots contain a higher concentration of saponins and other bioactive compounds, making them a popular choice for teas aimed at alleviating jet lag symptoms.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with jet lag because it promotes relaxation and reduces stress, making it easier for the body to adjust to new time zones.
The tea's adaptogenic properties help the body adapt to changing environments, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce fatigue and promote a sense of well-being.
Additionally, the tea's flavonoids and saponins work together to regulate the body's circadian rhythms, helping to alleviate the symptoms of jet lag and promote a restful night's sleep.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with jet lag.
- Saponins: These compounds help alleviate jet lag by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by air travel, promoting relaxation and reducing fatigue.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps with jet lag by regulating the body's internal clock, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting a sense of well-being.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds help mitigate jet lag symptoms by protecting against oxidative damage, reducing inflammation, and promoting better sleep quality.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for jet lag.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin, a key compound found in the roots, helps to regulate cortisol levels and alleviate symptoms of jet lag.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which aid in reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
- Flowers: The flowers of this plant are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of jet lag.
10. Corydalis yanhusuo
Corydalis yanhusuo teas helps with jet lag because it contains the active compound dehydrocorybulbine (DHCEB), which has been shown to regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality.
This herb has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone.
By promoting a restful night's sleep and reducing fatigue, Corydalis yanhusuo teas can help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag, allowing travelers to adapt to their new environment more quickly.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Corydalis yanhusuo teas that help with jet lag.
- Berberine: Helps with jet lag by regulating the body's internal clock and reducing inflammation caused by travel stress.
- Yanhusuo alkaloids: Helps with jet lag by improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of insomnia due to time zone changes.
- Isoquinoline alkaloids: Helps with jet lag by reducing anxiety and stress caused by traveling, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep patterns.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Corydalis yanhusuo used to make teas for jet lag.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of active compounds, particularly berberine, which helps regulate the body's circadian rhythms.
- Leaves: They are used for their high content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which contribute to their adaptogenic properties and help the body adjust to changes in sleep patterns.