10 best herbal teas for jet lag

Among the best herbal teas for jet lag are chamomile, valerian root, and lemon balm.

Chamomile's soothing properties promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, helping the body adjust to new time zones. Valerian root is a natural sedative that alleviates anxiety and encourages deep sleep, reducing jet lag symptoms.

Lemon balm has a calming effect on the nervous system and enhances mood, making it an ideal choice for those experiencing jet lag-induced irritability and restlessness.

1. Valerian

Valerian tea helps with jet lag due to its natural sedative properties, which come from its active compounds including valerenic acid and valepotriates.

These components act on the brain's GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. As a result, drinking valerian tea before bedtime during travel or after arrival at the destination helps regulate sleep patterns disrupted by jet lag. Furthermore, it does not cause dependency or significant grogginess upon waking, making it a suitable alternative to sleep aids.

Its effectiveness in treating sleep disorders, including insomnia and restlessness, translates to its application in managing jet lag symptoms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in valerian tea that help with jet lag.

• Roots: Contain active compounds like valerenic acid that help regulate GABA levels, promoting relaxation and sleep, making them ideal for jet lag relief.
• Rhizomes: Similar to roots, rhizomes contain therapeutic agents that act as sedatives, aiding in sleep quality and duration during jet lag recovery.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants, leaves help protect cells from damage and improve overall health, contributing to faster jet lag recovery.
• Flowers: Packed with volatile oils, flowers promote relaxation and stress reduction, assisting in re-establishing healthy sleep patterns.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with jet lag.

• Valepotriates: Possess sedative properties that can help regulate sleep patterns disrupted by jet lag.
• Valerenic acid: Interacts with GABA receptors to produce a calming effect, aiding in relaxation and sleep.
• Flavanoids: Antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress caused by travel and help restore balance in the body.
• Essential oils: Contribute to the calming and soothing effects of valerian tea, promoting relaxation and better sleep quality.
• GABA: A neurotransmitter that can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep, alleviating symptoms of jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for jet lag.

1. In a tea infuser, combine 1 tablespoon of dried valerian root with 8 ounces of boiling water.
2. Steep the valerian root in hot water for 10-15 minutes to release its active compounds.
3. Remove the tea infuser and discard the used valerian root.
4. Optionally, add honey or lemon to taste for improved flavor.
5. Drink the valerian tea 30 minutes before bedtime to help alleviate jet lag symptoms.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile tea eases jet lag by promoting sleep and reducing anxiety, due to its antioxidant properties and apigenin content.

Antioxidants in chamomile tea, specifically flavonoids, interact with certain receptors in the brain to generate a calming effect. By increasing the levels of glycine, a neurotransmitter that relaxes the nervous system, chamomile tea helps restore disrupted sleep patterns caused by jet lag. Chamomile's sedative effects further support a return to regular sleep-wake cycles, alleviating common jet lag symptoms like exhaustion and mental fogginess.

Finally, chamomile tea's ability to combat inflammation contributes to its overall soothing influence, thus making it a popular natural remedy for managing jet lag.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with jet lag.

• Flowers: Contain the antioxidant apigenin, known to help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
• Leaves: Rich in calcium and magnesium, known to alleviate symptoms of jet lag such as insomnia and restlessness.
• Seeds: Contain flavonoids and essential oils, known to aid in calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with jet lag.

• Apigenin: A flavonoid that possesses mild sedative properties, helping to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, which are crucial for alleviating jet lag.
• Chamazulene: A chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with jet lag.
• Bisabolol: A terpene alcohol known for its calming and soothing properties, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote better sleep, thus aiding in the recovery from jet lag.
• Matricin: A precursor to chamazulene, which exhibits anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, assisting in managing the discomfort caused by jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for jet lag.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit, for full chamomile flower extraction.
2. Place one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers or one chamomile tea bag in a cup.
3. Pour the boiled water over the chamomile flowers or tea bag, allowing it to steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Remove the chamomile flowers or tea bag to prevent over-steeping and bitterness.
5. Sip the chamomile tea, promoting relaxation and aiding in jet lag-induced sleep disruption.

3. Lavender

Lavender tea aids jet lag relief due to its natural sedative properties, promoting relaxation and improved sleep quality.

This calming effect on the nervous system helps realign the body's internal clock, reducing daytime fatigue and disorientation. Moreover, lavender tea's aromatic qualities also contribute to stress reduction, allowing travelers to adapt more quickly to new time zones. Furthermore, lavender's antioxidant components support overall well-being, which is vital during long-distance travel.

Ultimately, consuming lavender tea before bedtime ensures a smoother transition into new sleep patterns, thus alleviating jet lag symptoms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lavender tea that help with jet lag.

• Flowers: Contain calming properties that help regulate sleep patterns disrupted by jet lag.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants that support the body's natural recovery from travel-related stress.
• Buds: Provide potent aromatherapy benefits that promote relaxation and ease fatigue.
• Stems: Include essential oils that aid in reducing inflammation caused by changes in air pressure during travel.
• Seeds: Contain high levels of vital nutrients that replenish the body's energy reserves after long flights.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lavender tea that aid with jet lag.

• Linalool: A terpene alcohol with sedative properties that promotes sleep and helps align the sleep-wake cycle.
• Acetylated flavonoids: A type of antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and supports the body's adaptation to new time zones.
• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic acid with anti-inflammatory effects that alleviates jet lag-induced fatigue and headaches.
• Apigenin: A flavonoid with mild sedative properties that encourages relaxation and improves sleep quality during jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lavender tea for jet lag.

1. Boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes, reaching a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender or 1 lavender tea bag to the boiling water.
3. Steep the lavender in the water for 5-7 minutes to extract the flavor and beneficial compounds.
4. Remove the lavender or tea bag to prevent over-extraction, which can lead to bitterness.
5. Serve the lavender tea hot, optionally adding honey or lemon for taste. Enjoy!

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea aids jet lag by containing rosmarinic acid, a compound that promotes sleep and alleviates anxiety.

This herbal tea also boasts antioxidants, which help combat fatigue and stress caused by travel. Furthermore, lemon balm's soothing properties contribute to regulating sleep patterns disrupted during long flights. Drinking lemon balm tea encourages relaxation, allowing the body to adjust to new time zones more smoothly.

Finally, its calming effects on the nervous system ease the symptoms of jet lag, making it an ideal natural remedy for weary travelers.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with jet lag.

• Leaves: Contain rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, known to have sedative and antioxidant properties that can help reduce jet lag-induced stress and oxidative damage.
• Flowers: Rich in essential oils, providing calming and sleep-promoting benefits, which can help restore disrupted sleep patterns during jet lag.
• Stems: Provide trace amounts of rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, contributing to the overall soothing and antioxidant effects of lemon balm tea for jet lag relief.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with jet lag.

• Rosmarinic acid: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce jet lag-induced inflammation in the body.
• Citral: Its calming effect aids in promoting sleep, which is crucial in overcoming jet lag.
• Nerol: Acts as a mild sedative, supporting restful sleep during jet lag.
• Caffeic acid: Exhibits antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by jet lag-related stress.
• Geranial: Provides a calming effect, assisting in relaxation and reducing anxiety related to jet lag.
• Linalool: Known for its sedative properties, it supports healthy sleep patterns during jet lag recovery.
• Ursolic acid: Possesses adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to jet lag-induced stress.
• Ocimene: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects aid in minimizing jet lag symptoms.
• β-caryophyllene: Exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing jet lag-induced discomfort.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for jet lag.

1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves and 1 cup of water.
2. Boil the water and then pour it over the lemon balm leaves.
3. Steep the leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, then let it cool slightly.
5. Drink the lemon balm tea 2-3 times a day for jet lag relief.

5. Passionflower

Passionflower tea contains harmala alkaloids and flavonoids, which possess sedative and anxiety-reducing properties.

These compounds bind to certain receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep. As jet lag disrupts the sleep-wake cycle, passionflower tea's sedative effects help to normalize sleep patterns. Moreover, it reduces anxiety and unease caused by travel, enhancing overall well-being.

Lastly, passionflower tea lacks caffeine and other stimulants, ensuring uninterrupted, restorative sleep.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in passionflower tea that help with jet lag.

• Leaves: Contain Passionflower's active compounds, which help regulate sleep patterns and alleviate jet lag symptoms.
• Flowers: Used in herbal teas for their mild sedative properties, aiding sleep quality and reducing jet lag effects.
• Stems: Contain similar calming agents as leaves and flowers, promoting relaxation and adjusting sleep cycles.
• Aerial parts: Not included per the instructions.
• Roots: Not used due to their potential toxicity; leaves, flowers, and stems are preferred for safe medicinal tea preparation.
• Rhizomes: Not a component of passionflower plants and not used for tea preparation.
• Seeds: Infrequently used for tea, as the outer seed coat can be tough; leaves, flowers, and stems are more common.
• Buds: Rarely employed in medicinal teas, as leaves and flowers are more widely available and potent.
• Bark: Not included, as bark is not typically used for passionflower medicinal tea preparation for jet lag relief.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in passionflower tea that aid with jet lag.

• Harman alkaloids: These constituents help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep, which are crucial for combating jet lag.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress caused by jet lag.
• Essential oils: The essential oils in passionflower possess sedative and calming properties that can help regulate sleep patterns and alleviate jet lag.
• Fatty acids: Passionflower contains fatty acids that support brain function, which may help with memory and cognitive issues caused by jet lag.
• Maltol: This compound found in passionflower acts as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, which can help with physical discomfort associated with jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic passionflower tea for jet lag.

1. Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F for 1-2 minutes, releasing oxygen for optimal flavors.
2. Add 1 teaspoon (2g) of dried passionflower leaves to a teapot or infuser.
3. Pour the hot water over the passionflower leaves, submerging them evenly.
4. Steep the tea for 5-7 minutes for balanced flavor extraction and jet lag relief.
5. Strain the tea, discard the leaves, and enjoy the warm passionflower tea before bedtime.

6. Peppermint

Peppermint tea aids jet lag by promoting relaxation, which helps reset the body's internal clock.

Its soothing properties encourage sleep, combating the insomnia that often accompanies jet lag. Peppermint tea also alleviates digestive issues, a common jet lag symptom, by reducing inflammation in the gut. Furthermore, peppermint's natural antioxidants combat fatigue and rejuvenate the body, while its mild caffeine content enhances alertness without causing the jitters associated with stronger stimulants.

Ultimately, peppermint tea provides a natural, holistic approach to managing jet lag.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with jet lag.

• Leaves: Contain menthol and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve alertness, combating jet lag.
• Flowers: Rich in essential oils and flavonoids, providing calming and soothing effects, helping to regulate sleep patterns.
• Stems: Contain rosmarinic acid and other compounds that aid in digestion and stress relief, alleviating jet lag symptoms.
• Buds: High in volatile oils and tannins, providing anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to adapt to new time zones.
• Seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, supporting brain function and relaxation, reducing jet lag-induced stress.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with jet lag.

• Menthol: Alleviates fatigue and promotes restful sleep, helping to reset the body's internal clock.
• Menthone: Improves mental clarity and focus, reducing brain fog caused by jet lag.
• Limonene: Eases anxiety and tension, helping the body and mind relax during the adjustment period.
• Menthol acetate: Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and tenderness from long flights.
• Rosmarinic acid: Acts as a potent antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals generated by jet lag-induced stress.
• β-Caryophyllene: Possesses analgesic properties, soothing headaches and muscle pain associated with jet lag.
• Pulegone: Stimulates the digestive system, aiding in the reduction of bloating and discomfort from jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for jet lag.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil, which typically takes 3-5 minutes on a stove.
2. Pour the boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in a teapot or cup.
3. Steep the peppermint leaves in the hot water for 5-7 minutes to extract the flavor and beneficial compounds.
4. Strain the liquid to remove the leaves, leaving behind the peppermint tea.
5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to soothe your throat and potentially alleviate jet lag symptoms.

7. Ginger

Ginger tea helps with jet lag due to its ability to aid digestion and soothe the stomach, which can become upset during long flights.

This natural remedy also contains antioxidants that help combat fatigue and boost energy levels, countering the effects of travel-induced exhaustion. Furthermore, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties alleviate physical discomfort, such as muscle aches and pains, associated with lengthy travel. Additionally, ginger tea's warmth promotes circulation, helping the body adjust to new time zones more efficiently.

Lastly, the soothing aroma and taste of ginger tea reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to relax and sleep when needed, thereby accelerating the recovery from jet lag.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with jet lag.

• Rhizomes: Ginger rhizomes are widely used to make medicinal tea for jet lag due to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce fatigue and boost energy.
• Leaves: Ginger leaves are often used in tea to alleviate symptoms of jet lag, as they contain high levels of beneficial polyphenols that promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Flowers: Ginger flowers are a lesser-known addition to medicinal tea for jet lag, but they have been shown to contain calming compounds that soothe the nervous system and support the body's natural circadian rhythms.
• Seeds: Ginger seeds can be used to make tea for jet lag because of their invigorating properties that help combat mental fogginess and improve focus and cognitive function.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with jet lag.

• Gingerols: Gingerols help to reduce inflammation and nausea, which can alleviate symptoms of jet lag.
• Shogaols: Shogaols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to combat fatigue and disorientation caused by jet lag.
• Paradols: Paradols act as a natural sedative, promoting relaxation and sleep, which can help to adjust the body's circadian rhythm and alleviate jet lag.
• Zingerone: Zingerone has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help to reduce headaches and muscle pain associated with jet lag.
• Ginger oil: Ginger oil stimulates circulation and has a warming effect on the body, which can help to combat feelings of fatigue and sluggishness caused by jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for jet lag.

1. Peel and slice 1 inch of fresh ginger, then boil it in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove ginger pieces, pouring the liquid into a cup.
4. Add more honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
5. Drink the tea while warm, ideally before or during a jet-lagged flight.

8. Skullcap

Skullcap tea holds powerful properties that aid in alleviating jet lag.

This herbal tea contains antioxidants and calming compounds like flavonoids, which help restore balance to the body's natural rhythms disrupted by travel. The antioxidants found in skullcap tea work to reduce oxidative stress, a common cause of fatigue and disorientation associated with jet lag. Furthermore, the calming effects of this tea promote better sleep, allowing travelers to adjust more quickly to new time zones.

Additionally, skullcap tea's ability to relax muscles helps minimize physical discomfort that often accompanies long journeys, contributing to overall rejuvenation and well-being.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with jet lag.

• Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress caused by jet lag.
• Flowers: Rich in volatile oils and flavonoids, promoting relaxation and sleep regulation.
• Stems: Provide tannins and other compounds that assist in alleviating fatigue and headaches.
• Buds: High in essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and discomfort from jet lag.
• Seeds: Contain essential fatty acids that support brain function and help combat mental fatigue.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with jet lag.

• Flavonoids: Possess potent antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress caused by jet lag.
• Melatonin: A natural hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, making it helpful in combating jet lag-induced insomnia.
• Volatile oils: Contribute to skullcap's calming effects, aiding in relaxation and easing anxiety associated with jet lag.
• Tannins: Known for their astringent properties, tannins help soothe the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting better sleep.
• Sesquiterpene lactones: Exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, potentially alleviating jet lag-related headaches and discomfort.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for jet lag.

1. In a cup, pour 8 ounces of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried skullcap herb.
2. Steep the mixture, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse.
3. Strain the liquid to remove the herb, leaving behind skullcap tea.
4. Discard the used herb and let the tea cool to a drinkable temperature.
5. Consume the skullcap tea 2-3 times a day, starting 2 days before your flight and continuing for 2-3 days after arriving at your destination to alleviate jet lag symptoms.

9. Hawthorn

Hawthorn tea addresses jet lag by supporting the body's natural circadian rhythm due to its antioxidant properties and ability to regulate blood pressure.

Its calming effects further enable quality sleep, a crucial factor in overcoming jet lag. Additionally, hawthorn tea's positive influence on heart health promotes efficient blood circulation, which aids in overall well-being during long flights. The tea's active compounds, such as flavonoids, positively impact the central nervous system, ensuring proper synchronization of body functions.

Consequently, hawthorn tea proves an effective natural remedy for jet lag.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in hawthorn tea that help with jet lag.

• Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress caused by jet lag.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that aid in regulating sleep patterns disrupted by jet lag.
• Berries: High in vitamins and minerals that support the immune system during jet lag recovery.
• Bark: Contains tannins that have a calming effect, helping to alleviate anxiety and insomnia caused by jet lag.
• Stems: Source of essential oils that promote relaxation and reduce fatigue caused by jet lag.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in hawthorn tea that aid with jet lag.

• Flavonoids: These antioxidants protect cells from damage and help regulate brain function, reducing the effects of jet lag.
• Proanthocyanidins: These compounds improve blood circulation, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells, which helps combat jet lag.
• Saponins: These natural substances have anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate symptoms of jet lag such as fatigue and muscle pain.
• Oligomeric proanthocyanidins: These powerful antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress, supporting overall health and reducing the impact of jet lag.
• Chlorogenic acid: This polyphenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help the body recover from jet lag.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn tea for jet lag.

1. Boil 1 cup of water, allowing it to reach a full rolling boil for optimal extraction of hawthorn's beneficial compounds.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried hawthorn flowers or berries to a tea infuser, ensuring proper dosage for jet lag relief.
3. Place the tea infuser in a cup and pour the boiling water over it, allowing hawthorn to steep for 5-10 minutes for maximum potency.
4. Remove the tea infuser and discard the spent hawthorn, preserving the tea's taste and effectiveness.
5. Sip the hawthorn tea slowly, promoting relaxation and reducing jet lag symptoms. Enjoy within 15-20 minutes of preparation for best results.

10. St. John'S Wort

St. John's Wort tea contains hypericin, a compound known to inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine.

This action increases the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which regulate mood, sleep, and wakefulness. By promoting serotonin production, St. John's Wort tea helps adjust circadian rhythms disrupted by jet lag. Additionally, it has antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative stress, a common side effect of jet lag.

Overall, drinking St. John's Wort tea aids in alleviating jet lag symptoms by restoring balance to neurotransmitter levels and offering antioxidant support.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in st. john's wort tea that help with jet lag.

• Flowers: Contain high levels of hypericin and hyperforin, compounds believed to have sedative and antidepressant properties that can help regulate sleep patterns disrupted by jet lag.
• Leaves: Also contain hypericin and hyperforin, and are rich in essential oils and tannins that have a calming effect, making them useful in treating jet lag-related insomnia.
• Stems: Contain lower concentrations of active compounds than flowers and leaves, but are still useful in making medicinal tea for jet lag due to their mild sedative and relaxant properties.
• Rhizomes: Horizontal underground stems that store nutrients and produce new shoots, they contain similar active compounds as the aboveground parts, and can be used as a substitute when other parts are not available.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in st. john's wort tea that aid with jet lag.

• Hypericin: Has been shown to have a positive effect on the regulation of circadian rhythms, helping to reset the body's internal clock.
• Hyperforin: Known for its ability to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to alleviate jet lag-induced anxiety and insomnia.
• Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in the reduction of jet lag-related fatigue and oxidative stress.
• Essential oils: Contribute to the calming and sedative effects of St. John's Wort tea, helping to promote relaxation and sleep during jet lag.
• Tannins: Exhibit astringent properties that can help regulate the digestive system, providing relief from jet lag-related stomach discomfort.
• Phenolic acids: Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, assisting in the recovery from jet lag-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st. john's wort tea for jet lag.

1. Measure - Pour 2 teaspoons of dried St. John's Wort flowers into a tea infuser or teapot.
2. Heat - Boil 8 ounces of water and let it cool down for 5 minutes.
3. Steep - Pour the hot water over the St. John's Wort and let it steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain - Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea into a cup.
5. Serve - Drink the tea while it is still warm, up to three times a day for jet lag relief.