Jet Lag: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Jet lag, a condition characterized by disorientation and fatigue resulting from a significant mismatch between the body's internal clock and the local time, occurs when traveling across multiple time zones.

Caused by the rapid change in light exposure and circadian rhythms, jet lag can lead to negative impacts on health, including insomnia, digestive issues, and decreased immune function. To alleviate jet lag, herbal remedies such as valerian root, lavender, and passionflower can be used in teas, tinctures, or capsules.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or have adverse effects in certain individuals.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of jet lag, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of jet lag?

The main causes of jet lag are primarily related to the disruption of the body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm.

This is triggered by crossing multiple time zones, resulting in a mismatch between the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and the local time. The desynchronization of the body's physiological processes, including the release of melatonin and cortisol hormones, is a major contributor to the symptoms of jet lag. The sudden change in sleep-wake patterns, meal times, and exposure to light and darkness also play a significant role in causing jet lag.

Studies have shown that the severity of jet lag is directly related to the number of time zones crossed, with longer flights and more significant time changes resulting in more severe symptoms.

• Time Zone Change: A significant difference in the time zone of the traveler's departure and arrival locations disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to jet lag.
• Circadian Rhythm Shift: The change in daylight exposure and darkness triggers a shift in the body's natural circadian rhythm, making it difficult to adjust to the new time zone.
• Travel Fatigue: The physical and mental exhaustion caused by long-distance travel and changes in environment can contribute to jet lag.
• Meal Time Disruption: Eating at irregular times or consuming food that is not suitable for the new time zone can affect the body's natural rhythms and worsen jet lag symptoms.
• Sleep Schedule Inconsistency: Inconsistent sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day or staying up late at night, can further disrupt the body's internal clock and exacerbate jet lag.
• Air Travel: The effects of air travel, including dehydration, dry air, and changes in air pressure, can contribute to jet lag.
• Age and Health: Older adults and individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or sleep disorders, may be more susceptible to jet lag due to their body's reduced ability to adapt to changes.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for jet lag?

The main medicinal herbs used for jet lag are Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Melissa officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Avena sativa, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and Schisandra chinensis.

Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration by enhancing GABA levels in the brain. Passiflora incarnata, or passionflower, has a calming effect due to its flavonoids and alkaloids, which can help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, and Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as ginkgo, lemon balm, and lavender, respectively, have been found to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Avena sativa, or oat straw, contains avenalin, which has been shown to reduce jet lag by regulating cortisol levels, while Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, and Schisandra chinensis have adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with changes in time zones.

• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with jet lag due to its ability to regulate the body's internal clock and induce relaxation, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone by promoting a sense of calm and reducing stress.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata helps with jet lag by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can alleviate the stress and discomfort associated with jet lag and help the body adjust to a new sleep-wake cycle.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis helps with jet lag by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and regulating the body's internal clock, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone and improving sleep quality.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with jet lag by improving blood flow to the brain, which can aid in reducing fatigue and improving cognitive function, thus helping the body to adjust to a new time zone and reduce the effects of jet lag.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia helps with jet lag by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, and improving sleep quality, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone and reducing the effects of jet lag.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with jet lag by reducing nausea and digestive discomfort associated with jet lag, which can aid in improving overall well-being and reducing the effects of travel fatigue.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with jet lag by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety and stress, and improving sleep quality, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone and reducing the effects of jet lag.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with jet lag by reducing fatigue, improving cognitive function, and enhancing adaptability to new situations, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone and reducing the effects of jet lag.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera helps with jet lag by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone and reducing the effects of jet lag.
• Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra chinensis helps with jet lag by improving adaptability to new situations, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall well-being, which can aid in adjusting to a new time zone and reducing the effects of jet lag.

What are the main herbal preparations used for jet lag?

The main herbal preparations used for jet lag are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Gummies, Powder, Lozenge, Elixir, Salve.

Tincture of valerian root is used for its sedative properties to help regulate sleep-wake cycles, while Decoction of ashwagandha is used to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Capsule of melatonin is used to regulate the body's internal clock and induce sleep, while Cream of arnica is used to reduce jet lag-induced inflammation and fatigue. Suppository of 5-HTP is used to increase serotonin levels and promote relaxation, while Gummies of vitamin C are used to boost the immune system and reduce fatigue.

Powder of rhodiola is used to reduce stress and fatigue, while Lozenge of licorice root is used to soothe the throat and promote relaxation, Elixir of ginseng is used to boost energy and alertness, and Salve of peppermint is used to reduce inflammation and promote digestion.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the herb Withania somnifera may help alleviate jet lag due to its adaptogenic properties, which can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and reduce stress caused by travel.
• Decoction: A decoction of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) may aid in managing jet lag symptoms, such as insomnia and restlessness, as valerian root is known for its sedative and relaxing effects.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Sambucus nigra, also known as black elderberry, may help alleviate jet lag due to its antioxidant properties, which can help mitigate the oxidative stress associated with long-distance travel.
• Cream: A topical cream made from the herb Avena sativa, or oat straw, may help soothe skin irritations and promote relaxation, reducing the stress associated with jet lag.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the herb Passiflora incarnata may help alleviate jet lag symptoms, such as insomnia and restlessness, as passiflora is known for its sedative and calming effects.
• Gummies: Gummies made from the herb Bacopa monnieri may help alleviate jet lag due to its adaptogenic properties, which can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and improve cognitive function after travel.
• Powder: A powder made from the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) may help alleviate jet lag due to its adaptogenic properties, which can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and reduce stress caused by travel.
• Lozenge: A lozenge made from the herb Echinacea purpurea may help alleviate jet lag symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness, as echinacea is known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the herb Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate jet lag due to its antioxidant properties, which can help mitigate the oxidative stress associated with long-distance travel and improve cognitive function.
• Salve: A salve made from the herb Lavandula angustifolia may help promote relaxation and reduce stress associated with jet lag, as lavender is known for its calming and soothing effects.