10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Jet Lag

Herbal tinctures for jet lag are concentrated plant extracts designed to alleviate the discomforts associated with travel across time zones.

These tinctures help regulate the body's internal clock, reducing symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and disorientation. Examples of effective herbal tinctures include Valerian root, which promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality, and Ginkgo biloba, which enhances cognitive function and reduces jet lag-related brain fog.

By incorporating these tinctures into their routine, travelers can improve the quality of their rest, increase energy levels, and enjoy a more seamless transition to their new destination.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for jet lag, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with jet lag because its sedative properties promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making it easier to adjust to a new sleep schedule.

As valerian interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, it can help regulate the body's internal clock, allowing travelers to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Additionally, valerian tinctures can increase the quality of sleep, reducing grogginess and fatigue associated with jet lag.

This natural remedy helps alleviate the discomfort of traveling across time zones, making it easier to feel rested and refreshed upon arrival at your destination.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Valerenic acid: Acts as a GABA receptor agonist, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety that often accompany jet lag.
• Valeranone: Exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties, helping to regulate sleep patterns and alleviate symptoms of jet lag.
• Isovaleric acid amide: Displays sedative and hypnotic effects, contributing to improved sleep quality and reduced sleep latency, which is often disrupted by jet lag.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Roots: They contain a high concentration of valerenic acid, a key compound responsible for the sedative and relaxing properties of Valerian root.
• Buds: They are rich in valerenic acid and other bioactive compounds that help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety associated with jet lag.
• Stems: They contain a higher percentage of valerenic acid compared to leaves, making them a preferred choice for tincture production.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh valeriana officinalis roots and leaves in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal potency.
2. Clean and dry the harvested plant material to prevent contamination and spoilage for 7 to 10 days.
3. Combine the dried plant material with 60 to 70 percent ethanol in a glass jar to create a 1:3 ratio.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place and allow the mixture to macerate for 2 to 3 weeks, shaking daily.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass container, discarding the solids.

2. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm tinctures helps with jet lag because its calming and sedative properties can help regulate your body's internal clock.

The herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. By promoting relaxation and calming the mind and body, lemon balm tincture can help you adjust to a new time zone faster and get a good night's sleep, even when traveling across multiple time zones.

This can help alleviate symptoms of jet lag, such as fatigue, insomnia, and disorientation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps alleviate jet lag by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by disrupted circadian rhythms.
• Volatile oils: These terpenes have a sedative effect, promoting relaxation and regulating sleep patterns, which is essential for adapting to new time zones.
• Melissic acid: This triterpenoid compound has been shown to have a regulatory effect on the body's internal clock, helping to reset the circadian rhythms and alleviate symptoms associated with jet lag, such as insomnia and fatigue.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Leaves: The leaves of Melissa officinalis are used to make tinctures for jet lag because they contain a high concentration of the bioactive compound melissic acid, which helps regulate sleep patterns.
• Flowers: The flowers of Melissa officinalis are used to make tinctures for jet lag because they have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
• Roots: The roots of Melissa officinalis are used to make tinctures for jet lag because they contain a rich source of melatonin, which helps regulate the body's internal clock and improve sleep quality.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest melissa leaves and flowers at peak potency in mid-summer morning after the dew has dried.
2. Dry the melissa leaves and flowers at 30 degrees celsius for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area.
3. Combine 250 grams of dried melissa leaves and flowers with 750 milliliters of 35% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 14 days, shaking the jar daily for 5 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle, discard the solids and store in a cool dark place.

3. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop tinctures helps with jet lag because of its unique properties that regulate the body's internal clock.

The tincture contains a compound called passiflora incarnata, which has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, making it easier for the body to adjust to new time zones.

Additionally, maypop's adaptogenic properties help the body adapt to changes in its natural rhythms, reducing symptoms of jet lag such as fatigue, insomnia, and disorientation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Hernandezioside: This flavonoid glycoside has sedative properties, which can help regulate the body's internal clock and alleviate symptoms associated with jet lag.
• Isovitexin: This flavonoid has been found to have a sedative effect, potentially helping to reduce the disruption of the body's natural sleep-wake cycle caused by long-distance travel.
• Isoorientin: This flavonoid has been reported to have anxiolytic and sedative properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety often experienced during jet lag.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, which have been shown to have a sedative effect and help regulate sleep patterns.
• Fruits (or more specifically, the pulp): The pulp of the fruit is rich in flavonoids and may help alleviate symptoms of jet lag by promoting relaxation and regulating sleep.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 100g of fresh or dried passiflora incarnata leaves and flowers and clean them thoroughly.
2. Combine the cleaned passiflora incarnata with 500ml of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
3. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks or 2 to 3 months.
4. Strain the liquid from the jar through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a separate container.
5. Filter the tincture again through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle for storage.

4. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with jet lag because they contain a unique blend of adaptogenic compounds that help regulate the body's natural circadian rhythms.

The tincture's gentle, balancing effects on the nervous system and hormonal fluctuations can alleviate symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, and disorientation commonly experienced during time changes. Additionally, maidenhair tree's calming properties can reduce stress and anxiety associated with travel, allowing for a smoother transition back to local time.

This natural remedy can help you adjust to your new environment and get a good night's sleep in no time.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress caused by jet lag, promoting better sleep and reducing the severity of fatigue.
• Bilobalide: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms such as headaches and eye strain associated with jet lag.
• Quercetin: This type of flavonoid has been shown to regulate circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality, making it easier to adjust to new time zones.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Leaves: The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are commonly used due to their high concentration of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to help alleviate jet lag symptoms.
• Seeds: Ginkgo biloba seeds are used for their ability to promote antioxidant activity and improve circulation, potentially helping to mitigate the effects of jet lag.
• Roots: The roots of Ginkgo biloba are sometimes used for their purported adaptogenic properties, which may help the body adjust to changes in time zones and reduce fatigue.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for jet lag.

1. Harvest ginkgo biloba leaves in late summer or early fall when they are fully ripe and dry.
2. Clean the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris with distilled water.
3. Combine 1 cup of the cleaned ginkgo biloba leaves with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.

5. Avena sativa

Oats tinctures helps with jet lag because they contain soothing compounds like avenanthramides, which can calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.

This allows your body to adjust to its new time zone more easily, reducing symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, and disorientation that often accompany jet lag. Additionally, oat tinctures have been shown to regulate cortisol levels, helping to stabilize circadian rhythms and facilitate a smoother transition into local time.

By promoting deep relaxation and regulating bodily functions, oat tinctures can help mitigate the effects of jet lag and get you feeling refreshed and revitalized in no time.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Silicic acid: Helps with jet lag by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms of fatigue and jet lag-related stress.
• Avenanthramides: May help with jet lag by regulating the body's circadian rhythms and promoting a sense of balance and calm, which can aid in readjusting to a new time zone.
• Saponins: Contributes to the herb's potential benefits for jet lag by exhibiting adaptogenic properties, which can help the body adapt to new environments and time changes.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Seeds: The seeds of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures to help with jet lag due to their high concentration of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and sleep.
• Roots: The roots of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures for jet lag because they contain a compound called avenacoside, which helps regulate the body's internal clock and reduce jet lag symptoms.
• Stems: The stems of Avena sativa are used to make tinctures for jet lag as they are rich in flavonoids and other compounds that have a sedative effect and help alleviate symptoms of jet lag, such as insomnia and fatigue.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest avena sativa roots and leaves in bulk quantity, usually 1 kilogram for tincture making.
2. Chop the harvested roots and leaves into small pieces, about 1/4 inch in size, for easier extraction.
3. Combine the chopped avena sativa material with 80% vodka and 20% water in a 1:3 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the mixture in a dark glass container for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking daily to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the liquid from the solid material through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.

6. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender tinctures helps with jet lag because it calms the mind and body, reducing symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety often associated with time zone changes.

The tranquil properties of lavender tincture work to regulate sleep patterns and promote a restful night's sleep, allowing travelers to adjust quickly to their new environment.

Additionally, lavender's adaptogenic effects help to normalize the body's natural rhythms, ensuring a smoother transition to the local time zone.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Linalool: This terpene helps with jet lag by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and regulating the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone.
• Linalyl acetate: This ester has a calming effect on the body and mind, which helps alleviate the symptoms of jet lag, such as insomnia and restlessness, allowing the body to recover from travel fatigue.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by traveling across time zones, promoting a smoother recovery from jet lag.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Flowers: They are used to make tinctures for jet lag because of their calming and relaxing properties, which help alleviate symptoms of jet lag such as insomnia and anxiety.
• Leaves: They are used to make tinctures for jet lag because they contain compounds that have a balancing effect on the body's circadian rhythms, helping to regulate sleep patterns.
• Stems: They are used to make tinctures for jet lag because they contain bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, which can aid in the recovery from jet lag.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 1 part of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers and 2 parts of vodka or glycerin as solvent.
2. Combine the dried flowers and solvent in a clean glass jar for 2-6 weeks to steep.
3. Shake the jar daily for 2-6 weeks to facilitate extraction of herbal properties.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container.
5. Store the herbal tincture in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.

7. Hypericum perforatum

St john's wort tinctures helps with jet lag because of its unique ability to regulate the body's internal clock.

As a natural adaptogen, it helps the body adjust to new time zones by promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing stress levels.

By calming the mind and body, St john's wort tincture allows individuals to easily transition into their new surroundings, minimizing the effects of jet lag and ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Hyperforin: This terpene helps alleviate jet lag by modulating the body's circadian rhythms and regulating sleep-wake cycles.
• Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of St. John's Wort, which may aid in reducing fatigue and promoting a healthy sleep-wake balance.
• Hypericin: This naphthodianthron compound has been shown to have a regulating effect on the body's internal clock, potentially helping to mitigate the effects of jet lag and improve overall sleep quality.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Leaves: They contain flavonoids and glycosides, which are believed to help regulate the body's internal clock and reduce symptoms of jet lag.
• Flowers: Rich in hyperforin and hypericin, which have been shown to have adaptogenic properties that can aid in adjusting to new time zones.
• Roots: They are a good source of hyperforin and other bioactive compounds that can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and reduce fatigue associated with jet lag.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 25-30% of the st. john's wort plant's above-ground parts when flowers are in full bloom.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer for 1-2 weeks in a well-ventilated area.
3. Combine 1 part of the dried st. john's wort with 2 parts of a 95% ethanol solution in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-4 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container and discard the solids.

8. Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn tinctures helps with jet lag because of its adaptogenic properties, which allow it to gently adjust the body's natural rhythms.

When taken at the right times, hawthorn tincture can help regulate sleep patterns and ease the symptoms of jet lag, such as fatigue, insomnia, and restlessness. Its calming effects also promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, making it easier to fall asleep on a new schedule.

By supporting the body's natural circadian rhythms, hawthorn tincture helps to minimize the effects of jet lag and get you feeling refreshed and ready for your trip.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Flavonoids: These compounds, particularly quercetin and epicatechin, are known to regulate circadian rhythms and have antioxidant properties, which can help the body adapt to new time zones and reduce fatigue associated with jet lag.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids like chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid in Crataegus monogyna may help to reduce inflammation and improve sleep quality, which can be beneficial in managing jet lag.
• Triterpenes and saponins: These compounds may have a regulating effect on the body's internal clock and have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be useful in coping with the physical and mental challenges of jet lag.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Flowers: The flowers are used to make tinctures due to their adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to changing time zones and reduce stress.
• Leaves: The leaves are used to make tinctures for their antioxidant properties, which help protect the body from the negative effects of jet lag, such as fatigue and oxidative stress.
• Fruits: The fruits are used to make tinctures due to their adaptogenic and antioxidant properties, which help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and reduce symptoms of jet lag.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 50g of dried hawthorn berries from crataegus monogyna and clean them thoroughly.
2. Combine 50g of dried hawthorn berries with 500ml of 45% ethanol in a clean glass container.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the container occasionally.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
5. Transfer the tincture into dark glass bottles and store them in a cool dark place indefinitely.

9. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile tinctures helps with jet lag because its calming properties can soothe a restless body and mind, allowing you to adjust to new time zones more easily.

The herb's natural sedative effects can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep during your destination's local bedtime.

Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and irritability that often accompany jet lag.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Apigenin: An apigenin is a flavonoid that has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can help alleviate symptoms of jet lag such as fatigue and disorientation.
• Beta-pinene: Beta-pinene is a terpene that can help regulate sleep patterns and improve the quality of sleep, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone when traveling.
• Chamazulene: Chamazulene is a sesquiterpene lactone that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate fatigue and discomfort associated with jet lag.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Flowers: The flowers of Matricaria chamomilla are commonly used to make tinctures due to their high apigenin content, which is known to help with relaxation and sleep.
• Seeds: The seeds of Matricaria chamomilla are also used to make tinctures, likely due to their potential to aid in relaxation and sleep, although less information is available on this specific use.
• Roots: The roots of Matricaria chamomilla are sometimes used to make tinctures, possibly due to their potential to promote relaxation and reduce inflammation, although more research is needed to confirm this use.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 to 2 pounds of fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers at dawn when they are fully open and dry.
2. Chop the flowers into small pieces to release the oils and prepare them for extraction.
3. Combine 1 pound of the chopped flowers with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain and filter the liquid using cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the solids.

10. Scrophularia nodosa

Figwort tinctures helps with jet lag because it contains a unique blend of herbs that work in harmony to regulate the body's natural rhythms.

The figwort plant has been used for centuries to treat various health issues, including fatigue and insomnia, which are common symptoms of jet lag. The tincture helps to calm the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Additionally, it can help to regulate the body's internal clock, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Scrophularia nodosa tinctures that help with jet lag.

• Flavonoids: These plant compounds have antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate the oxidative stress caused by jet lag and subsequent sleep disturbances.
• Scrophularia alkaloids: These alkaloids have been reported to have sedative and sleep-promoting effects, which could help alleviate insomnia and other sleep disorders associated with jet lag.
• Iridoids: These compounds have been found to have adaptogenic properties, which may help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and improve the body's ability to cope with the stress of jet lag.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of figwort used to make tinctures for jet lag.

• Roots: The roots of the figwort plant contain a high concentration of alkaloids, which help to regulate the body's internal clock and reduce symptoms of jet lag.
• Barks: The barks of the figwort plant have been traditionally used to treat circadian rhythm disorders, making them effective for alleviating jet lag symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather 1 part of fresh or dried roots and leaves of scrophularia nodosa to make tincture.
2. Combine gathered scrophularia nodosa with 2 parts of 80 proof ethanol in a clean glass jar.
3. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks to allow maceration.
4. Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
5. Transfer the resulting tincture into dark glass bottles for storage and use.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for jet lag?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with jet lag is a blend of ashwagandha, rhodiola, and valerian root.

Ashwagandha helps regulate the body's internal clock, while rhodiola supports the body's natural response to stress. Valerian root promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality, which is crucial for recovering from jet lag.

Taking 10-20 drops of each tincture, combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help alleviate symptoms and adjust to the new time zone more efficiently.

What ailments similar to jet lag are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to jet lag that are treated with herbal tinctures are those caused by time zone changes, fatigue, and disruptions to the body's natural rhythms.

Herbal tinctures used for these ailments include Valerian root to promote relaxation and reduce stress, Ginkgo biloba to improve circulation and mental clarity, and Ashwagandha to boost energy and adaptability.

These natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms of jet lag and other circadian rhythm disorders.