Whether you are commuting to China for business or traveling to Australia to enjoy the great Outback, jet lag can be a real problem. In fact, without the right preparation you could lose days of “equilibrium” on both the entrance to your destination and when you return back home.
So how do you fight off jet lag? You might overdue the caffeine to stay upright, pop Excedrin to get rid of the headaches, or take shots of NyQuil to put yourself down for the count.
The problem is such practices can oftentimes make things even worse.
Fortunately, there are natural solutions like essential oils that can help you ease your jet lag and make your travel more enjoyable.
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Essential Oils That Help With Jet Lag
Also known as desynchronosis or time zone change syndrome, in short, jet lag is a condition that occurs when you rapidly travel across time zones.
It’s essentially a mind trip, as the psychological effects disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms. The symptoms of jet lag can be numerous:
- Insomnia or general restlessness
- Mild degrees of depression
- Headaches and migraines
- Dizziness and confusion
- Gastrointestinal problems
So where do essential oils come in?
As you might already know, essential oils are natural solutions that can promote wellness in nearly every aspect of our lives.
The challenge is this: There is no single “jet lag” cure. The efficacy of the oil depends on which symptom you are looking to treat.
Before outlining our favorite recipes for each jet lag symptom, here is some general suggestions to consider:
- People who are physically fit and maintain a balanced diet generally experience fewer symptoms.
- Try to pick a flight that arrives in the early evening local time. That gives you a better chance of getting to sleep at a normal time.
- While you have limitations, keep as active as possible during long flights by stretching and walking along the aisle.
- Strategically lay out your napping schedule. Do what you can to sleep at night time at your destination.
- On arrival, avoid heavy meals and try to spend some time outdoors in the sunlight.
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The Best Diffuser & Topical Recipes
Now for the best essential oil recipes for jet lag. The following recipes are segmented so you can easily find the right oils for whatever symptom you are experiencing.
1. Insomnia
Sleep problems is one of the most common after effects of jet lag. This is largely due to the irregular sleep patterns when traveling abroad. After all, if you sleep too long during your flight, it will get you all out of whack. How do you remedy this?
- Run 3 drops of lavender and 2 drops of vetiver through a diffuser.
- Dilute a drop or two of either lavender or vetiver and apply to your neck and and upper chest.
2. Depression
The reason that many jet laggers suffer from mood swings is a little murky. Part of it involves the brain and how it connects to your body clock. Other reasons could be lack of sleep, low energy, etc.
- Diffuse 3 drops of orange, 2 drops of bergamot, and 2 drops of ylang ylang.
- Dilute a drop or two of orange (or other citrus oils) and apply to your neck and behind your ears.
3. Headaches
For long-haul travelers, major (or minor) headaches can be a severe consequence of jet lag, which dulls your concentration and can ruin your trip.
- Diffuse 3 drops of peppermint, 2 drops of lavender, and 2 drops of rosemary.
- Dilute a drop or two of peppermint and rosemary, and apply to your temples and back of your neck.
4. Stomach problems
Diarrhea, constipation, and a general upset stomach can often occur with jet lag. Consider these options for relieving digestive issues.
- Diffuse 3 drops of peppermint and 2 drops of fennel.
- Dilute a drop of peppermint and fennel and rub on your tummy.
5. Low energy
Arguably the most common symptom of jet lag, long travel can tank your energy levels. Use the following recipes to give your mind and body a boost.
- Diffuse 3 drops of peppermint and 3 drops of orange.
- Dilute a drop of peppermint and orange and apply to your temples and chest.
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