Jet lag

Jet lag can be a major problem. Possibly one of the most important things is to get your sleep patterns sorted out before you go away, try and sleep on the plane and make sure you drink plenty of fluids on the day of the flight and on the plane.

Jet Lag

Jet lag can be a major problem, especially if you arrive at your destination at 9 AM, you're supposed to be at a meeting at 10 AM, but as far as your body is concerned, it's still only 4 AM and you should be asleep.

Natural methods can help

Possibly one of the most important things is to get your sleep patterns sorted out before you go away. Catch up on your sleep and avoid late nights the week you are going away. Be aware of the time difference of the country you are going to and try and adjust your sleeping to their time - if at all possible.

Try and sleep on the plane.

Herbs such as Valerian and Kava Kava are excellent for insomnia. They have a relaxing effect on the central nervous system and help promote sleep - without producing drowsiness once you wake. You could take one of these herbs (you would not need to take both) before you go on your flight and also while on the plane, if you did not feel sleepy yet. You could also listen to a relaxation tape to help you "drift off".

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids on the day of your flight and on the plane, such as water &/or juice. Dehydration can be a major contributing factor in jet lag.

Try and avoid drinking alcohol on the plane, which can cause dehydration.

If you usually "jump at sudden sounds", then start taking a mineral supplement (such as Radiance Mineral Power) for at least 1 week before you go. Jumping at sudden sounds can show a mineral deficiency and this could cause you to feel stressed and could adversely affect your sleep patterns.

Ensuring you are getting a good supply of vitamins, by taking a vitamin supplement, is also important, especially a high potency B Complex.

The herb Siberian Ginseng can be taken, at the recommended dosage, for about 1 week before the trip and while you are away. Ginseng is an adaptogen. This works on the central nervous system, having a generalised normalising and restorative action in the body - regardless of your health and helps to re-establish "balance".

You can purchase a homoeopathic remedy called "No Jet Lag". The recommendation with this product is to take 2 tablets every 4 hours before you go.

Once you get to your destination and if you still feel jet-lagged after all these things, Guarana is a natural stimulant that you could take. This is considered an "instant refresher" and will help you to think clearer, give you more energy and stamina and help you to feel alert, until you can catch up on your sleep.