Travel can be exciting and enriching, though the jet lag that accompanies changing time zones can be disruptive. Symptoms include fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, digestive upset, and general brain fog. Your body needs time to find its balance and adjust to the change in schedule. Essential oils give some assistance to adjustment and a quick recovery.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for jet lag are:
• Cinnamon
• Geranium
• Grapefruit
• Lavender
• Peppermint
Better-Sleep Blend for Travel
One of the ways that you can help yourself get over jet lag is to commit completely to your new time zone. That means going to bed when you’re not necessarily tired. Try this sleep-aid formula: in a 10-milliliter rollerball bottle add 4 drops lavender, 3 drops marjoram, 3 drops geranium, and a carrier oil to fill. Shake well, then apply to pulse points or breathe in from the bottle.
If you can’t seem to get in the natural rhythm of where you are, give these travel-friendly techniques a try.
• Temple massage. Create an uplifting or regulating blend and take it with you in a small, TSA-approved-size glass bottle or rollerball bottle. You can even use it on the plane to ease flying discomfort and prevent illness from airborne pathogens.
• Soothing soak. A relaxing bath in balancing oils can help your body regulate and adjust.
• In the air. Infuse a travel-ready inhaler or aromatherapy pendant with some favorite oils that help to overcome jet lag.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Make sleep a priority. To help your body adjust to a time zone, sleep when the locals sleep.
• Eat light. Small meals full of healthy whole foods can help you maintain your vitality.
• Get some sun. Adjust your circadian rhythm the natural way, by soaking in the sunshine.
Help your body rediscover its balance with these ready-to-travel aromatherapy remedies.
Perfect for travel between time zones, this invigorating blend can help you stay awake when you need to so that you can sleep when you should. The TSA-approved-size bottle allows you to carry it on the plane.
2 ounces jojoba oil
13 drops grapefruit oil
5 drops peppermint oil
2 drops cinnamon oil
1 2-ounce dark-glass bottle
Add all of the oils to the glass bottle and shake to blend. Massage the mixture onto temples, chest, and pulse points, as needed.
To ensure all goes well on your trip, pack a jar of this oil-infused Epsom-salts bath blend to help inspire time adjustment.
12 drops geranium oil
10 drops lavender oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salts
½ cup coarse sea salt
½ cup baking soda
1 dark-glass pint jar
In a large glass bowl, combine the oils. Add in the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into your jar. Add ¼ to ½ cup of the blend to a hot bath.