Natural Ways to Overcome Jet Lag
Jet lag is one of those things you don’t really think about until it hits. You’re tired, foggy, maybe even a little irritable. Your body doesn’t know what time it is, and your brain is lagging behind your suitcase. Whether you’re crossing the country or flying overseas, even a small time shift can throw you off in a big way.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to suffer through it. There are simple, natural things you can do to help your body adjust. No gimmicks or snake oil. Just real, time-tested strategies to help you bounce back quicker after a long flight.
This guide is based on recommendations from Dr. Lev Linkner and the team at Castle Remedies in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a holistic health store that’s been serving its community for years. We’re not promising miracle cures, but we are sharing tools that can genuinely support your body during travel.
What Is Jet Lag?
Jet lag happens when your internal body clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, is out of sync with the time zone you’re in. This internal clock controls when you feel sleepy or awake, and it doesn’t adapt well to sudden changes. So when you fly across several time zones, your body might think it’s 2 a.m. when the local clock says it’s lunchtime.
Symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Difficulty waking up
- Poor focus or memory
- Feeling irritable or off
- Digestive issues
Most people feel it more when flying east rather than west, but everyone’s different. The more time zones you cross, the harder it can be to adjust.
Before You Fly
A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things you can start doing before you even leave home:
Start S.O.D. Two Days Before Your Trip
S.O.D. (superoxide dismutase) is an enzyme your body naturally makes. It helps manage inflammation and oxidative stress — two things that tend to spike when you travel. Taking it ahead of time may help your body handle the physical stress of flying.
Suggested use: Take 2 tablets, 3 times per day, starting 2 days before your trip. On the day you fly, switch to 1 tablet every few hours while you’re awake. Keep this up until two days after your trip ends.
S.O.D. Booster by Douglas Labs is one of the more trusted options.
During Your Flight
Long flights mess with your sleep, your hydration, and your nervous system. These tools can help:
Jet Lag Homeopathic Tablets
These tablets are easy to take, non-drowsy, and don’t interact with other medications. They’re designed to support your body through time zone shifts.
How to use them:
- Chew one tablet about an hour before takeoff
- Chew one every two hours during the flight
- Chew one within an hour of landing
- If you’re asleep, don’t worry — just take your next dose when you wake up
JetZone is the manufacturer these tablets and they can be found at Castle Remedies.
Stay Hydrated
Airplane cabins are dry and pressurized. That combo dries out your skin, sinuses, and eyes. Drinking enough water is essential, but so can natural remedies:
- Sinus Survival Herbal Nasal Spray keeps nasal membranes moist and less prone to picking up germs
- Himalayan Chandra Neti Spray offers a simple saline solution nasal spray that helps keep nasal membranes hydrated
Herbal Support for the Stress of Traveling
Traveling is often stressful. We’re out of our normal routine, navigating and experiencing new things. Even the most levelheaded people are susceptible to stress and anxiety while traveling. Luckily, we have some great tools for that:
- Bach Rescue Remedy is a flower essence that can ease anxiety or tension without making you groggy
- Aura Cacia Lavender Roll-On offers on-the-go aromatherapy. Just a dab on your wrists or neck can calm your nerves and help you rest.
- L-Theanine is an amino acid found in chamomile and green tea, among other plants. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and comes in convenient chewable tablets.
These products are small enough to fit in your carry-on and don’t raise red flags at airport security.
After You Land, Reset The Clock
This is where most people struggle: you arrive, and your body wants to nap, snack, or sleep at the wrong times. Here’s how to gently steer yourself into the local rhythm.
Take Melatonin at Bedtime
Melatonin is a hormone your brain releases to help you sleep. Taking a small dose in the evening (when it’s bedtime in your new time zone) can help reset your internal clock.
Use it like this:
Take 3–5 mg about 30 minutes before bed. You can keep taking it nightly until your body adjusts. It’s safe and non-habit forming when used short-term.
Look for brands like NOW Melatonin — straightforward and reliable.
Boost Your Energy with NADH
Travel drains your energy, even if you slept on the plane. NADH (also called CoE1) helps your cells produce energy. Think of it as a gentle pick-me-up without caffeine or sugar.
When to take it:
Take one tablet every couple of hours on the day you arrive. It helps you stay alert and reduces that heavy “I need a nap” feeling.
Enada is a trusted brand for this supplement.
Helpful Extras to Keep On Hand
Not essential, but definitely nice to have in your travel bag:
- Prince of Peace Ginger Chews — Great for nausea, motion sickness, or upset stomach. Ginger also supports digestion, which often gets thrown off when you fly.
- Hepar Sulph 30C — A homeopathic remedy that helps with the ear pressure some people get during takeoff and landing. You can take it if your ears feel blocked or uncomfortable.
Simple Travel Tips That Still Matter
Supplements help, but so do basic habits. Here are a few old-school travel tips that still hold up:
- Drink lots of water — Aim for a full 8 oz glass every hour during your flight.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine — They can dehydrate you and mess with your sleep.
- Get outside when you land — Exposure to natural sunlight helps reset your body clock.
- Move your body — Stretch during layovers and walk when you arrive. It boosts circulation and helps with energy. Some websites have guides for doing simple yoga poses in your airplane or car seat.
- Don’t nap too early — Try to stay awake until at least 9 p.m. local time if you can. It makes adjusting faster.
What If You’re Traveling with Kids?
Kids can struggle with jet lag too, but they bounce back faster than most adults. If you're traveling with children:
- Use homeopathic Jet Lag tablets for kids over 6 (same dosing as adults)
- Keep snacks, water, and calming remedies like Rescue Remedy handy
- Stick to a bedtime routine as much as possible, even if it’s at a weird hour the first night
When Jet Lag Lingers
For most people, jet lag fades within a few days. If it sticks around for more than a week, or if you're having trouble sleeping, focusing, or feeling like yourself, it's okay to reach out for extra support. A natural health practitioner or integrative doctor can help you sort through what’s going on.
Parting Thoughts
Jet lag isn’t just in your head. It’s a real, physical response to travel. Your body needs time and support to adjust. With a little planning, and the right tools, you can feel better faster and enjoy your trip (instead of yawning through it).
If you're local to Ann Arbor, Castle Remedies carries all the products mentioned here. We’re happy to answer questions and help you build a travel kit that works for you. You can order online, or reach out by email or phone if you’re not local.
Safe travels. And don’t forget to hydrate!
