How to Prevent Travel Related Maladies (Jet Lag)
By Alexander Berks L.Ac., M.H.
Licensed Acupuncturist and Master Herbalist

.....The marvel of long-distance air travel is both exciting and full of pitfalls.
Traveling rapidly across multiple time zones does not allow the circadian rhythms
to shift at the same rate. The resulting physical stress leads to jet lag, a constellation
of symptoms that commonly include insomnia, diminished daytime alertness,
fatigue, headache, disorientation, moodiness, diminished cognitive skills and
gastrointestinal distress, including constipation.
.....Resynchronization of the circadian rhythms takes place over a few days
depending on the number of time zones crossed and your body's ability to adapt
to the stress. Some basic steps will aid your jet lag rejuvenation. Drinking plenty
of good quality water before, during and after the flight will help prevent dehydration
as will avoiding alcoholic beverages in the low-humidity environment of the airplane
cabin.
.....Getting proper sleep on the flight and directly after will also affect how you
recover from jet lag. Research has demonstrated that circadian rhythms are set
by exposure to light. It is advisable then to cover your eyes when trying to sleep
and the sun is coming up or setting at a different time that you are used to.
Curiously, research has shown that resynchronization takes place more quickly
after traveling west than it does traveling east.
.....Taking the Jet Lag Tonic (Hoelen Five) every three or four hours throughout
the flight starting an hour before take-off seems to minimize jet lag symptoms.
This regimen in combination with plenty of water is very safe and has no side
effects.
.....Taking adaptogenic tonic herbs such as Ginseng, Gynostema, Reishi
and Schizandra will help provide energy and adaptability to help handle the stresses
of changing environments. A few squirts of the saponin rich Ginseng Daily or the
protective and self-cleansing effects of Seven Mushroom Tonic will help rekindle
your ability to go on when fatigue starts to set in. I recommend taking 1500 mg.
(three capsules) or two squirts of one or both of these formulas in the morning and
evening. If you are going to places where the possibility of infection and food
poisoning is high consider doubling this dosage.