The possibility of traveling around the world is more of a reality now than ever before. Yet although we are more connected to our surroundings and the process of traveling has been made straightforward, our bodies might experience some ‘technical’ difficulties.

The real challenge for both our minds and bodies is adjusting to changing time zones, particularly when traversing to the opposite corner of the world.

Nonetheless, there are many precautions and solutions to this worldwide problem, including essential oils. These days, we are aware of how our ancestors used essential oils for a variety of ailments. Thus, we have adapted our approach and learned from the past.

What is Jet Lag?

Jet lag is a term which describes a psychological imbalance through which your cardiac rhythm suddenly changes. As you embark on the adventure of traveling across different time zones and longitudes, your body’s natural clock becomes desynchronized.

Typically, your body feels it knows what time it is (i.e., when to wake up, eat, or sleep). However, when suffering from jet lag, your body experiences a total state of confusion, with hormones affecting most of your cellular functions.

Although in some cases jet lag can last for a few hours, others find themselves afflicted over several days, or even a week. There are many symptoms through which you are able to understand if your body is suffering from jet lag and we will shortly go into that.

How It Affects the Body

To understand how jet lag feels and affects your functioning, imagine that your entire body is disrupted. In other words, even your hormone levels will not be appropriately regulated, including melatonin, which is responsible for our responses to light and darkness.

But it doesn’t end there:

Hormones can also impact everything – from your hunger, sleeping patterns, to heart function. In other words, it’s a pressing condition to bear in mind.

There are other symptoms to consider, including trouble falling asleep or even insomnia, early awakening, headaches, indigestion, lack of appetite, dehydration, increased irritability and also lowered immune system.

Nonetheless, one of the most significant issues is the feeling of chronic fatigue. This can have a significant psychological impact, not only on those who find themselves unable to perform rigorous physical exercise, but also those unable to perform daily activities.

In fact, picture that when you’re on holiday and you want to be able to enjoy your time there properly, jet lag might just be the thorn in your side.

How to Use Essential Oils

As we have said earlier, fighting jet lag is not an easy task. It involves resetting your biological clock to respond to the new environment by forcing your body not to sleep when you feel tired.

That is why essential oils are an ideal substitute to the traditional medications used for this purpose, as there are no undesired side effects.

Maybe you didn’t know this, but there is more than one way to enjoy the benefits of different essential oils. Namely, you are able to use them aromatically, topically, or even internally, to help you relax, re-energize and stay centered.

The aromatic use of the essential oils is the most common practice. In fact, inhaling the essential oil vapors has an instant calming effect on your body and mind. You are even able to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your warm bath.

However, for the best, spa-like effect in the comfort of your home, use an essential oil diffuser.

Another popular way to use essential oils is by applying them directly to your skin. Namely, you apply them to the pulse points of your body using rollers, or with the help of fashionable essential oil jewelry, which we will discuss more later.

Lastly, you are also able to get the benefits of essential oils by ingesting them. However, you should have in mind that not every oil may be used internally and you must never use them without a carrier – water, or another vegetable oil.

Diffusers

Diffusers atomize essential oils and then spread their fragrance into the air. This way, the air is saturated with beneficial chemicals that enter your body more quickly and provide you with instant relief.

Moreover, with just a few drops of the precious oil, such as lavender, chamomile, peppermint and many others, you get all of the benefits without the potent chemicals that can have an adverse effect on your health.

The diffuser doesn’t harm the chemical composition of the essential oils. Moreover, it allows the tiny particles to evaporate and circulate throughout the room, creating a pleasant atmosphere and a healthy environment for you to revitalize and combat the jet lag more quickly.

Jewelry

If you are looking to combine health with beauty, consider getting some items from the essential oil jewelry collection. Namely, this jewelry is styled to match your everyday outfits and are equipped with interchangeable cotton pads that soak up oils and release their vapors for hours at a time.

The jewelry comes in various styles and is available in the form of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil and enjoy your own aromatherapy on the go.

In fact, you are even able to use it everywhere – from the airplane, to a walk around the city. Moreover, it doubles as mosquito protection as well. Just add a few drops of citronella and enjoy peaceful evenings with no interruptions.

Bath Oils

Adding essential oils to your bath is another way to get rid of the stress and anxiety that jet lag leads to. However, before you dip into your oil-infused warm bath, there are certain things to pay attention to.

First of all, make sure you are using the right essential oil for your bath, one that will not cause irritations and damage to your skin. Safe choices, for example, include lavender, chamomile and more, while you should stay away from pines, etc., as they are known as potential irritants.

In addition to that, you must always use a suitable “carrier” – a substance that will help the essential oil fuse with the bath completely. This may be a small amount of high-quality olive oil, or a sweet almond oil, for example.

Moreover, different bath salts are also known to be excellent carriers. On top of that, they will promote greater circulation and speed up the detoxification process once they are dissolved in the warm water.

Rollers

When you travel, it may also be convenient to have a roll-on essential oil at your hands. These are small, discrete and are usually allowed to be placed in your carry-on luggage.

These small containers hold a carefully prepared mixture of a carrier oil and essential oil, for the best possible effect. They work best if applied to your pulse points – places on your body where the blood vessels are close to the surface of your skin.

For example, places such as the wrist, inner elbow, back of your knee, chest, neck and temples.

That way, your body absorbs the oil directly through the skin and the beneficial effects start working towards your recovery right away. After only a short time, you will feel healthier, happier and more relaxed.

If you are looking to relieve and manage your stress levels, or just want to get some good quality sleep, use the roller on your temples, base of your neck, or on the bottoms of your feet.

There are also blends available to soothe the pain you experience from a long flight in your joints, bones and muscles. Simply rub them on the affected area, along with the pulse points and you will be surprised at how quickly you will feel like your old self again.

Inhalers

Another convenient thing you are able to carry around with you and even into the airplane, are small, pocket-sized inhalers. These allow you to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy wherever and whenever you need it.

As mentioned earlier, different blends help take care of the different jet lag symptoms. So, if you are feeling tired, drained of energy and you feel like fading, inhale a rosemary and peppermint combination.

On the other hand, if you wish to get your internal clock synchronized as fast as possible so you are able to enjoy the rest of your trip, use a geranium and lemongrass inhaler during the flight and during the first couple of days of your trip as well.

Overview of the Top Products

From Europa’s 100% natural and undiluted essential oil range comes this garden-fresh smelling lemongrass essential oil, which produces a very refreshing and invigorating scent. This oil is a really great travelling companion.

This is because it not only acts as an organic, antibacterial mosquito and bug repellent, but it’s also been lauded for its jet lag alleviating properties.

Just rubbing it on leaves you with a feeling of renewed vitality. Moreover, thanks to its small size, you are able to keep it in your purse while travelling and use it to quickly spruce up your mood after a long flight.

Pros

• Multipurpose
• It has an uplifting scent that instantly lifts your mood
• Decreases jet lag exponentially
• It balances well with other citrus and floral oils
• Portable and easy to carry around

Cons

• It’s quite thick and difficult to pour
• The packaging could use some improvement

Ginger is known as nature’s anti-inflammatory superstar, capable of soothing tired or stiff joints at a rapid pace. As a result, it is a vital item to carry in your vanity bag during a long flight.

Not only that, but ginger is also a potent mood elevator. In fact, it’s energizing and can do wonders to cheer you up and improve your confidence. So, you’ll definitely need it if you’re travelling to a new place where you’ll be interacting with a lot of new people.

Pros

• Uplifts the mood
• Its anti-inflammatory properties help to rapidly soothe tired and stiff joints
• It is long lasting
• Great quality oil
• Travels well and is easy to pour

Cons

• Doesn’t smell too good

This Grapefruit essential oil from the brand Rocky Mountain could just be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for to combat jet lag. Not only is it well concentrated, but it has a pleasantly refreshing scent that is both gentle and invigorating.

You’ll also be happy to know that this oil has the incredible ability to relieve stress, mental fatigue and tiredness, all of which are common symptoms of jet lag.

Pros

• Instantly relieves tension and fatigue
• It will uplift your mood
• It eliminates jet lag
• It has a refreshing, clean scent that pleasantly awakens the senses

Cons

• There is nothing to complain about when it comes to this essential oil

Peppermint – 100% Essential Oil Blend

If you’re looking for something that’ll make you feel awake and invigorated the moment you step out of your flight, then look no further. Packaged in a convenient roll-on bottle, Zi Essentials’ peppermint oil was created just for that purpose.

Just a few swipes of this on your pulse points is enough to wake you up and relieve sore muscles all at once. You are also able to use it to relieve itching, hives and extreme fatigue.

Pros

• It instantly relieves extreme fatigue
• It wakes you up
• Packaged in a convenient roll-on bottle which is easy to apply
• It’s easy to use when you’re on the go
• Also good at reducing itching and hives

Cons

• The formula is weak so you have to apply a lot in order to get desired results

These swanky oils from Shankara are a great gift idea for Valentine’s Day, as they come in an elegantly designed box which contains dainty, travel-friendly carrier bottles. However, your date will probably thank you more for the benefits that these oils contain.

One benefit is their jet lag reducing properties, which include soothing the muscles, cooling the emotions and uplifting your overall mood. All you have to do is apply the oil directly onto the skin and it’ll start to work its magic immediately.

The best part is that each box contains different oils with varying scents, such as Myrrh, Grapeseed, Lavender, Frankincense and Orange to name but a few.

Pros

• Comes in a posh box with multiple scents
• Works great to relieve extreme fatigue and tension
• Calms the senses
• Soothes the muscles
• Great value for money

Cons

• There’s nothing bad to say about this oil

Alaskan Essences Travel Ease Flowe030.3r and Gem Combination Essence 2 oz Spray

The combination of aromatherapy with energized gemstone essences is fast becoming all the rage with modern-day body products. That said, this handy spray from Alaskan Essences is a great example of how to do this trend right.

The aptly named ‘Travel Ease’ spray is made using high-quality, concentrated essential oils, which include Black Spruce, Lavender and Pink Grapefruit to renew your energy and ground you upon arriving to your new destination.

These essential oils work hand-in-hand with gem essences to purify your energy field, keeping you clear and strong throughout your journey. Spritz just a little of it to calm your nerves and release any tension that you might be holding in.

Pros

• Contains natural essential oils and gemstone essences
• Great at relieving tension and stress after a long flight
• Creates mental clarity and stability
• Purifies your mental energy to keep you grounded
• Comes in a convenient spray bottle to mist yourself with

Cons

• We don’t have anything bad to say about this handy spray

Eliminate jet lag recovery from your itinerary by using this innovative hydrosol from Gya Labs with its Lemongrass essential oil, which is responsible for its healing properties. Not only does this hydrosol soothe exhaustion, but it’s also great at relieving muscle tension by promoting better circulation.

It can be used for headaches, to freshen you up, relieve bloating, purify the skin and to invigorate your senses after a long flight.

Pros

• Made with soothing and refreshing lemongrass essential oil and floral water
• It’s relaxing and invigorating at the same time
• Soothes sore or tense muscles
• Say goodbye to post-flight tiredness
• Also relieves bloating
• Purifies the skin
• Great value for money

Cons

• It is not very concentrated

Try this pleasant wake-me-up from Wanderlust, which is a powerful aromatherapy infusion of sweet almond oil, pure essential oils and non-GMO vitamin E. Rub a little of it on your pulse points, or your hands.

Another option is to inhale it through your nose to experience a relaxing sensation that feels like a breath of fresh air. This oil is great at soothing jet lag, promoting peaceful sleep, reducing stress, headaches and even anxiety.

Pros

• Made with all-natural sweet almond oil and essential oils
• Has a refreshing scent
• It has calming and stress-relieving properties

Cons

• It’s a bit pricey

Spritz this super relaxing aromatherapy spray onto your pillows before you sleep on your first night of vacation to experience uninterrupted and restful sleep. It’s made from 100% natural essential oils, including relaxing Lavender oil, which is made from organic African lavender.

Moreover, its small size makes it easy to carry when travelling and it has a gentle and relaxing scent.

Pros

• Promotes a restful and uninterrupted sleep
• Comes in a handy spray mist bottle which makes it easy to travel with
• Made from organic African lavender and other natural ingredients
• Relieves stress and anxiety
• It has a clean and refreshing scent which is very pleasant

Cons

• This is a five-star product and we have no complaints about it

Revitalize your mind and body with this jet lag fighting pure essential oil. This lemongrass essential oil is pleasantly aromatic and boasts tons of healing qualities, like being an antidepressant, antiseptic and antimicrobial agent.

Hence, due to these qualities, it eliminates jet lag tiredness, headaches and anxiety. It’s super portable and easy to travel with too.

Pros

• Packed with jet lag fighting properties
• Boasts a pleasantly refreshing aroma
• It’s revitalizing to the body and the mind
• Comes in a small and highly-portable bottle that’ll easily fit into your vanity purse

Cons

• We don’t have any complaints for this one 

Before the Flight

Stay Hydrated

There is no denying that all medical and health practitioners advise to drink loads of water. Well, the same applies when traveling. In fact, it may be even more important when crossing different time zones.

Flying can often dehydrate the body and by drinking a good quantity of water, your body will be more able to deal with the changes in time. A word to the wise: stay away from tea, coffee and alcohol, as they will further dehydrate your body.

Another excellent piece of advice is adding lemon or other citruses to your water. By doing this, you will add an antioxidant boost, which will also help boost your immune system. Some even opt for adding a drop or two of Thieves Blend – ideal for when you’re already up in the air.

Aromatherapy

Jet lag is more common than you might think. Nonetheless, aromatherapy is a holistic and all-natural treatment that has been used for generations. The properties contained by certain oils are capable of bringing a balanced physical and mental state to your body.

First of all, you need to prepare beforehand. It’s not uncommon to hear that people get excruciating headaches, colds, chills and other issues before a flight. In addition, you will be breathing recycled air for the duration of your trip, not feeling the fresh breeze of natural air for sometimes over 12 hours.

The best piece of advice is adding five drops of lavender essential oil onto a tissue, your scarf, or anything that goes around your nose. That’s not to say that you will need to use it consistently.

However, you are able to take an occasional sniff and feel the invigorating aroma of lavender. Research on this essential oil has also shown that it can help improve psychological well-being and sleep. In other words, you will be hitting two birds with one stone.

There are many other soothing and sedative oils to try, including rose, neroli, or basil. It will ultimately depend on whether you feel comfortable with a floral blend, or one that is fresher. It gets even better: there is a mind association involved in this trick.

Mainly, if you use these oils around the house while meditating or doing yoga, your body will associate the smell with your oil of choice. In other words, panic, anxiety, fear, or nervousness will dissipate as your mind triggers a familiarity in the smell.

After the Flight

Once the fight is done and dusted, it’s time to make your way to the hotel. If you have a bath in the room or apartment, take the chance to relax in an aromatic bath.

Depending on what time it is when you arrive, you may even choose sleep-inducing oils such as chamomile, sweet orange, clary sage, marjoram, Ylang Ylang, or even bergamot.

However, bear in mind that bergamot does increase photosensitivity. Thus, it’s better to opt for an alternative if you’re in a sunny country. You may also choose to combine a few of the scents mentioned above and have your mixture ready as you arrive.

Moreover, if the sun is still shining, avoid going straight to sleep. Instead, use a more stimulating and energy-boosting oil such as peppermint, grapefruit, geranium, rosemary, basil, or even lemongrass.

You may also opt for an invigorating shower or bath, exploring mixes of different oils for your choosing. Both your body and spirit will thank you and you’ll have a fresh start on your holiday.

Conclusion

As we all are aware by now, essential oils have a ton of benefits and uses. So, it’s no surprise that it can be used to relieve jet lag as well. That said, we definitely recommend trying out at least one of these essential oils when you’re traveling.

Not only will you feel better afterwards, but you will be able to appreciate your surroundings more since you have been revitalized by the oil.

For more on uses of essential oils and different things they can be used for, please check out our complete list of essential oils and what they are used for in this next article.