Preventative Medicine for Overseas Travel - 14/06/2010
Some time in a person’s life they are going to travel by air – whether it is a short 1hr flight or long overseas trip. Here are some tips on how to prevent and manage symptoms of jetlag and motion sickness.
Jet lag is quite common in longer trips, especially those that involve travelling over a ‘date line’. Rather than trying out conventional over the counter medications from the pharmacy, why not try some natural alternatives that won’t leave you feeling worse off.
Valerian is a herb used as a natural sleep aid. For jet lag can help adjust your body clock to new time zones by helping you fall asleep at a desired time. Unlike other sleep aids, valerian is not believed to be addictive or cause grogginess the next morning. There are also so tips to help minimise jet lag symptoms - avoid excess alcohol or caffeine, drink plenty of water, and eat light meals.
If you are one of the unfortunate people who suffers from motion sickness on a plane, try these tips:
Avoid big, greasy meals and alcohol the night before air travel,
Eat light meals or snacks that are low in calories in the 24 hours before air travel,
Avoid salty foods and dairy products before air travel,
Sit toward the front of the aircraft or in a seat by the wing (if you are able to),
Turn the air vent flow toward your face.
Some great herbal remedies you can try prior to and during flying include Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a traditional remedy for nausea, and some studies show it may help with motion sickness. You can take ginger in capsule form or as a herbal tea. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has also found to be good in managing symptoms of motion sickness, again taken as a herbal tea.
Some studies have also suggested that Acupressure and Acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of motion sickness, although the evidence is not clear.
So try whatever remedy you like to see if you can find a natural and preventative way to manage jetlag and/or motion sickness.
Please note that herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone your body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider before starting any treatment.
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