Jet Lag

Jet lag is essentially a condition of excess vata in the body. Traveling on a jet at a tremendous speed induces a light, mobile, and spacy quality in the system, which aggravates vata. To prevent jet lag, Ayurveda suggests the following three-part strategy:

1. An hour before flying, swallow 2 capsules (00 size) of ginger, with a cup of water.
2. While on the plane, drink at least 2 to 3 cups of water, at intervals of 1 to 2 hours. Flying creates a slight dehydration of the body, which can be corrected by drinking sufficient liquid. Dehydration increases vata. Don’t drink coffee or any other caffeinated beverage caffeine also provokes vata.
3. When you reach your destination, rub a little warm sesame oil on

your scalp and on the soles of your feet. Also, drink 1 cup of hot milk with a pinch each of nutmeg and ginger. These two simple actions will help pacify vata.

If you reach your destination before nightfall, you can drink a tea made of equal proportions of chamomile, mint, and jatamamsi (⅓ teaspoon each), steeped in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

If you don’t expect to have herbs available where you are going, you can mix them at home and take them with you in a small plastic sandwich bag or other convenient container.