Medicinal plants for travel – herbs for jet lag etc.

Medicinal plants for travel – herbs for jet lag etc.

Who doesn't know that? You come fresh from the airport and are completely overscheduled - jet lag has struck! These unwanted travel companions throw our bodies out of balance and can spoil even the most exciting adventures. But what if I told you that nature has the solution to your travel woes? In this article we take a look at the science behind jet lag and its effects on our bodies. We will also introduce you to the most effective medicinal plants that not only help against jet lag, but can also relieve other travel problems. Finally, you'll learn how to properly use and dose these herbs to optimize your ability to travel. Get ready for a natural first aid kit - for carefree adventures without detours!

Scientific basis of jet lag and its effects on the body

Jet lag occurs due to the discrepancy between the body's internal clock and external environmental factors, especially when traveling across multiple time zones. This disorder affects the circadian rhythm, which is responsible for many physiological processes such as sleep, hormone secretion and metabolism. Symptoms of jet lag include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, difficulty sleeping and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Scientific studies show that the body needs time to adjust to a new time zone. This adjustment time varies depending on the number of time zones crossed. In general, the more time zones you cross, the longer the acclimatization takes. One rule states that the body needs about one day per time zone crossed to regulate itself.

The physiological effects of jet lag are diverse. A common consequence is disruption of sleep patterns, which can affect both the quality and quantity of sleep.Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, plays a central role. For travelers who confuse night with day, melatonin production can be disrupted, making it difficult to fall asleep.

A table lists some common symptoms of jet lag and corresponding physiological causes:

In addition to the physical symptoms, there are also psychological effects that are often less obvious. Travelers may experience signs of stress or irritability. Such psychological conditions often exacerbate physical symptoms, which can lead to a vicious cycle. Individual variability in the reaction to jet lag is also an important factor. Genetic predispositions, age and previous travel experiences can all influence the severity of symptoms.

Another consideration is possible long-term health effects. Studies show that prolonged jet lag may be associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. Adapting to new time rhythms can not only cause short-term discomfort, but can also lead to long-term health problems.

Effective medicinal plants to relieve travel discomfort

Travel discomfort, often caused by jet lag and irregular sleep patterns, can be alleviated with various medicinal plants. These natural remedies offer a variety of phytochemicals that can target the traveler's well-being. The best known and most effective medicinal plants include:

• Melisse (Melissa officinalis): Bekannt für ihre beruhigenden Eigenschaften, kann Melisse dazu beitragen, Nervosität zu lindern und den Schlaf zu verbessern. Studien haben gezeigt, dass sie bei der Verringerung von Angstzuständen effektiv ist.
• Passionsblume (Passiflora incarnata): Diese Pflanze ist für ihre angstlösenden und schlaffördernden Eigenschaften bekannt. Sie enthält Flavonoide, die zur Verbesserung der Schlafqualität beitragen können.
• Kamille (Matricaria chamomilla): Kamille besitzt entzündungshemmende und beruhigende Eigenschaften. Sie kann sowohl als Tee als auch in ätherischer Form verwendet werden, um den Körper zu entspannen.
• Lavendel (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavendelöl ist weithin anerkannt für seine schlaffördernden und entspannenden Wirkungen. Aromatherapie mit Lavendel kann bei der Bekämpfung von Reiseangst helfen.
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Ginseng kann die körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit steigern und dabei helfen, Müdigkeit zu bekämpfen, was für Reisende von Vorteil ist, die lange Reisen hinter sich haben.

The effectiveness of these medicinal plants can be increased through various forms of application. Here are some common options:

The correct dosage is crucial for the effectiveness of medicinal plants. In general, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions and, if necessary, consult a doctor or alternative practitioner. For many herbal preparations, a dosage of 300-500 mg of extract daily is common for most medicinal plants, but individual needs may vary.

However, it is important to be aware of possible interactions between medicinal plants and other medications. Some medicinal plants can cause undesirable effects, especially in combination with sedatives or antidepressants. Thorough research or advice should therefore be sought before use to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the application.

Application forms and dosage of herbs for optimal travel ability

Various medicinal herbs and plant extracts can be used to ensure optimal travel ability. Choosing the right application form and dosage plays a crucial role in achieving the desired effects and minimizing side effects.

• Teezubereitungen: Kräutertees sind eine der häufigsten Anwendungsformen. Sie sind einfach zuzubereiten und können bei Beschwerden wie Schlaflosigkeit, Stress oder Magenproblemen helfen. Häufig genutzte Kräuter sind Kamille, Baldrian und Melisse. Die allgemeine Dosierung beträgt 1-2 Teelöffel getrocknete Kräuter pro Tasse Wasser, 1-3 Tassen täglich.
• Kapseln und Tabletten: Für eine präzise Dosierung sind Kapseln und Tabletten eine bequeme Möglichkeit. Extrakte aus Passionsblume oder Baldrian sind in unterschiedlichen Konzentrationen erhältlich. Die übliche Dosierung reicht von 200 bis 500 mg pro Tag, abhängig von der spezifischen Pflanze und der individuellen Verträglichkeit.
• Tinkturen: Pflanzenextrakte in alkoholischer Lösung ermöglichen eine schnelle Absorption. Typischerweise werden 20-30 Tropfen als Tagesdosis empfohlen, oft aufgeteilt auf mehrere Einnahmezeiten.
• Aromatherapie: Ätherische Öle wie Lavendel und Bergamotte können durch Inhalation oder als Raumduft verwendet werden, um Entspannung während der Reise zu fördern. Die Dosierung variiert, jedoch sind 3-5 Tropfen im Diffusor oder auf einem Taschentuch gängig.

The dosage should always be tailored to individual needs. For example, valerian can be helpful for sleep disorders, while passionflower is recommended for anxiety and stress.

A table for a quick overview of the herbs and their possible uses:

It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using herbs, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are taking medication. Individual advice ensures that side effects and interactions can be avoided.

Considering the diverse effects of jet lag on the human organism and the possibility of using herbal remedies to alleviate these symptoms, it becomes clear that integrating medicinal plants into our travel process can represent not only a natural but also a sound strategy. The scientific basis and uses listed provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits and challenges associated with using herbs while traveling. Through targeted use and appropriate dosage, travelers can not only support their physical adaptation, but also experience the quality of their trip. Taking these natural remedies into account could make a valuable contribution to a holistic travel experience and sustainably improve how we deal with the physical consequences of time differences.

Sources and further literature

Literature references

• Schäfer, G., & Becker, K. (2016). Kräuterheilkunde: Grundlagen und Anwendungen. 2. Auflage. Verlag C. H. Beck.
• Wagner, H., & Krenn, L. (2014). Lehrbuch der Phytotherapie. Elsevier, Urban & Fischer.
• Häberlein, F., & Putz, D. (2018). Heilpflanzen für die Reiseapotheke. Verlag Hans Huber.

Scientific studies

• Watanabe, K., & Sawada, Y. (2020). Effects of herbal supplements on sleep quality and jet lag: A systematic review. Phytomedicine, 77, 153314.
• Herxheimer, A., & Peters, D. (2020). Melatonin for preventing jet lag. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD004202.

Further reading

• Friedrich, E. (2017). Kräuter und ihre Wirkung auf den menschlichen Körper. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag.
• Siegel, J. M. (2019). Gesund reisen: Tipps zur Vorbeugung von Reisebeschwerden. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.