On the return from my recent aromatherapy study trip to France, I had a difficult battle with jet lag. Crossing several time zones, and enduring a flight that involved one connection, meant that my body took a little while to catch up! Friends and aromatherapy colleagues gave me various pieces of advice and, as an aromatherapist, I knew the theory behind the advice. However, perhaps the best thing that I tried, and which finally helped to relax me to get a normal night’s sleep again was the use of bath salts. Today, I will share with you a simple recipe for making bath salts for jet lag!
What is Jet Lag?
Jet lag is the common term used to describe feelings of tiredness, headaches, dizziness, lethargy and digestive upsets that are brought about by traveling across several time zones. Basically your body becomes out of balance and you find that you want to eat and sleep at different times (i.e. in rhythm with the time zone from which you originated). It can take several days, weeks even, for your body to adjust to the new time zone. According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, jet lag is:
“ a disruption of circadian rhythms, associated with high speed travel by jet plane to distant time zones.”
Circadian rhythms (with regard to humans) are the regular 24 hour cycles of metabolic, glandular and sleep.
Essential Oils for Jet Lag
Essential oils which are suitable for treating jet lag include:
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grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi)
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lemon (Citrus limon)
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geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
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lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
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peppermint (Mentha piperita).
However, many of the essential oils which are known for their sedative and relaxing properties can help you get a good night’s sleep and recover more quickly from jet lag too.
Simple Bath Salt Recipe for Jet Lag
Perhaps one of the most relaxing ways you can help get your sleep cycle back on track is to take a relaxing bath with aromatherapy bath salts before going to bed. Here’s a simple recipe for jet lag to try (this is one to use before going to bed; if you want to try a recipe for morning, increase the amount of grapefruit essential oil to use, within recommended guidelines):
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4 oz Epsom salts
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5 drops grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) essential oil
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20 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Simply mix together and add a small amount to your bath!
If you would like to learn more about making your own aromatherapy products, why not try one of the Sedona Aromatherapie Make-Your-Own Products Kits such as the Basic Scrubs and Bath Salts Kit, the Sedona Aromatherapie Foundation Course in Aromatherapy or the new Sedona Aromatherapie Basic Butters, Balms, Creams and Lotions Course?
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me!
References:
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author’s own training and experience
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Worwood, Valerie, 1991, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy US: New World Library
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Webster’s New World College Dictionary (4th Edition)
