Offering an alternative approach to health and wellbeing, independent nutritional and naturopathic researcher Irene McCabe and medical herbalist Nikki Biddiss of A&M Eaglesham Herbs and Natural Remedies in Cresswell Street, Glasgow, offer help and advice using the healing power of plants.

Do you know if there are any natural remedies that can help ease jetlag?

Naturopathic nutritional expert Irene McCabe:

Jet lag happens because rapid travel throws off our circadian rhythm ie the natural biological clock that helps control when we wake and fall asleep. The body has a natural daily rhythm which can be disrupted if we travel across time zones to a place where the local time is not matched by the body's internal clock.

The effects of jet lag are generally worse travelling eastwards rather than westwards. We are still not sure why this is but it might be related to the fact that left to its own devices, the body's natural daily cycle lasts slightly more than 24 hours. It appears the body copes better with a lengthening day (travelling to the west) than a shortening day (travelling to the east).

There are a few basic steps that can be taken which may help to reduce the symptoms of jetlag.

I have found personally, that taking both arnica and rhux tox homeopathic remedies the day before, during and after travel really does helps. I combine taking these remedies with drinking both chamomile and/or valerian tea on night flights. It is also very important to keep well hydrated so try not to over indulgence in alcohol and caffeinated tea and coffee.

It is also helpful to try to stay awake when you arrive home and try to go to bed at your normal time instead of sleeping during the day. If you can possibly manage to stay awake you will help counteract the potential symptoms of jetlag and your body will very quickly and naturally reset to a balanced rhythm.

Medical herbalist Nikki Biddiss:

Lucky you if you are going somewhere exotic. The severity of any symptoms of jetlag tend to increase with the distance being travelled and the number of time zones being crossed but not everyone is affected in the same way and some people escape it altogether. Any symptoms are temporary and will probably disappear within a few days.

Common symptoms include sleep disturbance - to pre-empt this you could try gradually altering your bedtime and wake-up time to match your destination. Ensure you get a good night's sleep before your flight. Relaxing herbal teas might help. Once you reach your destination, even if you are feeling exhausted in the daytime, don't nap for more than an hour.

And memory - it's common to feel disorientated and clumsy and possibly a bit light-headed. Try not to exert yourself. If you feel nausea try chewing ginger sweets.

And even an upset stomach - some people can develop indigestion, constipation or diarrhoea. Keep hydrated and don't overeat and it will probably pass in a few days.

Then you can get on with enjoying your trip.

Complementary therapy is not intended to replace the advice or treatment offered by your GP. In all cases before visiting a therapist your GP should be consulted.

Nikki Biddiss is a medical herbalist, aromatherapy massage therapist and stress and wellbeing coach. Irene McCabe has been an independent nutritional researcher who practices allergy and intolerance testing (using kinesiology and homeopathy), advanced clinical hypnotherapy, and from June naturopathic nutrition. She is the owner of A & M Eagleshams Herbs & Natural Remedies (formerly Napier's Glasgow) at 61 Creswell Street, Glasgow. Consultations are available, call 0141 339 5859 or visit www.eagleshams.com