Perhaps Dalí had jet lag in mind when he painted his famous melting clocks. Indeed, when we cross too many time zones too fast, our internal clock runs askew, making us like a distressed object in a surrealist painting. With our circadian rhythms rusty, we suffer fatigue, insomnia, grogginess, memory loss, dehydration, and other unpleasant, life-impairing symptoms. So, what's a traveler to do? - B.H.


Olbas Oil

A Swiss product available at natural-food stores such as Whole Foods Market, this elixir of aromatic extracts (peppermint, eucalyptus, juniper, clove, and more) clears the head, induces sleep when rubbed on the temples, unravels sore muscles, and clears the sinuses. Best of all, just a few whiffs of this miracle mix relieves anxiety, one of jet lag's most debilitating symptoms. www.olbas.com

Dr. Singha's Travel Tonic

Developed by a famed British ayurvedic practitioner, Dr. Singha's Travel Tonic targets the upset stomach and anxiety we suffer when we journey to lands far away. Loaded with herbs such as ginger, Siberian ginseng, lemon rind, sheep sorrel, and yohimbe bark, this magic potion works wonders when taken before, during, or after long flights. www.dr.singha.com

Emergen-C

These packets of powdered vitamin C, electrolytes, and minerals can be carried on the plane and mixed with water in flight. Aficionados claim that taking one before, during, and following the flight promotes energy and pep and bolsters the immune system to combat the ill effects of speeding through time zones. Available at most natural-food stores, Emergen-C comes in a variety of flavors. www.alacer.com