Are you feeling a bit worse for the wear after a night of drinking? If so, you’re not alone. Hangovers are a common experience for many people who enjoy alcoholic beverages. Fortunately, there are a few remedies that may help ease the uncomfortable effects of a hangover. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular hangover remedies and offer tips for preventing hangovers in the first place. So if you’re looking for some relief, keep reading to learn more.
What Exactly is Hangover?
Hangover is a mild version of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which causes delirium tremens in alcoholics. The headache is prompted in part by alcohol’s relaxing effect on the blood vessels. As they open up, more blood flows through them, which causes the sensation of warmth we feel when drinking. But if the blood vessels of the head open too much, they trigger the pain nerves. Hangover is unfortunately quite common, because alcoholism is a major public health problem, affecting some ten million Americans. But you don’t have to abuse alcohol to suffer an occasional hangover. You don’t even have to get terribly drunk. Hangover is also known as (Scientific Binomial Name), Headache and nausea after drinking alcohol (Common English), (Unani), atyadhik nasha (Hindi / Urdu), Hankovar (Tamil), Atimadyapan (Marathi), (Sanskrit), Apritikara parinama (Bengali), Hyangovar (Telugu), Hyangovar (Kannada), Mandata (Malayalam), Su zui (Chinese), Resaca (Spanish), Ressaca (Portuguese), Pokhmelye (Russian).
Common Symptoms
Symptoms of hangovers include irritability, depression, headache, nausea, and dizziness. Too much alcohol not only leads to gastritis but to the headaches, dry mouth, increased urination, and the fuzziness of a hangover as well. These symptoms are actually those of poisoning. Drink plenty of water, diluted fruit juice, black tea, or black coffee and take herbs to help cool and soothe any related stomach inflammation. You had too much to drink last night, and you’ve woken up with a wicked hangover. Your head is pounding. You’re drenched in sweat. You feel like throwing up. Maybe you feel shaky or anxious too. What’s going on? The alcohol in your system has left you dehydrated and depleted of minerals. It’s also caused the blood vessels in your head to dilate; that accounts for the headache. Finally, alcohol makes your blood abnormally acidic (a condition called acidosis), which causes nausea and sweating. The chemical acetaldehyde may also accumulate in the blood, leading to flushing.
Root Causes
Hangovers tend to occur because you have consumed more than your liver has been able to cope with. The drinks most likely to cause hangovers include bourbon, brandy, champagne, cognac, rum, rye, whiskey, and red wine. Vodka, gin, and white wine are less likely to cause hangovers. In general, the less flavor a substance has, the less likely it is to cause a hangover. Mixing several kinds of drinks increases hangovers and so does the use of carbonated beverages, which enter the system quickly. Alcohol is also a diuretic, so fluid loss contributes to morning-after thirst and can add to head pain. The nausea and vomiting are a combination of alcohol’s irritating effect on the stomach and its many effects on the central nervous system. Additives and impurities in alcohol (congeners) contribute to hangovers. The general rule is that the darker the alcohol, the worse the hangover. Vodka and white wine contain few congeners, but bourbon, scotch and red wine are loaded with them.
Hangover Natural Home Remedies That Work
Maybe you’ve never had that kind of experience. But if you have, you may have occasion to use some natural hangover remedies. Let’s look at some folk remedies for hangover prevention and treatment. The following recommendations may help you get over the effects of drinking too much alcohol the night before and will help restore normal functioning.
- Vomiting: If you feel as if you have to throw up, don’t resist the urge. Vomiting is the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins. Do not try taking painkiller. Acetaminophen, and possibly aspirin and ibuprofen as well, can harm your liver if you’ve been drinking.
- Lemon Wedge: Rub a wedge of lemon in each armpit.
- Honey: Take 2 to 6 teaspoons of honey every 20 minutes upon waking, depending on the severity of the hangover. Continue with the honey until you start to feel better and then take 4 teaspoons with your first meal. The potassium in the honey helps counteract the effects of the alcohol and will decrease the cravings for it.
- Licorice: Make a strong decoction by heating half a cup of chopped dried licorice root in 1 pint of water and simmer until the volume is reduced by two-thirds; then combine with 2 tablespoons of honey (which acts as a preservative) and heat to form a thin syrup. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of the mixture up to four times a day. This will help to flush the poisons out of the system as well as combat the symptoms of nausea.
- Rice Coffee: Rice coffee and tea are good for relieving the terrible pounding headaches accompanying an alcoholic hangover. To make rice coffee, just put 10 tbsp. of raw rice into a slow oven on a cookie sheet and stir frequently with a ladle until it’s well browned, but not burned. Then pass through a coffee mill and store in an airtight container. When using, put the usual amount you would for coffee grounds in a coffee-pot or percolator and prepare as you would coffee. But allow the rice to steep in a warm place for at least 30 minutes before serving. Rice tea is made the same way, except that the browned grains remain whole instead of being passed through the mill.
- Lemon + Sugar: Drink a glass of water with about 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt added. Just before drinking, add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. This will immediately take care and you will feel much better.
- Black Tea / Coffee: Black tea is a traditional Cantonese remedy for hangovers. It is astringent and is ideal unsweetened and without milk. You can drink black coffee instead. Have a cup or two only, be sure not to go overboard. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows the swollen blood vessels in your head. Like alcohol, caffeine is a diuretic, and if you drink too much, you’ll become even more dehydrated.
- Lassi: If you are feeling drowsy and dull, with an aching head, a burning stomach and no appetite, try a cup of cool “lassi”. To make lassi, blend 1 tablespoon of fresh yogurt with 1 cup of water and a pinch of cumin powder. Drink this 3 or 4 times in the day. It will be effective to prevent dehydration, relieve nausea, and soothe the burning in your stomach.
- Fruit Juices: Fruit juice contains natural sugars, which help the body metabolize alcohol faster. Elevating blood sugar levels by eating a snack of fruit before bed can help prevent a hangover. Eating oily foods like cheese or nuts before drinking and starchy foods while drinking also help prevent a hangover. Eating a few dates in the morning or a grapefruit will also elevate blood sugar levels, making you feel better.
- Coconut Water: Most of the time, drinking coconut water that is the natural liquid inside the coconut, is beneficial for hangover.
- Banana: Eat mashed bananas on whole meal bread to help restore lowered potassium levels. A banana milk shake is an especially good way to replace potassium and other nutrients lost during a night of heavy drinking. Combine a half cup milk with a banana and 2 teaspoons honey. Whirl it all in a blender, and drink up. Banana is a good source of potassium, which was lost in your urine. And honey is rich in fructose. Fructose is fruit sugar. Korean scientists have suggested that fructose can speed up the body’s metabolism of alcohol by about 25 %. Not far behind honey are dates, with 30 % fructose. If you don’t want tea in the morning, see if you can force down a couple of dates.
- Tikta: The herbal Ayurveda compound “tikta” is an effective antidote for alcohol toxicity. If you take 1/2 teaspoon of the powder 3 times during the day that you need it, washed down with warm water, it should take care of the hangover. If you cannot locate tikta, you may substitute aloe vera, myrrh, or sudharshan.
- Water / Fluids: As soon as you wake up, drink two 8-ounce glasses of water to undo the dehydration. Hangovers are produced by dehydration (alcohol is a diuretic) and hypoglycemia (alcohol is full of sugar). So drink plenty of fluids before and after drinking to prevent dehydration. Aim for twice as much water or non-alcoholic beverage to each drink you take. Sports drinks, which are high in electrolytes, help replenish what the kidneys have excreted during drinking. Take before bedtime. In the morning, a glass of orange juice or tomato juice can help dispel a hangover more quickly, as can teas of anise, mint, or chamomile.
- Outdoor Walk: Although your instinct might be to stay in bed, you’re better off if you can take a brisk walk or go for a run. That will boost your production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Heavy drinking can lower endorphin levels.
- Breakfast: Some people like taking fried egg sandwich and chocolate milk. This will immediately take away the symptoms of hangover from the night before.
- Herbal Formula: Try Indian herbal formula. Mix together shatavari 5 parts, shanka bhasma 1/8 part, kama dudha 1/8 part and jatamamsi 3 parts. Take 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture 2 or 3 times in a day. Put it on your tongue, and wash down with warm water.
- Slippery Elm / Milk Thistle Seeds: Slippery elm tables are worth keeping in the household medicine chest. A couple of tablets taken before a party can also reduce the likelihood of a hangover as the stomach coating will help reduce alcohol absorption. Although high alcohol consumption is best avoided, taking a couple of slippery elm capsules before imbibing will help lower alcohol absorption. Milk thistle seeds (Carduus marianus) are also known to protect the liver. Take 1 teaspoon of seeds in a cup of water as an infusion or use 10 drops of commercially made tincture before a party if you intend to drink alcoholic beverages.
- Essential Oil: Add 4 drops lemon, 2 drops fennel, 2 drops lavender to a warm bath and agitate the water with your hand. Relax for 10 minutes and inhale deeply.
- Kudzu: Kudzu is a traditional Chinese remedy for alcohol poisoning, usually taken in a “morning after” tea. You can pick up kudzu extract at a health-food store. Follow the dosage directions on the package.
- Olive Oil: Drink a little extra virgin olive oil to cure a hangover.
- Raw Persimmon: Raw persimmon when combined with a little horehound herb, are excellent for relieving the throbbing headaches accompanying an alcoholic hangover. Bring 1 pint of water to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped, unpeeled, ripe persimmon and 1-1/2 tbsp. fresh or dried, coarsely cut horehound herb. Cover with a lid, remove from the heat and steep 40 minutes. Strain and drink the entire contents while still lukewarm.
- Chicken Soup: Once you overcome the queasiness, fix yourself a nice bowl of hot chicken soup or bouillon. Either one will help replace the salt and potassium the body loses when you’ve been drinking.
- Eat before imbibing. That’s because when the stomach is full, alcohol absorption is slowed.
FAQs.
Q. What is the best coffee for a hangover?
The best coffee for a hangover is a strong espresso or cold brew. The high caffeine content will help to reduce the effects of a hangover, while the bold flavor will help to cut through the foggy feeling that often accompanies a hangover. If you don’t have access to a machine to make espresso or cold brew, instant coffee is also a great option.
Q. What is the best way to relieve a hangover? How do I get rid of alcohol hangover?
The best way to relieve a hangover is to drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and eat a healthy meal. Additionally, taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen can help reduce some of the more unpleasant symptoms of a hangover.
Q. What is the fastest way to cure a hangover? What is the fastest way to recover from alcohol hangover?
The fastest way to cure a hangover is to rehydrate with water or an electrolyte drink, get some rest, and eat a light meal that is high in carbohydrates.
Q. Can orange juice cure a hangover?
No, unfortunately orange juice cannot cure the condition. The best way to cure a hangover is to drink plenty of water, get rest and eat a healthy meal.
Q. What does an alcohol hangover feel like?
An alcohol hangover can feel like an overall feeling of malaise, with symptoms such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and sensitivity to light and sound. It can also cause decreased concentration, difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
Q. Do potatoes help with hangovers?
No, potatoes do not help with hangovers. Eating potatoes after drinking alcohol may help to fill you up, but it does not address the underlying problem of dehydration, which is the main culprit behind hangovers. Eating a balanced meal with electrolytes and plenty of water is the best way to combat a hangover.
Q. What is the best tea for a hangover? Why?
The best tea for a hangover is ginger tea. Ginger has been used for centuries to treat nausea, and it can help reduce inflammation and pain. It is also thought to help with digestion, which can be impaired after a night of drinking. Additionally, ginger tea contains antioxidants that can help your body repair itself and reduce the effects of a hangover.
Q. What are the ingredients for hangover cure?
- Greek Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, both of which are important for helping to alleviate hangover symptoms.
- Fruits: Choose naturally sweet fruits such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add flavor to the yogurt and help replenish lost electrolytes.
- Honey: Honey can help reduce inflammation and provide a natural energy boost.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds provide additional protein and healthy fats, while offering a crunchy texture.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes and can help replenish lost fluids.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice has natural detoxifying properties and can help reduce nausea.
- Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce nausea and upset stomach.
Q. Will drinking salt water make you feel better when you have a bad stomach or a hangover?
No, drinking salt water will not make you feel better when you have a bad stomach or a hangover. It may even make your symptoms worse. Instead, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, such as water or clear liquids, to help rehydrate your body and reduce nausea. Additionally, eating bland foods, such as toast or crackers, may help soothe an upset stomach.
Q. What is the truth behind the saying that if you eat two raw eggs before going out drinking, you won’t get a hangover?
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Eating raw eggs before drinking may provide a small amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but it is not likely to help prevent a hangover. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation and to stay hydrated throughout the night.
Q. What is the best food to eat on a hangover?
The best food to eat on a hangover is something that is high in carbohydrates, such as toast with peanut butter, oatmeal, or a banana. Eating these foods can help restore lost energy and provide electrolytes to help rehydrate your body. You should also drink plenty of fluids like water or sports drinks to replenish lost electrolytes.
Q. How do hangovers go away? What are good tricks for dealing with a hangover?
- Rehydrate: Drink plenty of fluids such as water, coconut water, electrolyte drinks, or sports drinks.
- Eat Something Light: A light meal of complex carbohydrates and protein can help absorb the alcohol and restore your energy.
- Take a Shower: A hot shower or bath can help reduce the effects of alcohol and make you feel more refreshed.
- Get Rest: Sleep helps the body process and metabolize the alcohol.
- Take a Pain Reliever: An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce headaches and muscle aches.
- Drink Ginger Ale: Ginger ale can help settle your stomach and reduce nausea.
- Enjoy Your Favorite Hangover Cure: Some people swear by remedies like pickle juice, raw eggs, or a Bloody Mary.
Q. What is Bloody Mary?
Bloody Mary is a popular cocktail made from tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and other spices. It is typically served over ice and garnished with celery, olives, or a pickle. The benefits of a Bloody Mary include its potential to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidants. It is also said to help with digestive issues, reduce hangovers, and provide a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Q. Why do you get a hangover? What makes us have a hangover after drinking a lot? What is the biology of a hangover?
A hangover is caused by drinking too much alcohol, which can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Alcohol also disrupts the body’s natural process of breaking down and metabolizing food, leading to an accumulation of toxins. This can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Q. How can you prevent getting a bad hangover?
- Drink in moderation.
- Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid drinks with congeners, such as red wine, dark beer, whiskey, and tequila.
- Eat a meal before and while drinking.
- Avoid smoking and other drug use.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take vitamins before and after drinking.
- Rehydrate yourself with electrolyte-rich drinks.
- Avoid mixing different types of alcohol.
Q. Is there such a thing as hangover free wine?
No, there is no such thing as hangover-free wine. While some wines may contain fewer congeners than others, which may reduce the occurrence of a hangover, all alcoholic beverages will cause a hangover if consumed in excess. The best way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation and drink plenty of water throughout the evening.
Q. What is fruit beer?
Fruit beer is a type of beer that is brewed with fruit or fruit flavoring added. It can range from a light and refreshing flavor to a more intense and complex taste. It is often characterized by a sweet, tart, or sour flavor, and can be served either cold or warm.
Q. Is there such thing like 0% alcohol beer?
Yes, there is something like 0% alcohol beer. It is also sometimes referred to as “non-alcoholic beer” or “alcohol-free beer.” These beers can still contain trace amounts of alcohol but are brewed to contain a very low level of alcohol, usually less than 0.5%.
Q. Will using marijuana produce a hangover effect?
No, using marijuana does not produce a hangover effect. However, people may experience fatigue or mild dizziness when they stop using marijuana.
Q. What is the best type of alcoholic beverage to drink and not have as bad of a hangover?
The best type of alcoholic beverage to drink and not have as bad of a hangover is clear, hard liquors such as vodka, gin, and tequila. These types of drinks are lower in congeners–chemical byproducts of fermentation–than darker drinks like whiskey and red wine, which can contribute to worse hangovers. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the night and eating a full meal before drinking can help to reduce the severity of your hangover.
Q. What is the best breakfast to relieve a hangover?
The best breakfast to relieve a hangover is a combination of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This could include whole-grain toast with avocado, an omelet with vegetables, or a smoothie with yogurt and fruit. Additionally, drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or sports drinks, can help replenish electrolytes and rehydrate the body.
Q. Is it normal that I don’t get hangovers?
Yes, it is normal for some people to not experience hangovers, even after consuming a large amount of alcohol. This is likely due to a variety of factors, such as the individual’s tolerance levels, genetics, or the type of alcohol consumed.
Q. Is Gatorade a good hangover cure?
Gatorade is a good way to rehydrate after a night of drinking, but it is not a cure for a hangover. To help with a hangover, it is best to drink plenty of water, get some rest and eat a healthy, balanced meal.
Q. Is milk good for a hangover?
Milk can help a hangover in some ways, as it can provide a source of hydration and electrolytes. However, it is not a cure for a hangover and should be combined with other remedies such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q. Does drinking lower quality alcohol give you worse hangovers?
Yes, typically drinking lower quality alcohol will result in worse hangovers. This is because lower quality alcoholic beverages contain more impurities and additives, which can contribute to dehydration and increase the severity of hangover symptoms.
Q. What kind of alcohol gives you the least hangover?
The type of alcohol that is least likely to give you a hangover is clear liquors such as vodka, gin, and tequila. These spirits are generally lower in congeners, which are compounds found in darker liquors that can contribute to a hangover.