42 Home Remedies for a Hangover

by Stephen Amponsah Mensah · Published August 13, 2018 · Updated July 19, 2020

You might have heard a lot of people use the word “hangover” and may be wondering what it really is and how it occurs. In simple terms, a hangover is an uncomfortable condition caused by a heavy intake of alcohol the previous night or day.

It is mostly associated with a headache, nausea, dizzy spells, body pains, confusion and thirst just among others. The severity of these ill experiences is dependent on the amount of alcohol you took as well as how much alcohol your body can tolerate.

Hangovers can actually damage your immune system, digestive system, and organ function. It is actually impossible to decide how much alcohol is enough to prevent a hangover because everyone has different capabilities. Also, the condition is influenced by other factors such as your level of tiredness, the volumes of water you took while drinking, and also the amount of rest you had after the drinking.

It is worth to mention that different people react differently to hangover experiences. Despite all the uncertainties about hangovers, one thing is for sure; no one wants to go through such excruciating experience and as such, effective remedies to this condition will be subsequently discussed in this piece.

Causes

It is believed that dehydration, as a result of large alcohol intake, is one of the main factors of hangover symptoms. Dehydration occurs due to the presence of ethanol in the alcoholic drink, which has a diuretic effect on the body, hence makes you pass out more fluids (urine) and leaves you dehydrated.

According to research, toxic impurities that result from the breakdown of some complex organic molecules called congeners in ingested alcohol may contribute to your feeling of a hangover. It is speculated that the sweeter an alcoholic drink, the higher the amount of toxic impurities present. In addition, some of these congeners for example, methanol is metabolized to toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid, which is bad for the body.

Apart from the aforementioned, the following may also contribute to your hangover:

Poor hydration prior to drinking
Tiredness prior to drinking
Stress
Consuming a mixture of alcoholic beverages
Poor liver function
Low level of alcohol tolerance
The high amount of congeners in the consumed alcoholic beverages.
Excessive alcohol intake.

Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, a hangover is a collection of physical and psychological ill experiences, which may present themselves as follows:

Dizziness
Nausea
Headache
Body pains
Thirst
Confusion
Anxiety
Depression
Increased heartbeat
Hypersalivation
Tiredness
Bloodshot eyes
Photophobia
Vomiting
Erratic motor function
Stomach aches

Again, it is worth mentioning that different people react differently to a hangover and may not exhibit exactly the same symptoms. Note that when you experience the following conditions you may possibly be suffering from alcohol poisoning, which is more severe and requires immediate medical attention.

Irregular breathing pattern
Slow breathing (less than 8 breath intakes per minute)
Pale skin
Seizures
Low body temperature (cold body)
Loss of consciousness
Stupor
Uncontrollable vomiting

Home Remedies for a Hangover

Enough of the long lectures, let’s take you through some effective remedies for reducing the effects of a hangover. For the records, there is no sure way to cure a hangover except allowing the body to recover over time as a typical hangover may last for 8 to 24 hours and in extreme cases a little above 24 hours. However, it is possible to manage the symptoms that are manifested during the period of a hangover. The following remedies described below may be a great way of dealing with your hangover.

Hydration

Water is one of the best ways to deal with symptoms of a hangover. The diuretic action of alcohol causes the body to lose lots of fluid and this leads to dehydration. Water also helps to dilute the leftover impurities in the stomach. It is, therefore, necessary that you rehydrate your body by drinking eight to ten glasses of water within the day.

cranberry, cranberry juice, juice, genital itching

Drinking juice and other non-alcoholic beverages can also help

Honey

Honey is also another great way to deal with a hangover. It is rich in potassium, which helps to counter the effect of excess alcohol intake. Furthermore, honey contains fructose that helps your body to metabolize any remaining alcohol in the system.

All you need is to eat three to four teaspoons of honey at one-hour interval until the hangover improves. Alternatively, add a tablespoon full of honey to a glass of water and stir. Drink this solution as often as needed until the feeling of hangover reduces.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelions possess both lubricating and antiseptic properties, which make it very effective in combating a hangover. To prepare this remedy simply blend a handful of dandelion leaves with a glass of water and drink regularly till your hangover symptoms reduce. Drink this three times or more until the condition improves. You can also chew some dandelion leaves and roots raw for the same results.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is a rich source of calcium, selenium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and folate, which are vital nutrients, needed for growth and development. It boosts the immune system and helps you gain balance when having a hangover as it acts as an electrolyte and helps the body to rehydrate. Aim to drink four to five glasses of fresh coconut water alongside some water throughout the day until your hangover symptoms reduce.

Lemon Juice

Lemon is a good way to counter the after-effects of heavy drinkings such as hypersensitivity to light and loud sound and severe body pains. It also helps to ensure a good body balance by regulating the blood sugar level and subsequently adjusting the body’s pH levels.

Add two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of water and stir. Drink this solution slowly. For more effective results, drink this solution first thing in the morning after waking and two or three times subsequently within the day, as needed.

Tomato Juice

Tomato contains a type of sugar called fructose that enables more alcohol to be metabolized quickly to bring quick relief from the symptoms of a hangover. In addition to this, tomatoes juice contains minerals, vitamins, and enzymes that help maintain body balance and promote quick recovery.

Add one tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice, honey and a little cayenne pepper to a glass of tomato juice and mix thoroughly. Drink this mixture once in the morning and later in the afternoon to get lasting results.

You can either use store-bought tomato juice or make your own at home by blending tomatoes

Peppermint

Peppermint helps in dealing with symptoms of a hangover as it resolves nausea, aids in digestion, and relieves tension. It also helps in speeding up detoxification of the body as well.

Simply chew some peppermint leaves throughout the day or, brew some peppermint tea by adding one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves to a glass of boiling hot water and allow to stand for ten minutes. Strain and drink two cups of this tea after you wake up.

Alternatively, prepare a peppermint bath by adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a bathtub of warm water and soak yourself in it for immediate results. Stay in the bath until you no longer have hangover symptoms.

Banana

Banana is a rich source of potassium, vital for the treatment of hangover symptoms as it helps to replace the lost potassium in the system and acts as an electrolyte to help maintain body balance. It is also known as a source of energy for the body.

Simply consume two fingers of banana in addition to your normal breakfast or blend two fingers of bananas and add a tablespoon of honey to make a sweetened banana shake and drink up.

Ginger

Ginger has proven to work wonders in dealing with symptoms of a hangover such as nausea and vomiting and aid in digestion. Chew some pieces of ginger throughout the day to relieve yourself from some symptoms of a hangover.

Alternatively, brew some ginger tea by adding fifteen slices of ginger to four cups of water and boil for fifteen minutes. Gently strain the resulting solution and add some orange juice, lemon juice and about one and a half cups of honey and stir. Drink this solution throughout the day.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is a very effective method of detoxifying the body and helps to remove toxins from within the body. Slowly swish one tablespoon of coconut oil around your mouth and through your teeth for fifteen to twenty minutes, spit out, and rinse your mouth with some clean water. This remedy is more effective when done first thing in the morning before brushing and on an empty stomach. It is important to ensure that you do not swallow any of the oil after swishing in the mouth.

Powdered Green Smoothie

Powdered green smoothie, though less popular, is known to work well in fighting hangovers. This smoothie with a combination of carefully selected fruits and vegetables is enriched with antioxidants, nutrients, and minerals such as potassium, which help to speed up the rate of metabolizing and maintain balance in your system.

To prepare this remedy simply add spinach, one tablespoon of hemp heart, and cocoa powder as well as one peeled frozen banana and three leaves of fresh mint and blend. Drink this concoction first thing in the morning for a quick relief.

Other leafy greens, like cabbage, can be used if you don’t have any spinach

Breakfast Concoction

The breakfast concoction is a cocktail of spices and fruits including dried chilies, orange, and lemon juice. This makes the concoction rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, which help to stop nausea. It also contains other nutrients and minerals that help to maintain a good body balance and help regulate pH levels within the body.

Add one raw egg white, one and a half ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice, half an ounce of lemon juice, two whole chilies and a shot of vodka mixed with honey and blend together with some ice or shake in a cocktail shaker with some ice. Strain the blended mixture, top up with some soda water, and drink as part of your breakfast.

Juice and Squirt Soda

Apple juice and beetroot are rich in nutrients and minerals, essential for maintaining good body balance. This, therefore, makes it an effective remedy in dealing with hangover symptoms. The sugar component in apple aids in the fast metabolism of alcohol in the body and promotes fast recovery from the after-effects of heavy drinking. Slice two apples and blend them together with one beetroot and some kale. Mix the blended juice with a bottle of squirt soda and drink as part of your breakfast.

Green Goddess Juice

Green goddess juice is a combination of selected fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, which are essential in maintaining a good body balance and can give quick relief from hangover symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The fluid component of this mixture also helps in rehydrating the body.

All you need is to add a half bunch of kale, one washed and sliced cucumber, one apple, one stalk of peeled celery, a cup of parsley, a handful of fennel fronds, a one-inch piece of ginger and a half fennel bulb to a blender and blend all until smooth. Add the juice of one lemon and some ice cubes to this mixture at the end and drink first thing in the morning to relieve you of your hangover symptoms.

Mustard Bath

Mustard Bath is a very effective way to detoxify and deal with hangover symptoms. Soaking in a mustard bath increases circulation within the body and draws out toxins from your organs whiles revitalizing the body.

To prepare a mustard bath simply pour two tablespoons of mustard powder in warm bath water and soak your body in the solution for at least thirty minutes. Make sure to take a nap afterward. You will definitely feel better when you wake up.

Green Tea

Green tea resolves the problem of indigestion, burning sensation of gas, settles the stomach and hangover. It contains antioxidants and anti-toxins and therefore detoxifies the system. All you need is to boil a cup of water and add a green tea bag to it. Allow it to steep for five minutes and drink. This will relieve you of your hangover.

Bigelow Organic GreenTea, 40-pack ($7.98)

Turmeric

A regular addition of turmeric in your cooking can help to resolve all digestive system problems. Its active ingredient called curcumin helps to reduce inflammation and treat nausea resulting from a hangover. You can add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes. Allow the solution to cool a bit and drink for quick relief from hangover symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid content, which is antibacterial in nature. It helps to regulate the pH levels in the body and ensure the body is well moisturized. This also helps the body to stay hydrated. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. Stir and drink for quick relief of hangover symptoms.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a natural detoxifier, which helps to clean the blood and helps to hydrate and energize the body cells. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass naturally deodorizes and maintains a good body pH internally. It is also known to aid in wound healing. The antioxidant component can also flush out radical from the body. Drink a glass of wheatgrass juice just after a heavy drinking session and again in the morning right after waking up to further detoxify your system.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea works effectively on problems related to a digestive system, including stomach upset, hangovers, and indigestion. This tea is also caffeine free and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in dealing with hangover symptoms. Add chamomile tea to a glass of boiling water and allow to stand for five minutes before drinking.

Toasted Bread

Toasted bread is a good way of dealing with a hangover. Toast helps in regulating blood sugar levels, which are normally down after consuming heavy amounts of alcohol. This is because the liver is kept busy with detoxifying the body rather than producing supplementary sugar for the body to use. Eat two or three slices of toasted bread as part of your breakfast to help you deal with the feeling of tiredness and speed up recovery from your hangover.

Any kind of bread will work for this home remedy, so long as it is toasted

Lemon-Lime Soda

Lemon-lime soda contains high levels of sugar, which aids the body to metabolize alcohol at a faster rate. It also helps to rehydrate the body and maintain a good body pH level. Drink a bottle of any type of lemon-lime soda on waking up in the morning to help ease your feeling of a hangover.

Asparagus

This vegetable contains amino acids which improve the speed at which the body breaks down alcohol whereas protecting the liver cells from long-term damage by toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism such as hydrogen peroxide. Simply consume large amounts of asparagus as part of your breakfast the following morning after a heavy drinking bout.

Pretzels

Pretzels are a rich source of minerals, such as potassium and salts. These components are electrolytes that help prevent further dehydration of the body due to the diuretic action of alcohol. The carbohydrate component of pretzels will also help in providing you with enough energy to carry on with your daily activities.

Simply eat some pretzels as part of your breakfast after a night of heavy drinking. Alternatively, blend pretzel with about two fingers of banana, add some lemon juice, and consume this concoction as part of your breakfast.

Thyme

Thyme is a rich source of vitamins A, C, riboflavin, iron, copper, manganese, and calcium, which are vital for the growth, and development of the body. These minerals also fortify the immune system and help prevent further dehydration as they act as electrolytes in the body. Add some thyme to a cup of boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes. Strain and add some honey before drinking.

Lime

Lime is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps to stabilize your blood sugar levels and helps to resolve dizziness and hypersensitivity to light and loud sound. It also deals with muscle aches, which are associated with heavy drinking. Add two teaspoons of lime and a teaspoon of sugar to a half cup of water and stir. Drink this mixture as soon as you wake.

lime, fruit, citrus, vitamin c, alleries

Adding limes to your tonic water is one way to use limes as a home remedy

Cabbage

Cabbage with vinegar helps to ease down headaches associated with heavy drinking. This leafy green vegetables contains compounds that aid in the metabolism of alcohol and reduces the craving for alcohol.

Blend a half slice of cabbage with some tomatoes and drink first thing in the morning. Alternatively, you can choose to wash cabbage with brine solution and chew for a quick relief of headaches associated with hangovers.

Prickly Pear

Prickly pear is a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, and other antioxidants, which help in, maintain a good pH balance within the body. It also helps in stabilizing blood sugar level and reduces body aches associated with hangovers. As an added advantage the mineral content of this fruit, also acts as an electrolyte and help prevent further dehydration. Wash and peel a single prickly pear and blend to make a juice. Drink this juice as part of breakfast.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a herb rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a good way of dealing with hangover symptoms as it detoxifies the liver and aids in digestion. Just add one teaspoon of powdered milk thistle seeds to a cup of water and add some milk thistle leaves. Boil this mixture for ten minutes and allow to stand for another five minutes. Strain the mixture and drink this tea in the morning.

Kudzu Root

The roots of the kudzu plant contain calcium, daidzein, genistein, and riboflavin, which are very powerful compounds in dealing with hangovers. Kudzu actually increases blood circulation to enhance the detoxifying process in the body. It can also reduce muscle pain and stiffness. Kudzu can as well aid in the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Add a teaspoon of kudzu root powder to a glass of boiling water and allow to steep for ten minutes. Strain and drink this solution in the morning to help reduce the effects of the hangover.

Salmon

Salmon contains a number of natural compounds, including amino acids and a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps in detoxifying the body. This fish also helps to improve digestion and help in reducing muscle and joint pain. Simply eat any salmon-containing recipe as part of your breakfast to help relieve you of your hangover symptoms.

Eating cooked salmon, or other fatty fish, will also work for this home remedy

Apricot

Apricot is a rich source of vitamins such as A, C, K, E, niacin, as well as minerals such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, copper, and phosphorous which are very useful in dealing with a hangover. The mineral content of apricot act as electrolytes, which prevent further dehydration and help, maintain body balance. The vitamins also help to regulate and stabilize the blood sugar level. Eat some apricots as part of your breakfast to help relieve you of your hangover.

Sage

Sage is a powerhouse of flavonoids, vitamins A, B, C, and K and minerals such as potassium, iron, copper, zinc, calcium, manganese and magnesium, which are essential for healthy development. It can be used for the treatment of hangover symptoms, as the minerals are electrolytes that prevent dehydration and maintain body balance. Add a teaspoon of dried sage to a glass of hot water and allow to steep for about five minutes. Strain and add lemon and honey to taste and drink.

Plain Crackers

Plain crackers help in regulating blood sugar levels, which becomes depleted with the consumption of alcohol. Eating crackers is a sure way of boosting blood sugar as the liver is kept busy with detoxifying the body rather than producing supplementary sugar for the body to use. Take some crackers as part of your breakfast to help you deal with the feeling of tiredness and speed up recovery from your hangover.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm contains large amounts of mucilage and antioxidants, which help in soothing the digestive system and help it function properly. Using slippery elm, is a sure way of dealing with diarrhoea associated with hangovers.

Add one tablespoon of slippery elm bark powder to a cup of boiling water and stir. Add one teaspoon of honey and three ounces of almond milk to the mixture and stir again top it up with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder and drink.

Prairie Oysters

This drink gets its name from the oyster-like texture that it presents. This drink is known to work wonders in dealing with hangovers, however; its mechanism of functioning is not fully understood. Claims are that the presences of the pepper sauce provide a source of flavonoids and the raw egg added provide amino acids, which are all good compounds for dealing with nausea and helps to detoxify the liver.

Crack an egg into an empty glass and top up with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Drink this concoction in one gulp for effective results. It won’t taste good, but it’ll cure your hangover quickly!

The finished drink should look something like this

Kombucha Tea

Kombucha tea is brewed from mushrooms. It, therefore, contains good bacteria and fungus, which combine to create a healthy tea to promote good health, improved cognition and better cognitive function. Drinking kombucha tea is also a great way of dealing with indigestion as its characteristic bacteria ingredient helps to break down undigested food components.

Simply brew kombucha tea by adding a teaspoon of kombucha powder to a glass of boiling water. Allow to steep for five minutes. Strain and drink to reduce the effects of your hangover.

Pickled Plums

Pickled plums also are known as umeboshi is a natural detoxifier, which can help clean the liver and help deal with your hangover. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants properties, for maintaining a good body balance and improve digestion. Add pickled plum to your diet for breakfast to help manage hangover symptoms.

Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea contains very high levels of antioxidants and other minerals that aid in digestion and fight against anxiety and depression associated with a hangover. It also helps to resolve nausea and dizzy spells to this effect. Add a teaspoon full of earl grey tea to a glass of boiling water and allow to steep for ten minutes. Strain and drink for a quick relief.

Lavender Tea

Lavender tea has a lot of health benefits and can help the body to relax, reduces muscle spasms, and promotes healthy digestion. It can also aid sleep, reduce inflammation, balance your mood, heal the skin, and soothe pain. Lavender contains anti-inflammatory properties, which make it potent in dealing with a hangover.

Add a teaspoon of dried lavender buds to a glass of boiling water and allow to steep for fives minutes. Strain and add a tablespoon of honey and drink.

Warning

Lavender tea is not suitable for pregnant women as it may induce menstruation and result in miscarriage.

Kebab

Kebab refers to a collection of chopped meat stuck on a stick and grilled with spices and oil. The amino acid and protein components of kebab help to deal with a hangover as the slow down the rate of absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Simply consume some sticks of kebab as part of your breakfast.

Prevention

The best and most sure way of preventing a hangover is to avoid drinking alcohol totally or drinking responsibly. However, if you cannot resist the temptation of taking in alcohol be sure to drink lots of water and fluids before, during and after your drinking ordeal to reduce the after effects.

It is also advisable to avoid the intake of caffeinated drinks as this contributes to dehydration of your body. Despite being mentioned by many that popping some pain medications such as aspirin and acetaminophen help ease the symptoms of a hangover, it is best to avoid taking any of them at all as these may lead to complications and even result in death.

Finally, it is advisable to get a lot of sleep to allow your body to recuperate after a night of heavy drinking.

If you want to continue drinking, talk to your eye doctor about how much alcohol is right for you

All the above remedies are effective in treating the symptoms associated with a hangover. You can, therefore, rely on any of them when the need arises. You should, however, take alcohol according to your capacity to prevent further occurrences.