Ayurveda Remedies for Hangovers

Hangovers generally refer to the misery that follows a night of consuming alcoholic beverages. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but may include: nausea, vomiting, headache, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, thirst, lethargy, diarrhea, fever, and various aches and pains.

Alcohol has been around for quite some time – even the maharajas drank it. So it is no surprise that they developed their own remedies to combat hangovers to go with it.

Most importantly, never drink on an empty stomach. Always eat something first – preferably a filling meal – even appetizers will do. Fatty food is the best and will help your body with the alcohol absorption.

Water is the best therapy for a hangover. The best thing to do is to have a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, and start drinking water immediately upon waking the next morning.

Citrus fruits are very helpful for fighting hangovers, so a glass of fresh orange juice can work wonders. Bananas and kiwis are also helpful, being high in potassium and fructose.

Chocolate and caffeine can help with some of the pain of the hangover, though too much can interfere with sleeping and dehydrate you further. So stick to one chocolate bar and no more than one cup of coffee for best results.

For breakfast after a night of drinking, try two eggs with bread. Eggs have protein for energy as well as cysteine that helps break down toxins. The starch in the bread can help with extra stomach acid and to boost your blood sugar level.

If you suffer from constipation the next morning, try an over the counter laxative or peppermint and chamomile tea.

Cold irrigations on the head, ice packs, and eating cold foods are all common Ayurveda remedies that have been shown to provide some relief for hangovers. They are also easy to do with whatever supplies you have at home. Do not have an icepack? A bag of frozen peas works just as well.

There are also some medications commonly prescribed by Ayurveda for hangovers: Brihat vata Chintamani rasa, Vata Vidhwansa rasa, Brahmi ghritam, and Sarvatha choorna. Talk to your primary care physician and/or herbalist before using any of these to treat your hangover to find out if they are available in your area, the possible side effects and drug interactions, and their effectiveness.

There is a myth that having another alcoholic drink in the morning will help your hangover. Many people prefer drinks like the Bloody Mary as their hangover cure. The salt content and vitamin C in these drinks may help with some of the symptoms; however, the alcohol in them is a two-edged sword. On one hand, it may help provide some relief, but on the other, it adds even more toxins into your already overworked system. It can also set you on the road to having an alcohol addiction later on if you drink frequently.

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All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
If you experience any symptoms, consult a medical professional.