Herbal Remedies To Ease A Hangover

Lots of us will have had a bad hangover at some stage in our lives, some maybe more than others. Trust me when I say that I've had my fair share. A hangover is basically the body telling you that you have abused it and should be punished! How many of us have uttered that immortal line "I'm never drinking again"? But of course we do. Next time you feel thirsty, tired, irritable and your head is thumping, remember this hub!

Excessive alcohol consumption speeds up the production of urine as the body tries to expell toxins. This leaves us thirsty and dry mouthed and the resulting dehydration leaves us with the dreaded hangover symptoms.

The most obvious thing to do is drink plenty of water, but it isn't that simple as the body will have lost salts and you need to replenish these before the body can absorb the water you're drinking.

Here are some ideas to help detoxify the liver, restore vitality and make the morning after a bit more bearable!

Soothing essential oils can work wonders to ease hangover symptoms. They can be used in a bath, as a vapouriser blend, or as a massage oil.

The following combination is idea for putting onto a tissue or handkerchief and inhaled throughout the day:

• 2 drops Fennel
• 3 drops Juniper
• 2 drops Rosemary

For a soothing bath blend try:

• 2 drops Rose
• 2 drops Juniper
• 2 drops Grapefruit

Dandelion

This is a great remedy as it is one of the few diuretics that adds potassium to the body rather than removing it. Dandelion is also an excellent detoxifer as it stimulates the sensory nerves of the kidney's aiding in the detoxification process. It also helps the liver and gall bladder to eliminate toxins.

Dandelion tea is a great way to benefit from this, but you could always add some leaves to a salad too.

These are high in potassium too, eating a banana for breakfast will help balance the body salts. The great thing about bananas is that they can be eaten in so many ways. If you don't feel like eating a banana by itself, try it with cereal or yoghurt.

Here are some other ideas:

Banana Bread / Banana Smoothie / Banana and Date Smoothie / Banana Breakfast Smoothie / Banana Oat Breakfast Cookie

Banana's are also good for nausea and headaches as they contain a natural antacid which helps the stomach, and magnesium which will help with a sore head.

Not for the very health conscious, but if you were that health conscious to begin with you probably wouldn't have a hangover anyway!

Salt and Vinegar crisps are a popular choice for the morning after, as the salt replaces those lost through dehydration, and the vinegar helps to relieve fatigue. It also helps to restore the body's acidic balance by making the stomach more alkaline.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea is great for general soothing and relaxation, but as a hangover remedy, it works wonders on headaches and indigestion, especially when sweetened with honey.

Fennel tea is great for easing nausea and indigestion and can help to reduce the other effects of alcohol on the body. Drink a lukewarm cup of Fennel tea and it will relieve digestive ailments.

Juniper which is used to make gin, is reviving and restorative. This is one time when the hair of the dog may actually work!

Sip a small glass of gin and tonic with a splash of lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Combined, these ingredients will provide a much needed energy boost.

Lime is one of nature's great natural refreshers. A glass of cool water mixed with the juice of a Lime will act as a restorative, giving fresh energy. It can also aid digestion and boost the mood.

Lemon is a natural stimulant that is refreshing, purifying, reviving, strengthening and soothing. It works especially well to help the mind focus.

Milk Thistle has the ability to protect the liver from damage caused by the over comsumption of alcohol. The flower heads can be used in salads or made into herbal tea.

Peppermint eases headaches, indigestion and nausea. Drink a cup of Peppermint tea or chew on a fresh leaf to calm the stomach and improve stale breath.

Rosemary is a natural stimulant and is great for relieving feelings of tiredness. For a hangover related stomach upset, Rosemary can be used in the bath or as an inhalation agent, or it can easily be used in food.

Potatoes Boulangeres with Rosemary

Grilled Lamb on Rosemary Skewers

Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Rosemary and Garlic Bread