What are the best ways to recover from a hangover quickly? Discover 7 effective home remedies backed by science to ease hangover symptoms like nausea, headache, and fatigue.

Hydrate with Water and Electrolyte-Rich Drinks

One of the easiest and most effective ways to recover from a hangover is to stay hydrated. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Drinking a big glass of water before bed and when you wake up can help curb the effects of dehydration, which can cause symptoms like a dry mouth and headache. Sports drinks can also replace the sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

Try Korean Pear Juice

Korean pear (also known as Asian pear) juice is a traditional hangover remedy that research suggests may be effective. Studies show that drinking about 7 1/2 ounces of Korean pear juice before consuming alcohol can help lower blood alcohol levels and make hangovers less intense. The catch is that it needs to be consumed before drinking, not after.

Harness the Power of Ginseng

Ginseng, a root used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown in some studies to help ease hangover symptoms. One small study found that a drink made from red ginseng reduced hangover symptoms, while another found that Siberian ginseng extract (a different plant) improved symptoms like headache, dizziness, and stomachache. However, ginseng may affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so it’s important to check with your doctor before using it.

Explore the Benefits of Phyllanthus Amarus

Phyllanthus amarus is a medicinal herb that grows in tropical coastal regions. One small study found that taking extracts of this herb twice a day for 10 days helped lower blood alcohol levels, ease hangover symptoms, and improve mood in regular drinkers. You can find Phyllanthus amarus extracts online and in health food stores, sometimes under the name “stone breaker” herb.

Replenish Your Blood Sugar with Carbs

Alcohol lowers your blood sugar, which can lead to dizziness and shaking during a hangover. Eating a few slices of whole-wheat toast or some whole-grain crackers can help bring your blood sugar levels back up, providing an energy boost.

Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Cautiously

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or aspirin can help calm a pounding hangover headache. However, these types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also irritate the stomach, potentially making nausea worse. It’s best to avoid acetaminophen, as it can worsen the effects of alcohol on the liver.

Resist the Temptation of ‘Hair of the Dog’

The idea behind the “hair of the dog” hangover remedy is that taking another drink will relieve the effects of the last few you had. But this approach just throws your body back into the same destructive cycle without giving it time to heal. Experts do not recommend this method, as it will not provide long-term relief.

The Bottom Line

While there is no true “cure” for a hangover, these seven home remedies supported by science can provide some relief from the unpleasant symptoms. The key is to focus on hydration, replenishing nutrients, and allowing your body the time it needs to recover. If hangovers are a persistent problem, it’s best to speak with your doctor about your drinking habits.

FAQs

Can drinking water before bed help prevent a hangover?

Yes, drinking water before bed can help curb the effects of dehydration and make a hangover less severe in the morning. Alcohol is a diuretic, so staying hydrated can make a big difference.

How does Korean pear juice help with hangovers?

Research suggests that drinking Korean pear (also known as Asian pear) juice before consuming alcohol can help lower blood alcohol levels and reduce hangover symptoms. The catch is that it needs to be consumed before drinking, not after.

Is it safe to take pain relievers for a hangover?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin can help calm a pounding hangover headache, but they can also irritate the stomach and potentially worsen nausea. It’s best to avoid acetaminophen as well, as it can worsen the effects of alcohol on the liver.

Why is the ‘hair of the dog’ remedy not recommended?

The “hair of the dog” remedy involves taking another drink to relieve the effects of a hangover, but this just throws the body back into the same destructive cycle without allowing it to heal. Experts do not recommend this method, as it will not provide long-term relief.