Weekend hangovers and drunkenness among urban Indians may appear to be a new phenomenon. Evidence of alcohol use in human communities extends back thousands of years, to around 12,000 years ago.
Evidence from the past suggests that India is where the process of distilling alcohol was first developed. The ancient Ayurvedic doctors were well-aware of the side effects associated with alcohol usage. This is why Ayurvedic hangover cures are some of the best natural remedies for easing and preventing the adverse outcomes of excessive alcohol use or alcohol poisoning.
Ayurveda defines the illnesses caused by improper consumption of alcohol as ‘Madatyaya’ or Alcoholism and broken down into 4 categories (here are mainly discussing the first two):
- Panatyaya (Acute intoxication due to excessive drinking).
- Paramada (Hangover)
- Panajirna (Alcoholic gastritis)
- Panavibhrama (Chronic alcoholism)
Cause of Hangover
Acetaldehyde is a harmful compound developed during the metabolism of ethanol and is produced when alcohol is broken down in the liver. This can be found in cheap liquors. It’s better to abstain from these beverages (see which ones below). Clear spirits and organic, sulfite-free red wine are safer and easier on the liver than other alcoholic beverages.
Key symptoms of a hangover
Dehydration, dizziness, low blood sugar (cravings), exhaustion, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle pains, stomach pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, irritability, bodily tremors, bloodshot eyes, increased sweating, palpitations, weakened immune system are all symptoms of a hangover.
Ayurveda approach to Hangover
Ayurveda recognises the multifaceted nature of human health, therefore honouring each person’s distinctness. Consequently, there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for a hangover.
Most people try to get sober by purging their bodies of the toxins that alcohol consumption produces. Using detoxing techniques and plants from the Ayurvedic tradition is a way to get rid of that dreaded hangover. These herbs not only improve general health, but also mitigate the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
Best Ayurvedic Herbs for Hangover
Ayurvedic herbs are a safe and all-natural remedy for hangovers due to their remarkable therapeutic properties. These herbs are excellent for cleansing the blood, protecting the liver, and boosting its immune system. Furthermore, they enhance metabolic function and regulate mood, lessening the negative emotional and physical outcomes of alcohol consumption. These are some of the most effective herbs:
Kalmegh
Ayurvedic practitioners consider it a vital herb for combating alcohol poisoning and the associated hangover. Kalmegh is highly anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant in addition to its hepatoprotective and liver enzyme-regulating properties.
Tulsi Brahmi 25 Tea Bags
Gotu kola, another ancient herb used for liver detoxification and emotional equilibrium, is useful for coping with the effects of an alcohol binge. Also, it helps the brain function better and protects the kidneys and liver from alcohol’s toxic and inflammatory effects.
Neem
Neem has powerful hepatoprotective effects and is widely used as a natural detoxifier and hangover cure. In addition, the herb’s anti-inflammatory properties mitigate the damage alcohol causes to the body.
Guggulu
Guggulu has been shown to hasten the healing process following excessive alcohol use. The inflammation it helps to alleviate is just one added bonus to the enhanced alcohol metabolism and anti-obesity benefits.
Amalaki
Amla is one of the most effective plants for detoxification, with beneficial effects on the digestive system and liver. It protects against alcohol-related disorders of the digestive system and liver.
Hangovers and associated symptoms of alcohol abuse can be treated using herbs including shilajit, haritaki, manjistha, dates, lemon, tamarind, and aloe vera.
Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Hangovers
According to Ayurveda, consuming a handful of sweet grapes can help with both alcohol cravings and hangovers.
Dates are a wonderful source of both antioxidants and natural sugars, making them a great source of sustained energy.
Bananas restore sodium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as the lost energy from alcohol.
Amla juice has anti-ageing and anti-cancer benefits, so drink plenty!
Juices made from tamarind, raisins, pomegranate, and kokum are excellent for enhancing one’s consciousness.
Ayurvedic Teas for Hangover Relief
For fast and effective liver cleansing, try an Ayurvedic tea to treat nausea, dizziness, headache, tension, and bloating. (Honey should not be added to hot beverages.
- Lemmon & Ginger Tea
- Ginger Tea
- Fennel tea,
- Ayurvedic Health supplements for Hangover prevention
- Triphala
- Guduchi (tinospora cordifolia),
- Bhumiamalaki (phyllanthus niruri)
- Red ginseng,
- Chlorella
Warning: Always check with your doctor before using any herbs you find online.
The following are some natural methods for curing a hangover:
Keep hydrated before, during, and after drinking alcohol.
Get some rest after a long night. It’ll put you in a better mood. Get out into nature and practise some breathing exercises called pranayama to help your body absorb more oxygen.
Prepare your body and mind for the day with a hearty and sustaining breakfast. Alcoholic drinks should be diluted with water. To avoid hazardous chemical consequences, select spirits with a low congener level, such as vodka, gin, and rum.
While there are medicines that can help alleviate hangover symptoms and treat problems related to heavy drinking, the best approach to avoid hangovers is to drink in moderation.
In order to cure yourself of the hangover do follow all these things-
- Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after any alcoholic beverages.
- After a long night, rest up. In this case, sleep is the panacea.
- Have a hearty meal; your body may need simple carbohydrates in the morning.
- Drink water in between alcoholic drinks.
- Choose spirits like vodka, gin, or rum that contain fewer congeners (a hazardous chemical by-product). Dark liquors, inexpensive red wines, tequila, Armagnac, and cognac
- In Ayurveda, eating sweet grapes is recommended for people who suffer from alcoholism because they quench their thirst.
- Dates have a lot of health benefits and can be a fantastic source of
- Eat a ripe banana to restore your body’s potassium, electrolytes, and energy levels.
- Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich amla juice.
- Raisins, pomegranate, kokum butter, and tamarind paste
- Teas made from ingredients including lemon peel, ginger root, peppermint leaves, fennel seeds, and chicory root have been shown to aid in the cleansing of the liver, reduce nausea and dizziness, and ease stomach discomfort
- Triphala, Red ginseng, Siberian ginseng ginger, Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Chlorella, Mint, Rosemary, Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bhumiamalaki are all helpful and supportive supplements for the liver, immune system, and antioxidant levels (Phyllanthus niruri). Before ingesting any herbs, it’s best to check with your doctor.
- Himalaya Herbals has developed a fantastic hangover remedy called “Party Smart.”
- Pranayama (breath work) for enhanced oxygenation, followed by a relaxing nature stroll.
Do follow all these instructions and have these foods in order to quickly cure yourself from the hangover. We hope that after reading this you will be able to enjoy your parties even more with less tension about having a hangover the next day.