Hangover

Definition

A hangover is not a health condition. It is characterized by sick feelings associated with excess alcohol consumption the night before.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of hangover are headache, fatigue, grogginess, and nausea. In many cases, a hangover can result in vomiting because the body is attempting to expel the residual alcohol that remains within the stomach.

Cause

Excess alcohol consumption is a health hazard. If hangovers are a regular occurrence, you may be struggling with alcohol dependency. Seek immediate medical attention and counseling.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Rosemary, rose, and fennel are useful essential oils that may reduce the severity of a hangover.

Diet plan: Eat a solid meal before and after drinking. This will help absorb alcohol and minimize the after-effects. Upon awakening the next morning, drink tomato juice, water or a sports drink. In order to counteract the dehydration that results through excess alcohol consumption, drink several glasses of water before going to bed.

Flower Essences: Consider Rescue Remedy® for accompanying stress, olive for tiredness, and hornbeam for mental exhaustion related to excess alcohol consumption.

Herbs: Digestive herbs might help reduce the hangover if taken first thing in the morning or right before bed. Take one teaspoon of digestive bitters or, mix gentian, mugwort, and dandelion root tinctures and consume the same quantity.

Homeopathy: Nux vom., Arsen alb., Aconite, Sulfur, and Lachesis tend to be helpful homeopathic remedies.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following supplements are recommended: Vitamin B complex, ascorbic acid, and folic acid for detoxification.

Supplementing with the protein glutamine (two grams drawn in divided dosages throughout the day) may also help. More importantly, glutamine has been shown to significantly reduce alcohol cravings in ninety percent of tested cases.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following professional treatments have all proven to be useful for treating hangovers: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Environmental Medicine, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Reflexology, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these optional therapies.)