Home Remedies for Hangover

There is no cure for a hangover other than time. Simple home steps can make you more comfortable while your body recovers.

What may help

• Rehydrate: sip water slowly through the day. Oral rehydration solution can help if you have been vomiting or sweating.
• Eat something simple: toast, banana, rice, soup or khichdi can restore blood sugar and settle the stomach. Eat small amounts if nauseated.
• Rest: sleep as much as you can and avoid bright light and noise.
• Tea or coconut water: gentle fluids with some salts and sugars.
• A cool shower or damp cloth: for comfort, not as a treatment.

What does not work

• More alcohol (hair of the dog) only delays recovery and can deepen dependence.
• Coffee may ease sleepiness, but it can add to dehydration and stomach upset in large amounts.
• Fried or very heavy food is not proven to help and may upset the stomach.
• Sweating it out in a sauna or hard exercise adds dehydration.

Safety

• Do not drive until you are sure alcohol has left your body. Impairment can last into the next day.
• Do not give young children or people who are drowsy or vomiting anything by mouth that they cannot swallow safely.
• Call 112 or 102 for confusion, unconsciousness, slow breathing or seizures.

Key point

Fluids, food and rest help comfort. Preventing the hangover by drinking less works far better than any remedy.

Before your appointment

Note how much and what you drank, over how long, and your symptoms. List any medicines or supplements taken, how often hangovers occur, and any past liver, stomach or heart problems. Be open with your doctor about alcohol use, since this helps them advise you safely.