New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and it’s quite possibly the biggest party of the year! Hours of preparation go into creating the perfect night. You’ve chosen a show-stopping outfit, bought tickets, arranged transportation, and covered all of the details with friends. The only thing left to do now is working out how you’re going to beat that dreaded hangover. Because let’s face it – nobody wants to spend the first day of the new year cooped up in bed with their head in a bucket.
Hangover Cure #1: Eat up!
Whilst it may feel impossible to eat or hold a meal down when you’re feeling the wrath of the night before, doing so will make you feel a hundred times better. Food helps to absorb the alcohol and releases well-needed sugars into your bloodstream. You should also make sure to have a wholesome meal before you start drinking, the stodgy food will stop you from getting drunk really quickly.
Hangover Cure #2: Apple Cider Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda
Mix two teaspoons of vinegar with a few pinches of bicarbonate of soda, and top it up with water. Whilst this doesn’t sound like the most appetizing concoction to drink first thing in the morning, it certainly leaves you feeling fantastic. The apple cider vinegar will dissolve the alcohol content in your system and the bicarbonate of soda balances the PH levels and replenishes the lost electrolytes.
Hangover Cure #3: “Hair of the Dog”
This is an English expression that has been used for decades. It is short for “Hair of the dog that bit you”, which basically means that consuming the same alcoholic drink you had the night before will ease your hangover. There has been a lot of arguments against this cure, as it only temporarily makes you feel better. However, this has been tried and tested by many and has been proven to help soothe the intensity.
Hangover Cure #4: Drink water
Drinking water throughout the night is the key to dodging a hangover completely. It may lead to more toilet breaks, but it will be a savior in the morning. Try to drink a large glass of water just before bed – it may be hard to remember or to conjure up the energy, but believe me, it will be worth it. If you just take a few minutes to drink some water, you will feel right as rain in the morning.
Hangover Cure #5: Milk Thistle
The active ingredient in Milk Thistle is Silymarin, which is taken from the seeds. This is also available as a supplement. Through the ages, this remedy, also known as Holy Thistle or Mary Thistle, has been used as a home remedy for hangovers and is known for protecting the liver from excessive alcohol consumption and helps speed up the cleansing process of the organ.
Hangover Cure #6: Ginger and Honey
Fill a glass with hot water, sliced or crushed ginger, honey, and a splash of lemon juice. Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for feelings of nausea. The honey adds a little sweetness and because of its fructose content, it helps speed up the oxidation of alcohol in the liver. Not only does it help you feel less hungover, it’s also very delicious!
Hangover Cure #7: Peppermint
Peppermint is a well-known nausea fighter. This is the perfect remedy if your hangover is less in your head and more twisting at your insides. Brew yourself a steaming mug of Peppermint tea or suck on a candy cane stick. Peppermint is also known for relaxing muscles and relieving stress, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about your drunken behavior the night before.
Hangover Cure #8: “The Hangover Heaven”
If none of the above worked for you, you could try and cure your hangover with the Hangover Heaven. This scary-looking contraption created in 1947 by the Makeup Man Max Factor was originally first meant for Hollywood actresses to use between takes on movie sets to cool their faces from the hot studio lights. However, a few hard-partying Hollywood types soon took it over to use as a hangover cure. The plastic ice cube-shaped squares were filled with water and it was kept in the freezer until use.