General Health

5 Essential Oils for Bringing down Hangover

Hangover is a medical condition in which one experiences various unpleasant psychological effects. It occurs due to the consumption of alcohol, such as wine, beer, and distilled spirits. Hangovers can last for several hours or over a day (24 hours) depending upon various factors. Hangovers must not be taken casually. It causes problems in the body making the behave abnormally. Therefore, it is always recommended not to drink heavily and regularly.

Hangover must be cured as soon as possible; else it may lead to severe problems. Using essential oils for a hangover is the best way to get rid of it. Essential oils are naturally prepared and thus are safe for use.

Hangovers are an unpleasant consequence of excessive alcohol intake. Every person experiencing a hangover hopes that he gets rid of it as quickly as possible.

While there is no quick cure for a hangover, there are a few essential oil cures that can bring down the symptoms.

The naturally prepared harmless essential oils(1)are the best solution for hangovers.

Some of the essential oils which can expertly help you get rid of a hangover are as follows:

1. Fennel oil

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It is obtained by crushing the fennel seeds and is widely used to energize the body and lift one’s mood. It possesses antiseptic, expectorant, stomachic and tonic properties which help in curing hangovers. Besides, it has many other health benefits like relieving spasms, healing wounds, purifying the blood and a lot more.

How to use?

This essential oil can be directly inhaled from the bottle, two whiffs at regular intervals of 15 minutes could help you lessen the symptoms such as headache, nausea. Alternatively, you could also use this in your dehumidifier and help maintain a healthy atmosphere, which in turn helps in the reduction of the symptoms.

[Read: Natural Treatments for Hangover]

2. Lavender oil

Also known as a ‘light essential oil’, this oil helps you get rid of a hangover by reducing your anxiety and calming your thoughts. It also has anti-nausea and anti-depressant properties which helps ease the body.

Furthermore, it improves brain function, relieves pain and improves mood thus making it apt for the treatment of hangover.

Moreover, it is an all-purpose oil used for bathing, cooking and purifying the air. Its aroma is known to reduce a headache.

How to use?

Lavender oil(2) is the prime essential oil that is used in aromatherapy, the versatility of the oil makes it the best option to be used in several ways. It could be used in the form of massaging oil, you could massage this oil onto your temples, forehead, and preferably even on your neck. You could also use this in your bath, and laying in lavender-infused oil helps reduce the symptoms of a hangover significantly.

3. Ginger oil

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This oil is an all-around remedy for several ailments. It possesses excellent analgesic, anti-nausea, energizing and liver-protecting properties that not only cure a hangover but also restores the body systems. It helps combat fatigue and makes the body alert. Its primary function is supporting liver health. Besides, it promotes digestion and warms the body. In short, it supports overall digestive health.

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[Read: 5 Amazing Ways to Treat Hangover]

How to use?

Put 1 or 2 drops of ginger oil on your palm and inhale for relief. You can also gently massage a drop of ginger oil in the forehead and body for better effects. You can also use it with carrier oils for added benefits. Some carrier oils that blend well with ginger essential oil are citrus, rosemary and eucalyptus oils.

4. Peppermint oil

Peppermint has a minty aroma which instantly reduces nausea and increases focus. The peppermint oil is the most sought-after essential oil for hangover relief. This oil gives a cooling effect that calms down the mind and the throbbing headache. It possesses excellent pain-relieving, anti-nausea and stimulating properties that have been proved to reduce fatigue in just 11 minutes of inhalation. It helps clear the heavy head feeling, enable clarity of thoughts and rejuvenate the senses.

How to use?

You can either rub the peppermint oil on the temple or put a few drops on your stomach to get rid of nausea. It can also be used by mixing with a carrier oil. Just add 2-3 drops of this essential oil with any suitable carrier oil like coconut oil. Rub this mixture gently for instant relief.

5. Black pepper oil

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It is derived from popular spice black pepper. It provides a wide variety of health benefits such as improving digestion, cleaning excretory system, reducing arthritis pain, detoxification and increases urination.

How to use?

The black pepper oil blends well with lavender, lime sandalwood, clove and ginger oils. Mix 2 or 3 drops of black pepper oil with three teaspoons of any of these suitable carrier oils. Put a few drops of this mix on your stomach and rub gently for stomach relief.

[Read: Vitamins for Hangover]

Do’s and Don’ts

While essential oils are entirely natural, it is a general thought that it can be used without any prescription. But that is not true. A health care expert must be consulted before the essential oils for hangover can be used. Some people are allergic to the essential oils. Therefore, performing a patch test before using it in large amounts is hugely recommended. Make sure you choose the oil perfect for your sensitive skin.

Many brands are selling essential oils, claiming them to be pure. So make sure you choose the oil which is truly pure. Do not use the oils in excess amounts as it can increase the trouble.

Precautions:

Even though essential oils are the natural ways to combat a hangover, there are certain precautions that must be followed before using them. Some of the precautions are:

  1. Always dilute the essential oil before using them.
  2. Perform a patch test to make sure your skin is not allergic to the essential oil for a hangover.
  3. Apply the oil mixture gently and do not rub it harshly as it can irritate.
  4. Be careful when using tea tree oil around the sensitive regions like eyes, nose, and ears.
  5. Exposure to the external environment after immediate application can cause redness and irritation.

With the fantastic properties of essential oil, you can quickly get over this situation and resume your regular work without any hassles. Then there are several other home remedies that you can avail to address this condition.

There is no definite cure in medical science for hangover but now with essential oil, you can efficiently manage the symptoms of the condition.

Just try and lead an active lifestyle and consume healthy food to increase the immunity levels of your body. Drink responsibly and under moderation.