Hangover Causes and Home Remedies

The term 'hangover' was coined in 1904 to describe the sum total of unpleasant physiological after-effects of a night of heavy drinking. The medical term for hangover is veisalgia. It is a common phenomenon with drinkers. The body responds negatively to ingestion of high amounts of alcohol or other similar intoxicating drugs. The phenomenon of hangover takes place in the morning following the night of heavy alcohol consumption.

However for some it may continue for several days from the last date of alcohol consumption. The degree of hangover is determined by factors like age, diet before alcohol consumption, physical condition and mental state. There is no rigid parameter to determine exactly how many drinks would cause hangover, for it varies from person to person. But an approximate statistic says that consumption of 4-5 pegs usually causes hangover. Only 20-25% people are able to resist the effects of hangover.

The general symptoms of hangover include dehydration, headache, lethargy, dysphoria, irritability, lack of concentration, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, sleeplessness, bad taste in mouth, tremors, hyper-salivation, increased hunger, rapid heart rate, fever, increased libido and flatulence. Hangover also deteriorates one's psychological state, causing severe depression and anxiety. The causes of hangover may be listed as follows:

1. Drinking much in less time
2. Drinking with empty stomach
3. Poor health
4. Dehydrated body
5. Lack of sleep.

Home Remedies for Hangover

1. Consume Vitamin C rich citrus fruits in plenty in the morning after alcohol consumption to free yourself from hangover.

2. Add half cup lime juice to a glass of water and drink the solution. This is a useful home remedy for hangover.

3. Increase water intake, for water counters the effect of high levels of alcohol in body and decreases the intensity of hangover symptoms.

4. Peel off banana and soak peel in water. Cool the water and drink to get rid of hangover.

5. A glass of chocolate milk at bedtime releases one from hangover.

6. Honey contains high amounts of fructose that neutralizes the impact of alcohol. Taking 1 tablespoon honey cures hangover.

7. Prepare a concoction by pouring few drops of lemon juice in to a cup of sugar free black coffee. Drink the concoction. This solves the problem of hangover amazingly.

8. Peppermint tea or ginger tea may be drunk frequently. It is an effective hangover cure.

9. Drinking tomato juice cures hangover.

10. Sip from a solution of lime juice, water and 1 teaspoon sugar throughout the day. This is beneficial in treating hangover.

11. Boil or rather simmer 5-6 crushed thyme leaves in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink the tea. This is a helpful hangover remedy.

12. Taking warm water bath the next morning helps to treat hangover by eliminating toxins.

13. Immerse handkerchief in chilled water. Apply it on forehead to lessen hangover headaches.