Vernica Singh
It’s all fun and games until the morning after a great night out. One minute, you’re living it up with friends, enjoying every moment; the next, you’re waking up to a world of regret—and pain. The pounding headache, churning stomach, and unquenchable thirst are the hallmarks of a hangover, and they’re here to make sure you remember every drop from the night before.
We’ve all made that “never again” promise to ourselves at some point. But in the heat of the moment, those intentions go right out the window. When you find yourself dealing with the aftermath, the real question becomes, “How can I feel better—fast?” Read on The One Liner, a holistic wellness platform.
“Forget about miracle cures or quick fixes that seem too good to be true. This guide is all about real, natural remedies that actually work to help you feel human again.”
Let’s get to the bottom of what’s really going on in your body and how to recover, using natural methods that you can trust to ease the symptoms without any problem.
Alcohol impacts multiple systems, which is why a hangover feels like a full-body takeover. Here are the primary ways how alcohol leaves you feeling awful:
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it pulls water from your body. Each trip to the bathroom worsens your dehydration, which explains the dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.
Alcohol triggers inflammation throughout your body. This isn’t limited to your head—it can worsen muscle pain, increase stomach discomfort, and even make you feel more sensitive to light and sound.
Alcohol causes a drop in blood sugar, leaving you feeling weak, shaky, and mentally foggy. It’s why even simple tasks can feel like an uphill battle after a night of drinking.
Even if alcohol helps you fall asleep, it messes with sleep quality. This leaves you exhausted, groggy, and sluggish, even if you technically got a full night’s sleep.
Alcohol irritates your stomach lining, causing nausea and stomach pain. It’s also the reason for those unpleasant bathroom trips.
Knowing what’s happening in your body is half the battle. Here are some simple but effective natural remedies to relieve hangover symptoms, from headaches to nausea.
Hydration is the cornerstone of any hangover cure. Alcohol dehydrates, so rehydration is key to feeling better.
A powerhouse of electrolytes, coconut water helps restore hydration and replace the potassium your body lost. It’s often more effective than water alone because it brings your body’s natural electrolyte levels back into balance.
Not everyone has a sports drink on hand, but it’s easy to make your own. Just add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon to your water. This simple concoction replenishes essential minerals, helping you bounce back faster.
Try a tea that’s gentle on your stomach, like ginger or peppermint. Herbal teas hydrate and ease nausea at the same time. Ginger tea, in particular, has soothing properties that target upset stomachs.
If you’re feeling nauseous, ginger is your best friend. It’s a tried-and-true remedy for any kind of digestive upset.
Fresh ginger root is best. Slice a few pieces, steep them in hot water, and sip it slowly. This natural approach helps ease nausea, calms the stomach, and can have a mild anti-inflammatory effect as well.
If you can’t handle making tea, ginger candies or chews are a quick alternative. They won’t be quite as effective as fresh ginger, but they still provide some relief.
Alcohol can send your blood sugar crashing, which is one reason hangovers can leave you feeling so shaky and weak. Honey, with its natural sugars, helps level things out.
Combine a tablespoon of honey with a squeeze of lemon in warm water. It’s a natural energy booster that rehydrates, stabilises blood sugar, and even gives you a small dose of vitamin C to help repair any damage done.
Peppermint can work wonders for both headaches and nausea, making it an all-around hangover hero.
Dilute a couple of drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, and gently rub it on your temples. The cooling sensation from the menthol eases headaches and provides a sense of relief.
Another way to get peppermint’s benefits is through tea. This soothing drink is easy on the stomach and can help settle any lingering nausea.
You may not feel like eating, but a light meal can help your body recover faster by giving it a gentle energy boost.
They’re full of potassium, an electrolyte that’s often depleted after drinking. Bananas are also easy on the stomach and give you a little natural sugar for energy.
Bland carbs like toast don’t overwhelm your stomach, and adding a bit of honey gives you a quick sugar boost.
If you can handle something warm, a broth-based soup like miso or chicken broth is perfect. Soups are hydrating, easy to digest, and provide nutrients without making you feel heavy.
Drinking depletes B vitamins, which are critical for energy and brain function. Zinc is another nutrient that helps your body repair.
Taking a B-complex vitamin in the morning can combat the fatigue and brain fog that accompany a hangover.
Eggs, nuts, and seeds are high in zinc and easy to digest. They’ll give you the nutrients your body needs without overwhelming your stomach.
Moving might be the last thing you want to do, but a little gentle exercise can actually help. Increased blood flow brings oxygen to your brain and can improve your mood.
A light, slow-paced walk outdoors can be incredibly refreshing. Fresh air and natural sunlight can also help lift the foggy feeling.
Yoga moves like a child’s pose or gentle stretches help release muscle tension and increase circulation, which can relieve some of the aches and pains.
After a night of drinking, your body’s been through a lot, and rest is crucial to recovery. Even if you think you slept enough, alcohol disrupts deep sleep stages, so you might not feel rested. Give yourself permission to take it easy and catch up on rest throughout the day.
The best way to beat a hangover is to avoid one in the first place. A few simple strategies can make a huge difference the next time you’re out drinking.
Drinking on an empty stomach speeds up alcohol absorption, leading to worse hangovers. Eating a meal with protein or healthy fats helps slow down alcohol’s impact on your system.
Sticking to a “one drink, one water” rule can be a game-changer. This practice keeps you hydrated and gives your body more time to process the alcohol.
Vodka and gin generally cause milder hangovers compared to dark liquors, which contain more congeners—the by-products of fermentation that can worsen hangovers.
It’s easy to get swept up in the moment, but knowing and respecting your limits can prevent a rough morning after. Savour your drinks and try to pace yourself to avoid overwhelming your system.
Hangovers may be inevitable sometimes and make you feel exhausted but they don’t have to ruin your entire day. Natural remedies can make a significant difference in helping you recover quickly and feel more like yourself. Remember, everyone’s body responds differently, so experiment with these tips and see what works best for you.
Here’s to better mornings, quicker recoveries, and maybe—just maybe—a few wiser choices next time.