5 Hangover Remedy Myths and What to Do Instead

You may have tried a hangover remedy the morning after Friday night drinks. If you still don’t have a go-to by now, you’ve probably spent some time researching online (most likely while your head was pounding like a drum). Save yourself from the trouble of figuring out a proper cure, here are some tricks that actually work.

Taking pain meds is perhaps the most common hangover remedy, but it won’t do you much good. Pain relievers are usually most effective four hours after you take them. You’ll still likely be asleep by then. You can expect to wake up with a headache and dry mouth anyway.

If you still want to take pain relievers, drink them when you wake up. You’ll have to power through the pain for a while, but it’s part of the process. At best, they will make your headache go away, but don’t expect them to relieve you of all symptoms. While ibuprofen and aspirin are popular remedies for hangover-related headaches, avoid taking acetaminophen. According to the National Library of Medicine since mixing it with alcohol can cause liver damage.

In the olden days, people believed that putting the “hair of the dog that bit you” on your wound will keep you from going rabid. Hence, the name. This supposed cure has also inspired several cocktails, including one that mixes whisky, honey, and cream. 

As a hangover remedy, it involves drinking alcohol in the morning, perhaps something light, like beer. Despite being counterintuitive, this hangover remedy surprisingly has quite a few believers. 

However, it doesn’t work. Adding more alcohol to your body (which is already trying to deal with the drinks you downed the previous night) will only worsen matters. 

This remedy can be effective if you get the timing right. Having a full meal before drinking keeps your body from absorbing alcohol too quickly, which, in turn, saves you from getting drunk early. A meal in the morning can also help alleviate your symptoms by keeping your blood sugar in check.

While it can make you feel better, having post-party recovery food doesn’t affect how your body deals with alcohol. No one is stopping you from bingeing on tapsilog, though. Whatever makes you happy!

Bottom line: don’t drink on an empty stomach, and make sure to eat something when hungover. You probably won’t be in the mood for a heavy meal, so stick to something light and easy to digest, like toast or fruit.

Coffee is well known for its ability to wake you up, but can it really help with hangovers? In the same way, caffeine can’t make you less drunk, it also won’t make you less hungover. It may make you feel even worse. Caffeine temporarily narrows your blood vessels, which raises your blood pressure. It can make headaches even more intense. It’s also a diuretic, like alcohol. Drinking coffee to “wake up” from a bad hangover will dehydrate you further and slow your recovery.

Just drink water. While having some food can help a bit, staying hydrated is the quickest way to alleviate your symptoms. Sip water throughout the day and allow your hangover to pass naturally.

Staying home to rest and recover in peace can help you get by until your headache and dry mouth leave you alone. Skip heavy exercises and go for a refreshing morning jog instead.

Taking a shower can help improve your disposition, not to mention wash away last night’s stink. Use bath products like CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men and Dove Men+Care Strengthening Shampoo. Don’t forget to get rid of excess oil with Master Facial Wash Active Brightening. It can help you avoid any post-binge breakouts.

Bookmark this article for the next time you need a hangover remedy and remember to always drink in moderation!