Can Tea Help Relieve Hangover Symptoms and Speed Recovery?

Using Tea to Recover from a Hangover

Hangovers are the dreaded aftermath of a night of heavy drinking. That throbbing headache, queasy stomach, and overall feeling of misery can leave you vowing never to drink again. While there is no true "cure" for a hangover, certain teas contain compounds that can help relieve some of the most unpleasant hangover symptoms. Keep reading to learn how different types of tea can aid hangover recovery through hydration, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and more.

What Causes Hangovers?

Hangovers occur due to a combination of factors related to alcohol consumption:

• Dehydration - Alcohol is a diuretic that causes increased urination and fluid loss.
• Gut irritation - Alcohol can irritate the stomach and digestive tract.
• Inflammation - Alcohol triggers inflammatory responses in the body.
• Toxic byproducts - Alcohol metabolism creates toxic compounds like acetaldehyde.
• Electrolyte imbalance - Alcohol causes depletion of important electrolytes.
• Sleep disruption - Alcohol reduces sleep quality and quantity.

Tea can help address some of the root causes of hangover symptoms through its hydrating properties and phytonutrients that act as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, electrolyte replenishers, and gut soothers.

Staying Hydrated with Tea

Dehydration is a major contributor to hangover misery. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, causing increased urination and fluid loss. Even after the alcohol leaves your system, you can be left feeling parched and headachy.

Sipping on tea is an excellent way to rehydrate after excessive alcohol consumption. The water content in tea helps replenish fluids and prevent the headaches, fatigue, dizziness and disorientation caused by dehydration. Opt for decaffeinated varieties to avoid exacerbating dehydration.

Hydrating Tea Options

• Decaffeinated green tea
• Chamomile tea
• Peppermint tea
• Ginger tea
• Rooibos tea
• Decaf black tea
• Decaf oolong tea
• Lemongrass tea
• Hibiscus tea

Soothe Your Stomach with Tea

Drinking too much alcohol can really irritate the stomach and digestive system. This causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, bloating and stomach pain.

Certain teas contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help settle an upset post-alcohol stomach. The warm liquid can also be comforting for nausea. Ginger tea is a star when it comes to easing gastrointestinal distress.

Settling Teas for Nausea and Digestion

• Ginger tea
• Peppermint tea
• Chamomile tea
• Lemon tea
• Fennel tea
• Licorice root tea

Fight Inflammation with Tea

Drinking alcohol triggers widespread inflammation throughout the body, contributing to many unpleasant hangover symptoms. Compounds in certain teas have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce this post-drinking inflammation.

Green tea is packed with powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Turmeric, ginger, chamomile and mint contain anti-inflammatory compounds as well. Limiting inflammation can lessen body aches, headaches, nausea and fatigue when hungover.

Anti-Inflammatory Teas

• Green tea
• Turmeric tea
• Ginger tea
• Chamomile tea
• Peppermint tea
• Lemon balm tea
• Oolong tea

Detoxify with Tea Antioxidants

One byproduct of alcohol metabolism is acetaldehyde, a harmful compound that is considered a toxin. It contributes to hangover symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

The antioxidants in teas can help counteract acetaldehyde and other toxins, supporting the detoxification process. Green tea is highest in antioxidant power, while rooibos, oolong and black teas also provide antioxidants.

Detoxifying Teas

• Green tea
• Black tea
• Oolong tea
• Rooibos tea
• Ginger tea
• Dandelion tea
• Milk thistle tea
• Lemongrass tea

Replenish Electrolytes with Tea

Vomiting, diarrhea and excessive urination caused by alcohol can deplete important electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and sodium. Electrolyte imbalance leads to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches and disorientation.

While not quite as rich in electrolytes as sports drinks, some teas can help replenish your levels. Coconut water tea, roasted barley tea, and seaweed tea supply electrolytes. Brew tea with mineral-rich salt or drink bone broth tea.

Electrolyte Replenishing Teas

• Coconut water tea
• Roasted barley tea
• Seaweed tea
• Bone broth tea
• Lemon balm tea
• Lemongrass tea

Other Hangover Remedies to Pair with Tea

While tea can tackle some hangover causes, it works best alongside other science-backed hangover helpers like:

• Rehydrating with water and electrolyte drinks
• Eating easily digested foods like toast, crackers and broth
• Taking anti-inflammatory supplements like ginger or curcumin
• Using activated charcoal to absorb toxins
• Taking milk thistle to support liver detoxification
• Getting plenty of rest and sleep

Pair your teas with some of these other remedies to minimize hangover suffering. Just be sure to alternate tea with plain water to stay fully hydrated.

Best Teas for Different Hangover Symptoms

Tailor your tea choices to target your worst hangover complaints:

For headache, fatigue and muscle aches:

• Green tea for anti-inflammatories
• Chamomile tea to relax muscles
• Ginger tea to reduce headaches

For nausea, vomiting and gut issues:

• Ginger tea to settle the stomach
• Peppermint tea to ease nausea
• Fennel tea to reduce cramping

For dehydration and electrolyte imbalance:

• Decaf teas like rooibos to hydrate
• Coconut water tea for electrolytes
• Lemongrass tea provides minerals

For sensitivity to light and sound:

• Chamomile tea has mild sedative effect
• Lemon balm tea reduces stress hormones
• Valerian tea relieves sensory sensitivity

Brewing Tea to Maximize Hangover Relief

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.