Ayurvedic Hangover Remedies

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Life’s not about being perfect and if you’ve ever indulged in alcohol, you’re going to have to the odd day where it just felt a little too much. Ayurveda defines the illnesses caused by improper consumption of alcohol as ‘Madatyaya’ or Alcoholism and broken down into 4 categories (here are are mainly discussing the first two):

  1. Panatyaya (Acute intoxication due to excessive drinking).

  2. Paramada (Hangover)

  3. Panajirna (Alcoholic gastritis)

  4. Panavibhrama (Chronic alcoholism)


What causes a hangover?

When the liver breaks down alcohol, it produces a chemical called as acetaldehyde, which is a toxic substance formed from the metabolism of ethanol. This is found in low quality alcoholic beverages. So it’s best to avoid these drinks (see which ones below). It is better to stick to clear spirits and organic - sulphite free red wine which are more natural and easier for the liver to process.

What are the key symptoms of a hangover?

Signs of hangover include dehydration, dizziness, blood sugar fluctuations, (cravings), fatigue, weakness, thirst, headache, muscle aches, stomach pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, anxiety, irritability, body shakes, bloodshot eyes, increased sweating and palpitations and a lowered immunity.

How can I avoid the negative effects of a hangover?

There are two phases to detoxification of the liver that helps us to understand the breakdown of alcohol when it reaches the liver. During the first In phase, alcohol is broken down by an enzyme known as cytochrome P450 that makes it somewhat less toxic by several enzymatic pathway conversions and ‘free radicals’ are formed during this process. If we are generally in good health our body resists these by the available antioxidants in our system. However, an over-indulgence can make our liver and system feel challenged.

In the second phase, the liver cells add metabolites to the end results from phase one in order to convert it into water soluble compounds that can then be carefully eliminated out the body and does not continue to circulate through the blood.

Prevention is the best cure!

The only true way to prevent a hangover is to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation while giving the body plenty of time to process the alcohol. Keeping a strong functioning liver and increasing our natural resilience is the first step and then we want to also focus on supporting our natural liver detoxification processes during the above 2 phases of alcohol processing with plenty of antioxidants.

Kharjuradi Mantha (the traditional Ayurvedic hangover remedy)

Kharjuradi Mantha gives instant energy, reduces the symptoms of a hangover, and is easy to consume. A classical recipe prepared using equal quantities of ingredients including dates, tamarind, amla, raisins, and pomegranate, blackcurrants, brindleberry (malabar tamarind). These are soaked in four parts water for 1-4 hours. This is then manually crushed and churned into a fine paste, strained and served with more water for a juice-like consistency and a jaggery to sweeten.


Here are a few tips and remedies to get your though the festive season and all ear round:

  1. Stay hydrated before, during and after drinking alcohol consumption

  2. Get enough sleep after a heavy night. Sleep is the best remedy!

  3. Eat a nourishing and grounding breakfast - sometimes the body need easy to access and simple carbs.

  4. Alternate your alcoholic beverage with water

  5. Opt for alcoholic drinks that are lower in congeners (a toxic chemical by-products) - vodka, gin and rum are lower in congeners. Tequila, whiskey, cognacs, cheap red wines and dark spirits

  6. Eat sweet grapes - satiates thirst and indicated for alcoholism in Ayurveda

  7. Dates are great as an antioxidant and energy

  8. Replenish the depleted potassium, electrolytes and energy with a ripe banana

  9. Amla juice - for the vitamin C and antioxidants

  10. Tamarind, raisins, pomegranate and kokum butter

  11. Lemon tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea, fennel tea, chicory root, are great to relieves nausea, dizziness, headaches, tension, bloating and speeds up detoxification of the liver.

  12. Useful and supportive supplements for the liver, immunity, to increase antioxidants etc: Triphala, Red ginseng, Siberian ginseng ginger, Kalmegh (andrographis panicula), Chlorella, Mint, Rosemary, Amla (emblica officinalis), Guduchi (tinospora cordifolia), Neem (azadirachta indica), Bhumiamalaki (phyllanthus niruri). Consult your practitioner for safety in using herbs.

  13. ‘Party Smart’ is a great hangover prevention formula by Himalaya Herbals

  14. Gentle walk in nature and increased oxygenation with pranayama