Hangover Cures

In countries where drink is an integral part of the culture, the people are experts at dealing with the problem of morning hangovers. Here are a few remedies from my personal travels.

The Germans are cautious about taking ordinary aspirin. Their doctors warn them that it can be dangerous for the stomach. So, it is very common to see German aspirin in effervescent form combined with Vitamin C.

Taking aspirin with high dosages of Vitamin C will almost immediately put a stop to a hangover. The Germans say that alcohol’s dehydrating effect slows oxygenation and taking Vitamin C increases the oxygenation of the brain and, in fact, the entire body.

Another German cure is what is commonly known as “Hair of the Dog,” in the United States. If a German suffering from a hangover can find a bottle of the exact same drink that is the cause, he will have a sip or two of it in the morning. The headache will be gone.

In Mexico, beer is a favorite beverage, particularly at festivities. The classic Mexican remedy for hangover is a bowl of Menudo soup. The Mexicans say that this soup has healing and detoxifying properties. It is heavy in fats, however, and it is frequently reserved for the weekends.

In Mexico, there is a beautiful, red fruit called Tunas that grows atop the Nopal cactus. In the United States it is commonly known as prickly pear and is sold in dried form in health food stores under the name Nopal. This fruit is not only delicious, especially when it is enjoyed in its native country, but it is full of vitamins and nutrients that mitigate hangovers. It is plentiful in the desert areas of Mexico.