We've all been there - the morning after a night of drinking, where your head is pounding, your stomach is churning, and you can't seem to shake the feeling of nausea and fatigue. Hangovers are an unpleasant side effect of overindulging in alcohol, and over the years, people have tried various remedies to alleviate the symptoms.
Some of these remedies are strange, unconventional, and often rooted in folklore and superstition. In this blog post, we will explore the top 7 hangover cures that have been used throughout history. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee (or a hair of the dog), and let's dive into some of the weirdest and wackiest hangover cures from around the world.
In Japan, a popular hangover cure is Umeboshi, which translates to "pickled plum." These plums are pickled in salt and dried under the sun, and they are believed to have medicinal properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.
The high acidity of the pickled plums is thought to neutralize the alcohol in the body, while the salt helps to replenish electrolytes and minerals lost during drinking. Additionally, the plums contain ume, which is a type of alkaloid that has anti-inflammatory properties.
To use this hangover cure, simply eat one or two pickled plums before bed or in the morning after a night of drinking. While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of pickled plums as a hangover cure, many Japanese people swear by them.
Dihydromyricetin is a compound found in the Oriental raisin tree, which is native to China. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including alcohol-related problems.
Recent studies have shown that dihydromyricetin can help reduce the symptoms of a hangover by increasing the breakdown of alcohol in the liver and reducing inflammation. It also has neuroprotective properties that can help alleviate the cognitive impairment associated with a hangover.
To use this hangover cure, take a dihydromyricetin supplement before drinking, or after a night of drinking to reduce the symptoms of a hangover. While dihydromyricetin has shown promising results in scientific studies, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness as a hangover cure.
In Ancient Rome, a popular hangover cure was to eat a fried canary. The idea behind this remedy was that the feathers and bones of the canary would absorb the alcohol in the stomach, while the grease from frying would help soothe the digestive system.
While this remedy may seem strange and unappetizing to modern sensibilities, it was widely used in Ancient Rome. However, it is important to note that eating fried canaries is not recommended or safe in modern times, as it can lead to foodborne illness and harm to the environment.
The Prairie Oyster is a popular hangover cure in the United States. It consists of a raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, served in a shot glass. The idea behind this remedy is that the raw egg contains amino acids that can help replenish the body's nutrients, while the spicy ingredients can help stimulate the digestive system.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of the Prairie Oyster as a hangover cure, many people swear by it. However, it is important to note that consuming raw eggs carries a risk of foodborne illness, so it is recommended to use caution and only use fresh and properly stored eggs.
In Romania, a popular hangover cure is Ciorba de Burta, which translates to "Tripe Soup." This soup is made from beef tripe, vegetables, and spices, and is believed to have restorative properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.
The high protein content of the tripe is thought to help replenish the body's nutrients, while the spices can help stimulate the digestive system. Additionally, the warm soup can help soothe an upset stomach and alleviate nausea.
While the idea of consuming tripe soup may not be appetizing to everyone, it is a popular hangover cure in Romania and is even served in restaurants as a special hangover remedy.
In the Netherlands, a popular hangover cure is to eat raw herring, which is typically served with onions and pickles. The idea behind this remedy is that the high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the herring can help reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.
Additionally, the pickles and onions can help stimulate the digestive system and replenish electrolytes lost during drinking. While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of raw herring as a hangover cure, it is a popular remedy in the Netherlands and is even considered a national delicacy.
In the United States, another popular hangover cure is to eat a Prairie Chicken, which is a type of bird found in the Great Plains region. The idea behind this remedy is similar to that of the fried canary in Ancient Rome - the feathers and bones of the chicken are believed to absorb the alcohol in the stomach, while the grease from frying can help soothe the digestive system.
While eating Prairie Chicken as a hangover cure may seem strange, it was widely used in the Great Plains region during the early 20th century. However, it is important to note that eating Prairie Chicken is not recommended or safe in modern times, as it is now an endangered species.
Hangovers are a common and unpleasant side effect of overindulging in alcohol, and people have tried various remedies throughout history to alleviate the symptoms. While some of these remedies may seem strange or unconventional, they are often rooted in folklore and superstition and have been used for generations.
While there is no guaranteed cure for a hangover, trying some of these remedies may help alleviate the symptoms and help you feel better. However, it is important to remember to drink responsibly and in moderation to prevent hangovers and other alcohol-related problems.
