It happens even to the best of us. We are all familiar with the discomforts of awaking after a night of one too many drinks. Head spinning, body aches, upset stomach and puffy eyes often leaves us feeling a little bit worse for wear.
What causes a hangover?
As we all know, a hangover is caused by the overconsumption of alcohol. What you may not know, is why it has this effect on the body. Alcohol is a dieuretic, which means that drinking alcohol can cause dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, it's common to experience headaches, dizziness and lethargy, which is why we often exhibit these symptoms the morning after a big night out.
How can essential oils help ease a hangover?
Essential oils can have a relaxing, calming effect on the body. Some oils can be used to increase energy, ease headaches and improve your mood with their uplifting qualities.
Best essential oils for a hangover
1. Happy Head Essential Oil Blend
Uplifting & soothing, this analgesic blend has been developed to help relieve headaches, soothe neck tension and improve mental clarity. Diffuse to help alleviate headaches or mix with a carrier oil and apply to the back to the neck to reduce tension.
2. To relieve headaches
Peppermint essential oil: studies have found that peppermint oil can relieve a headache in as little as 10 minutes. Apply to your temples, back of neck or add a few drops in your diffuser.
Eucalyptus essential oil: It is a natural expectorant, which means it can help the body remove toxins like alcohol. Mix with a carrier oil and apply with peppermint to skin. Alternatively, add a few drops in your diffuser.
3. To ease nausea
Ginger essential oil: Studies show inhalation or topical application to pressure points can help relieve nausea and vomiting. Mix with a carrier oil and massage directly on abdomen.
4. To increase energy
Rosemary essential oil: It can increase cerebral blood flow, leaving you more alert. Use on pressure points, inhalation or combine with citrus essential oils for even more energy.
Energy blend: A blend of pure essential oils to help uplift your mood and increase energy. Made with lavender, rosemary, juniper & black pepper essential oils.
While essential oils can help relieve some of the symptoms of a hangover, the only thing that really cures a hangover is time. We recommend drinking lots of water, replenishing the body with a healthy meal, and resting.
Author: Madilyn Wolens is a Registered Nurse specialising in Cosmetic medicine and holistic skin health. She believes in reducing daily synthetics and pharmaceutical usage to help reduce excess strain on the liver. She utilises essential oils daily, both medicinally and therapeutically on her body and throughout her home.
