The Alternative Medicine Chest: A Hangover Remedy
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a blogumn by Elise Rodriguez
Photo Credit: Americo Nunes
I was at a loss this month to come up with a bit of alternative medicinal knowledge when this hangover cure discovered the light of day while I was looking through my notes from at least 10 years ago for something else. It was given to me by my great homeopathy teacher, Richard Farr. I figure this is something almost everyone could use so I give it to you.
It’s unfortunate I didn’t realize it was at my disposal the numerous times I could have used it, but Farr knows his business so even though I don’t have empirical knowledge of its efficaciousness, I trust it will work. I have, however, used Milk Thistle to help me survive the indulgence of too much alcohol, so I’ve added that bit in as a supplement to the original “cure.”
Of course, as is the case with most herbal and homeopathic cures, the remedies have to be in your alternative medicine chest beforehand to make timely use of them when you need them. There’s no magic pill to make a hangover disappear on a dime, but you can take the following remedies to mitigate the ill effects of alcohol and its damage to the body; they will bring far more relief than just a strong cup of coffee.
The remedies to mitigate and cure a hangover:
Milk Thistle has an affinity for the liver and spleen and is known to decongest both. It contains flavonolignans which help restructure liver cells to prevent toxins from penetrating the liver. It stimulates the regenerative ability of the liver by helping form new cells, making it a great liver tonic, and we all know what alcohol does to the liver.
Nux Vomica is a polychrest remedy in homeopathy. That’s a remedy that has many indications and applications. It has an effect on the gastrointestinal system, the nervous system, the liver and more. It is a number one remedy for nausea and vomiting and is an antidote to the ill effects of wine, alcohol, drugs, spicy foods, etc. so its use to prevent and cure a hangover is integral.
Skullcap is a nerve tonic and sedative. In addition to reducing nervous tension it has been employed in preventing or lessening the symptoms of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol, even delirium tremens. You may not be so far gone that you get the DT’s but this herb will still calm everything down and ease you out of that nasty hangover.
Kali Phos is a homeopathic preparation of potassium phosphate, one of the 12 cell salts of the body. As a nerve nutrient it is the remedy for jangled nerves as well as being an indispensible element in the formation of tissues, the oxidation process and other chemical transformations in the blood. Most importantly, it hinders the decay of tissues, considered one of the greatest healing agents known to mankind. If you’ve poisoned your system with alcohol this remedy is going to help your body clean up and repair the damage done.
How to Employ the Hangover Cure
Before going to bed after a night of alcoholic indulgence take 20-40 drops of Milk Thistle herbal extract in a small amount of water (I like to use apple juice) or add it to a cup of warm water or apple juice to make a kind of tea. Take 4 tablets of Nux Vomica 30X.
After awaking from the aforementioned night of alcoholic indulgence take 4 tablets each of Nux Vomica 6x and 30x and Kali Phos 6x and 30X. Continue to take both remedies in both potencies throughout the day until hangover symptoms have receded. Also take 20-40 drops of Skullcap herbal extract in a small amount of water or juice.
Homeopathic remedies are taken under the tongue.
The same homeopathic remedies in multiple potencies can be taken together but when taking multiple remedies, try to take them separately with 15-30 minutes in between each remedy.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, the herbal and homeopathic remedies can be found at most health food stores. The homeopathic remedies can be found online at www.hylands.com. In the Los Angeles area, Naturemart in Los Feliz and Santa Monica’s Homeopathic Pharmacy carry the homeopathic remedies in the potencies I’ve mentioned.
Friendly Legal Note: This blogumn is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.