
Herbs To The Rescue! Hangover & Overindulgence Cures
Juliette van der MeerAt this time of year we all like to indulge a little more in celebration of the year ending and the festive season arriving. Friends and family are on holiday and the social gatherings can be stressful, the alcohol flows and the foody treats abound - the aftereffects all of which can manifest in various forms of physical discomfort. Thankfully Mother Nature has got us covered with herbal remedies for everything from hangovers and bloating to social anxiety and sleep.
Herbal teas are one of the best ways to treat symptoms of over-indulgence. The hot water of the tea raises the body's temperature, helping to boost circulation and essentially cleansing the body (think of the body as a dirty dish and the hot tea as the hot dish water). The addition of botanicals to hot water super-charges this simple remedy with all of their power. Another benefit of herbal teas is that they are fast acting. See below for our remedy checklist:
Herbs for nausea
Ginger - not everyone likes or finds ginger tea effective, so you may find it easier to add this powerful, spicy root to smoothies or food to disguise the taste. But if you can drink the tea, add a dash of honey to sweeten then sip and enjoy. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and stimulates the blood flow and metabolism, which in turn helps to detox and rid your body of toxins.
Herbs for headaches
Rosemary tea is an excellent headache reliever and detoxer. It can also improve the mood, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system - perfect for the morning after a jol!
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits, and also helps liver cells to repair themselves - which after knocking back one too many drinks is just what is needed. Make yourself a turmeric latte instead of reaching for the coffee pot.
White willow is considered the original aspirin and can help with pain associated with headaches, cramps and inflammation.
Digestion
Whether from eating a bit too much, eating foods that are different from our norm, or too much alcohol consumption, our digestive system is sure to take extra strain during the holidays. Help it out with herbal remedies.
Fennel is a great herb for aiding digestion. It also helps to relax the stomach and clear gas and bloating. Drink lukewarm fennel tea throughout your day.
Meadowsweet is a European and Icelandic remedy for digestive upsets such as cramps, nausea, diarrhea, bloating and gas. It is also anti-inflammatory, inhibits bacteria growth and stimulates the immune system.
Peppermint boasts a double whammy of being excellent for digestion, and is also great for perking you up and clearing the mind, improving focus and concentration. Peppermint tea is pleasant tasting and cooling.
Calming & Anti-anxiety
The holidays can be a tad stressful. One of the best herbal teas for this is chamomile.
Chamomile is renowned for its calmative effects. Anxiety and stress are often part of social and family gatherings, so stay calm and drink your chamomile tea!
Sleep It Off
Valerian root is a well known natural sleep aid. It is calming and relaxing and works quickly to help put you to sleep.
Hops is another herb that is calming and promotes sleep.
Chamomile is also excellent at calming and preparing the body for sleep.