What Tea Is Good For Hangover

Hangovers are the unwelcome aftermath of a night of overindulgence, bringing symptoms like nausea, headaches, fatigue, and dehydration. While there’s no instant cure for a hangover, certain teas can help soothe these symptoms by rehydrating the body, reducing inflammation, and providing a gentle energy boost. This article explores the best teas for hangover relief, backed by their unique properties, to help you recover faster and feel better. Whether you’re battling a queasy stomach or a pounding head, here’s your guide to the most effective teas for hangover symptoms.

Why Tea Helps with Hangovers

Alcohol causes hangovers by dehydrating the body, increasing inflammation, and disrupting sleep, among other effects. Ethanol, the main component in alcohol, acts as a diuretic, leading to fluid and electrolyte loss, which contributes to headaches and thirst.

It’s also metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that triggers inflammation, causing nausea and muscle aches. Additionally, alcohol can spike and crash blood sugar levels, leading to fatigue and irritability. Teas, particularly those with hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can address these issues, making them a soothing choice for hangover recovery.

Best Teas for Hangover Relief

Below are the top teas recommended for alleviating hangover symptoms, each chosen for their specific benefits in combating nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a powerhouse for hangover relief, especially for nausea. Its active ingredient, gingerol, has proven anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a go-to remedy for morning sickness and digestive upset. Ginger can soothe an irritated stomach and reduce inflammation that contributes to headaches and body aches. For best results, brew ginger tea with fresh ginger slices or opt for a high-quality tea bag like Dragonfly True Clarity Ginger, which includes turmeric and thyme for added anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Pair with a small, bland snack like toast to avoid further stomach irritation.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is excellent for calming an upset stomach and refreshing a dry, hungover mouth. The menthol in peppermint relaxes gastrointestinal tissues, easing nausea and bloating. It also has a mild anesthetic effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce headache tension. Try a vibrant blend like Dragonfly Three Mint Medley or Zest’s Pomegranate Mojito, which combines peppermint with green tea for an energizing yet soothing effect. Peppermint’s refreshing flavor also helps combat the “sandpaper mouth” feeling common during hangovers.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea ideal for easing “hangxiety” and promoting better sleep. Its active compound, apigenin, has stress-relieving properties that can calm anxiety and reduce nausea, though it’s less effective for nausea than ginger. Drinking chamomile tea before bed after drinking may improve sleep quality, reducing morning fatigue. Dragonfly Pure Camomile, made from hand-harvested, air-dried flowers, is a great choice for soothing both the mind and stomach during hangover recovery.

Green Tea

Green tea offers a mild caffeine boost to combat fatigue while providing antioxidants like catechins and the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes calmness without drowsiness. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce headache severity, and research suggests it could protect the liver from alcohol-related damage. Opt for a morning cup of Zest’s Superberry Samba or Red Stick Spice Company’s Hangover Green Tea, which includes marshmallow root and rosehips to further soothe nausea and headaches. Avoid drinking green tea before bed if you’re sensitive to caffeine, as it may disrupt sleep.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea, with its potent anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, is excellent for tackling hangover-induced headaches and muscle aches. It supports liver function and detoxification, which can help reduce the overall “sick” feeling caused by alcohol. Blends like Dragonfly’s Golden Balance Turmeric, which includes aniseed, fennel, and cardamom, enhance its digestive benefits, making it a solid choice for comprehensive hangover relief. Adding a touch of ginger to turmeric tea can further boost its anti-nausea effects.

Additional Tips for Hangover Recovery

In addition to sipping these teas, consider these strategies to speed up recovery:

• Rehydrate with Electrolytes: Dehydration is a major hangover culprit. Pair your tea with an electrolyte drink or powder, like Zest’s Hydration Powder Packs, to replenish sodium and potassium lost through alcohol’s diuretic effects.

• Eat Light Carbs: Low blood sugar can worsen fatigue and headaches. Bland, starchy foods like toast or crackers can stabilize blood sugar without upsetting your stomach.

• Use NSAIDs Sparingly: For persistent headaches, take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen with food or ginger tea to minimize stomach irritation. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), as it can harm the liver when alcohol is still in your system.

FAQs

Is Tea Good for Hangover Nausea?

Yes, tea can help with hangover nausea, particularly ginger and peppermint teas. Ginger’s gingerol compound is highly effective at reducing nausea and vomiting, while peppermint’s menthol soothes the stomach and aids digestion. Both are excellent choices for calming an upset stomach after drinking.

Best Tea for Hangover Headache

Turmeric and peppermint teas are top choices for hangover headaches. Turmeric’s curcumin reduces inflammation, a key contributor to headache pain, while peppermint’s menthol relaxes muscles and eases tension. Green tea’s antioxidants and mild caffeine may also help by improving blood flow and reducing fatigue.

Is Green Tea Good for Hangover?

Green tea is great for hangovers, especially for fatigue and mild headaches. Its caffeine and L-theanine provide a gentle energy boost and promote calmness, while antioxidants like catechins may protect the liver and reduce inflammation. Drink it in the morning, as its caffeine content may disrupt sleep if consumed at night.

Is Milk Tea Good for Hangover?

Milk tea, like English breakfast tea with milk, may not be the best choice for a hangover. While the black tea base provides caffeine and L-theanine to reduce fatigue, milk can be heavy on an already irritated stomach, potentially worsening nausea or digestive discomfort. Stick to plain black or herbal teas for better results.

Best Tea for Hangover

The best tea depends on your symptoms. Ginger tea excels for nausea, peppermint for digestive upset and headaches, chamomile for anxiety and sleep issues, turmeric for inflammation and headaches, and green tea for fatigue and liver support. Combining these with hydration and light carbs maximizes relief.

Is English Breakfast Tea Good for Hangover?

English breakfast tea, a type of black tea, can help with hangover fatigue due to its caffeine (up to 150 mg per serving) and L-theanine, which boosts energy and reduces irritability. However, its diuretic effect may worsen dehydration, so pair it with water or electrolytes. Avoid adding milk if your stomach is sensitive.

Is Chamomile Tea Good for Hangover?

Chamomile tea is excellent for hangovers, particularly for anxiety, fatigue, and mild nausea. Its apigenin content promotes relaxation and better sleep, which can counteract alcohol’s sleep-disrupting effects. It’s caffeine-free, making it ideal for evening use to prevent morning fatigue.

Is Black Tea Good for Hangover?

Black tea, like English breakfast or Zest’s Blue Lady, is effective for hangover fatigue due to its caffeine and L-theanine, which boost energy and reduce irritability. Its polyphenols support gut health, but its diuretic properties mean you should pair it with plenty of water to avoid worsening dehydration.

Takeaway

While no tea can instantly cure a hangover, ginger, peppermint, chamomile, green, and turmeric teas offer targeted relief for nausea, headaches, and fatigue. These teas help rehydrate, reduce inflammation, and restore energy, addressing the root causes of hangover discomfort. Pair them with electrolyte-rich drinks, light carbs, and, if needed, NSAIDs (avoiding acetaminophen) for optimal recovery. The best prevention is moderating alcohol intake and staying hydrated with water during drinking, but when a hangover strikes, a soothing cup of tea can be your best friend.