Waking up to the feeling that a truck just ran over you and the world seems to be swirling with a wrecking ball in there can only mean you and the boys or girls overdid it last night at the pub. You might have had a little too much alcohol and now you are paying the price with a killer hangover.
Define a hangover, you may say.
Well, it is a collection of symptoms linked to a recent binge of drinking alcohol that manifests in a myriad of ways including:
- A headache
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Nausea
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Bloodshot eyes
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
A hangover can really occur at any time of day.
Most people will drink heavily on a night out and will mostly experience hangover effects in the morning. It is accompanied by feelings of regret, anxiety, embarrassment, shame and in some instances depression.
Sleep is a key contributor to the severity of a hangover, less sleep means a more severe hangover.
The most effective way of dealing with a hangover is rest, sleep and rehydration.
In most cases, hangovers will lift after a period of 48 hours as it has to run its harrowing course.
Contents
Top 5 essential oils to help with hangover
Best Peppermint Oil by Sun Organic
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
NOW Grapefruit Oil
Plant Therapy Respir Aid Synergy Essential Oil
Deep Forest Synergy Essential Oil Blend by Plant Guru
How to get rid of a hangover using essential oils?
Instead of going for the “hair of the dog”, which is essentially having another alcoholic drink to balance out the hangover, you are better off rehydrating your body by drinking plenty of water and eating some food to help replenish lost electrolytes.
Having another alcoholic drink to help with a hangover is a myth which unbeknownst to many will only prolong the symptoms of the hangover.
If you waking up to a killer hangover, drink some water and have some broth to aid your body in recovery.
Thereafter you can use essential oils to help you get rid of the hangover symptoms in the following ways:
1. Internal use
A few oils can be ingested for the purpose of rehydration and restoration helping your body feel more stimulated and alert.
A few drops of lemon oil or peppermint in your water will make a huge difference in helping with a myriad of hangover symptoms as they serve to rehydrate, restore and revive.
2. Massage
Some essential oils can be very beneficial in helping with hangover symptoms because of their ability to relax the body and alleviate headaches, muscle aches, lethargy and so forth.
The fragrance of sweet orange oil, for instance, will get your attention up despite the nausea and it can be drank in water, used in a massage oil blend to make your muscles feel better and relaxed or inhaled as you sleep.
A body massage with lavender will calm you and your racing thoughts down helping in relieving anxiety associated with hangovers.
3. Diffusing
The vibrant, calming scents when diffused go a long way in altering your mood and play a part in aiding you through the hangover.
Because they are released into the air there is no effort needed on your part so you do not have to expend energy you do not have.
4. Apply topically
Topical application helps in moisturizing your skin but also the scents carry with you throughout the day helping you stay vibrant even though your body feels like it’s quitting on you.
If you keep rehydrating, and take it a tad easy, you should get through the day in one piece.
5. Take a bath
Although you may be feeling all groggy, taking a bath will help you with alertness. Taking a bath infused with essential oil(s) will simply invigorate your senses and get rid of the anxiety resulting in a relaxed body and mind.
If you proceed to rehydrate and eat a light meal you are sure to feel a whole lot better.
Best essential oil for hangover – Our top 5 review
Best Peppermint Oil by Sun Organic
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
NOW Grapefruit Oil
Plant Therapy Respir Aid Synergy Essential Oil
Deep Forest Synergy Essential Oil Blend by Plant Guru
Best Peppermint Oil by Sun Organic
When you have a hangover you want a peppermint oil that packs a punch.
Sun Organic has one of the best peppermint oils on the market that has a strong aroma.
They pride themselves on being one of the best essential oil companies with superior sourced and harvested ingredients.
Also, they guarantee satisfaction and back it up with a full refund policy should you feel their oils did not meet the expected standards.
Fatigue features very prominently on the list of debilitating hangover symptoms.
Even with the worst of hangovers, you are sure to find this oil helpful in alleviating fatigue and irritability.
A few drops in your bath water, topical application, or used in a diffuser are some of the few ways that you can enjoy this oil when trying to calm and nursing your body back to normalcy.
- Versatile oil that can be used for varied needs from treating hangovers to scaring mice away
- It has a refreshing, cooling effect
- Affordable
- Works well individually and in a blend
- The ingredients are 100% natural and sustainably sourced
- Some users have lamented that the fragrance is too mild
The verdict
Sun Organic peppermint oil will work well for those who prefer a milder peppermint fragrance. The fact that it can be used topically for the skin and for massage as well as diffused provides you with options that allow you to use it in your most preferred way.
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil
Top notch quality is what you can consistently expect from Majestic pure.
It comes as no surprise that their lavender oil is 100% organic and has a strong fragrance.
Majestic Pure Lavender Oil is a blend of two different lavender types Lavandula augustifolia from Bulgaria and Lavandula hybrida from France.
This gives the oil all the beautiful healing properties that we know lavender to have plus a lavender fragrance that is both distinct and unique. It is mellower and less camphoraceous at the same time.
Even with a hangover, when used as a massage oil, you are bound to feel the calming effect of lavender aromatherapy as it calms your mind and soothes your body.
- Has a strong fragrance which is at the same time comforting and calming making it perfect for hangovers
- The lingering scent is pleasant
- It has a myriad of additional benefits
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes because of its potency
The verdict
Lavender oil is known for its energy boosting properties and will aid with the lethargy and headache that comes with a hangover.
In addition, the calming and relaxing fragrance is helpful for those who have anxiety while nursing a hangover.
A few drops of lavender oil to your bath water will help you start your day on the right tone. It can also be diffused or applied topically. In the case of topical application, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil to avoid any skin irritation.
NOW Grapefruit Oil
NOW grapefruit essential oil has a sweet citrus aroma which embodies great health benefits, especially when nursing a hangover.
The fragrance is both cheerful and uplifting which is exactly what you need to dispel the hangover symptoms.
Diffusing it in your room, office or any other preferred space will lift your mood helping you get rid of irritability and go through the day less stressed.
This oil can also be diluted with essential oils for topical use. Your skin gets nourished while you carry a subtle cheerful scent all day long.
- It is easily assimilated into the skin and senses
- Not advisable to use neat topically so you must dilute with a carrier oil to avoid any skin irritation
The verdict
NOW Grapefuit Oil is highly concentrated, thus has a strong fragrance and it is long lasting.
The high concentration means you only need a few drops, so you can use it very long time. Combined with affordable price, this could be really great deal for you.
Plant Therapy Respir Aid Synergy Essential Oil
Plant Therapy is a renowned brand in the essential oil industry for strict manufacturing standards.
This explains their consistency of high quality to the customers’ delight. They use the most efficient processes and high-quality sources to come up with the finest essential oils with integrity.
The soothing aroma in conjunction with the healing properties contained in Respir Aid Synergy Oil will certainly help you get back on your feet faster.
This effect is as a result of a powerful blend of essential oils consisting of lavender, cypress, spruce, peppermint, pine, eucalyptus and marjoram.
It comes in both highly concentrated form or pre-diluted with fractionated coconut oil ready to use for on the chest, back of the neck or feet application.
The Plant Therapy Synergy Respir Aid essential oil is the most beneficial for quick recovery from a myriad of ailment including:
- Hangovers
- Clearing up congestion
- Breathing easier
- Promoting a healthy respiratory system
- Tackles several ailments
- Very effective in lifting your mood, energizing your body as well as dealing with congestion
- It relieves the lethargy and pain that accompanies a hangover
- Some of the scents can be overpowering for a sensitive nose
The verdict
It works best when inhaled and this could be by adding a few drops to your bath water or using in a diffuser to purify the air. It can also be applied to the wrists or temples to help you relax.
Deep Forest Synergy Essential Oil Blend by Plant Guru
This premium blend by Plant Guru is one of a kind.
Plant Guru is revered for its strict manufacturing processes which clearly have an impact on the end product which is consistently fine quality essential oils.
This product is not only crisp but very refreshing as well, the sort of scent that you need in the morning to get your senses at 100% in no time, especially if you have a hangover.
Plant Guru’s forest Synergy blend has a strong purifying scent with the blend itself comprising of the ingredients from the deep forests of Europe including; silver fir needle oil, Siberian fir needle oil, pine needle oil, cypress oil, and cedarwood oil.
- Made from 100% natural ingredients
- It has an uplifting aroma that aid breathing making it excellent for aromatherapy
- If it is to be used topically it must be diluted using a carrier oil to avoid irritating the skin
The verdict
It can be used in a diffuser for a soothing and refreshing scent that will help keep you alert or infused in the bath as it is very relaxing and helps promote a clear respiratory system.
The next time you wake up to an unyielding hangover, you’ll want to try Deep Forest Synergy Essential Oil Blend by Plant Guru.
DIY hangover essential oil blends
Different essential oils may have varied results with different individuals the same way many people will have different preferences when it comes to favorite essential oil fragrances.
As such, by trying a few DIY concoctions you are bound to find one that just works wonders for your hangover and agrees with you perfectly.
Although individual essential oils are powerful in themselves there is much benefit to be harnessed from a blend of essential oils. When they work in tandem, they serve to complement each other’s healing properties and in some cases accentuate them making them even more potent and effective.
If you are more inclined to tinkering with essential oils to suit your purposes, then I’m sure you will find the below recipes most helpful blending your own essential oils to deal with a hangover.
Recipe 1
Diffuser blend
Once your diffuser has the right quantity of water, add the following oils to your diffuser:
- 3 drops of lavender oil
- 3 drops of rosemary oil
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
Recipe 2
Body rub with a wet wash cloth
All you need is a clean washcloth or hand towel soaked in water and the excess water wrung out.
Sprinkle the washcloth with the following essential oils:
- 1 drop of rosemary oil
- 1 drop of juniper oil
- 1 drop of grapefruit oil
Rub gently over entire body.
Recipe 3
Hangover roll on blend
- 6 drops of lemon oil
- 4 drops of peppermint oil
- 2 drops of ginger oil
- 3 drops of cardamon oil
- 30 ml of sweet almond oil
Place the mixture in a roller bottle and apply to your wrist throughout the day.
All the above mentioned essential oils are great for dealing with hangovers and can help prevent nausea and vomiting while promoting processes in the body that are useful in eliminating alcohol from the system.
Can you use essential oils to prevent hangover?
The answer to this question would have to be a resounding NO.
Nothing other than sensible drinking can prevent a hangover.
Whenever you consume too much alcohol than your body can handle, then you will have to deal with the consequences which are usually hangover symptoms the morning after the drinking.
If you want to avoid a hangover simply consume alcohol in moderation and responsibly or not at all.
Other hangover home remedies
It must be understood that the best cure for a hangover is hydration, rest and restoration of electrolytes in your body.
Simple things like drinking plenty of water even though your body does not feel up to it will go a long way in bringing restoration faster.
Eating a light meal like a soupy meat or vegetable soup will help restore your strength and replenish much-needed nourishment to your body.
Herbal teas are amazing for hydration if plain water does not feel palatable at the time.
Pouring half a teaspoonful of baking soda in a glass of water and drinking slowly is also helpful when you have a hangover.
Using essential oils in the bath or for a massage and aromatherapy should be done to complement the above. This can then work in tandem to lift your mood and stimulate your senses and spirit kicking that lethargy out.
Although some essential oils can be ingested and are helpful with a hangover, it is imperative that you seek your doctor’s opinion before you ingest any essential oils. Furthermore, you should only ingest food grade essential oils.
Conclusion
A hangover is likely to have you feeling off balance and under the weather. In order to prevent such feelings, it is best to drink alcohol in moderation. Should you overdo it and inevitably wake up to a thundering hangover, rehydration and plenty of rest is your best friend.
Essential oils will help you along in starting your day on the right foot.
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