Ohhhh, the dreaded hangover. We all know what it feels like to wake up the morning after we’ve overindulged ourselves. Hangover symptoms can express themselves in a variety of ways, including fatigue, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Though usually caused by excessive consumption of alcohol, the root cause of a hangover comes from dehydration, and symptoms can last anywhere from hours to days. If you are looking to find the best essential oils for a hangover, keep reading to find what our choices are and why.
How Effective are Essential Oils in Fighting Hangovers?
Due to a lack of scientific studies, there is not a lot of research to look at when considering whether or not essential oils can reduce the symptoms of a hangover. However, many people claim using essential oils for a hangover can be particularly effective. Anecdotal evidence has shown essential oils can help reduce symptoms of headache, nausea, and indigestion—all common hangover symptoms. When considering which oil to choose, it is important to factor in not only how to best target your symptoms, but what sort of scents you’re going to be able to stand smelling! As strong aromas can sometimes be overpowering the morning after, you may wish to mix a few oils to come up with something that suits your preferences.
7 Best Essential Oils For Hangovers
1. Ginger Essential Oil
The ginger plant—a common flavor additive in cooking, supplements and teas—is one of the best essential oils for a hangover. However, it is important to note that ginger oil is extremely concentrated. You should never ingest it or place on skin without dilution. Thankfully, studies show you can still benefit from the anti-nausea properties of ginger through aromatherapy. Add ginger to your diffuser or bath to help reduce symptoms of nausea and upset stomach. People who suffer from motion sickness are also advised to try this method, as many claim ginger can help reduce the effects of seasickness. Studies also indicate ginger has anti-inflammatory components. As alcohol is proven to have an inflammatory effect on the body, ginger oil can potentially work to reduce this, though more research is needed.
2. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is actually a hybrid plant; it is a mix of the spearmint and the water mint plant. Similar to ginger oil, peppermint oil is extremely concentrated, so do not ingest it. Again, aromatherapy is a good way to use peppermint oil to reduce the symptoms of your hangover. It is also possible to apply it topically, as long as you dilute it with a carrier oil.
Peppermint contains menthol, which is famous for its analgesic and cooling properties. This cooling effect will make it a good choice if your hangover shows up in the form of a pounding headache. Applying peppermint oil to areas such as the temples can potentially soothe pain resulting from headaches and migraines. Other claims indicate menthol can help improve mental alertness, thus reducing hangover symptoms like fatigue and drowsiness. Due to this presence of menthol, peppermint is considered one of the best essential oils for headaches.
3. Lavender Essential Oil
When suffering from a hangover people often feel higher levels of stress and anxiety. Preliminary research shows the scent of lavender to have a calming effect on the body. This means it has the potential to reduce anxiety, and even help lower heart rate and blood pressure. In addition to its relaxing properties, some people have also found lavender to be helpful in reducing headaches. Use aromatherapy to best benefit from lavender essential oil, or dilute it with carrier oil and apply directly to the body. If you can’t stand the smell of lavender, don’t worry—love the next oil on our list for its cheerful, citrusy scent!
4. Grapefruit Essential Oil
We all know what it feels like when your alarm goes off after Wednesday Wing night. If you need a little extra help to get up after a big night out, grapefruit oil is the perfect choice. It’s fresh, invigorating aroma can help you feel more alert, getting rid of that morning-after grogginess hangovers bring with them. If we are going off scent alone, grapefruit oil is top on our = list of the best essential oils for a hangover. Add a few drops to a warm, damp face cloth and gently hold to your face and inhale. You can also add grapefruit oil to a diffuser or vaporizer, where it will help combat any stale, unpleasant odors left over from the night before.
5. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Another oil you may wish to add to your collection is tea tree oil. With its cleansing and purifying properties, tea tree can help refresh you after a big night out. Add a few drops of this oil to a hot bath and have a soak. If you don’t have time or don’t have the option of having a bath, you can simply fill a basin and soak your feet. Tea tree oil can also be added to your diffuser or vaporizer. Its invigorating and fresh scent will renew you, helping you get ready to face the day.
6. Lemon essential oil
Another citrus oil we like for reducing hangover symptoms is lemon essential oil. Similar to grapefruit, lemon oil’s fresh and clean scent acts as an instant mood lifter. This means lemon oil can help give you the energy and motivation to get out of bed and start your day.
Apply lemon oil to a warm, damp cloth and hold it gently over your face to inhale that liquid sunshine.
7. Frankincense Essential Oil
Many users who use frankincense oil find it helps them to feel calmer, and more grounded. This is mainly due to its fragrance, which offers up an earthy, spicy aroma. While research on frankincense oil is particularly lacking, many people claim to find it beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety. Coincidentally, those happen to be two of the symptoms which regularly present themselves during a hangover. Add a few drops of frankincense to a carrier oil, then massage into your neck to help reduce tension.
