Hangover Condition In Ayurveda And Managing It

The hangover pills sound like TV commercials that sound too good to be true. However, addiction to alcohol may have serious effects on one’s mental health too. Through Ayurveda, alcohol addiction can be managed or reduced to a limit.

Leave aside the harms it causes, alcohol has become an extremely popular drink, especially amongst the youngsters. Be it parties or simply chilling on weekends, all mandatorily include alcoholic drinks. Alcohol consumption can have long-term health effects, but the one experienced the very next day is a ‘Hangover’.

Dr. Nirmala Devi, MD Ayurveda, Amrutha Ayurvedic Hospital, Andhra Pradesh says, “Alcohol if taken in an appropriate manner, time, dose, according to one’s own strength and along with wholesome food, then it is as beneficial as Amrita. However, its addiction can seriously affect one’s mental and physical health.”

Ayurveda defines the illnesses caused by improper intake of alcohol under ‘Madatyaya’ or Alcoholism. They can be divided into 4 categories, according to the symptoms and Dr. Nirmala explains them as:

1. Panatyaya (Acute intoxication due to excessive drinking)
2. Paramada (Hangover)
3. Panajirna (Alcoholic gastritis)
4. Panavibhrama (Chronic alcoholism)

Symptoms of Hangover

Pramada or Hangover can be usually experienced the next morning, after too much alcohol intake on the night before. Its symptoms, as explained by Dr. Nirmala are:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Excessive thirst
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Bad breath is known as Halitosis
• Excessive saliva
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue and anxiety
• Low mood
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Trembling or shaking

“If the symptoms of the hangover are severe during or after a bout of drinking, the person may have alcohol poisoning. It is a medical emergency and one must seek medical help as soon as possible,” says our expert.

Managing Hangover

“The only way to prevent a hangover is to avoid alcohol entirely or drink in moderation, giving the body plenty of time to process the alcohol before consuming more. Also, hangovers cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be reduced or relieved,” she adds.

Although, most hangovers pass within 24 hours, here is something, suggested by our expert, that you can try.

Kharjuradi Mantha: A classical recipe prepared using equal quantities of dates, tamarind, raisins, and pomegranate.

• Soak dates, tamarind, and raisins in water for 4 hours
• Take all the ingredients and grind them to form a fine paste.
• Now add water in the ratio of 1:4 and consume it.

Dose:

• 100ml in the morning
• 100ml in the evening

Kharjuradi Mantha gives instant energy, reduces the symptoms of a hangover, and is easy to consume.

There are some Ayurvedic medicines as well, that work well for hangovers. However, it is always recommended to consult a physician first before taking these medicines.

• Phalatrikadi kwath churna
• Ashtanga lavana
• Eladi modaka
• Maha kalyanaka ghruta
• Punarnavadi ghruta
• Bruhat dhatri taila

There are also certain other herbs, which are very useful for alcoholic disorders and one can consult a doctor for the same. Apart from these remedies, it is important to stay hydrated, eat nutritious food, and get plenty of rest. However, since alcohol consumption is injurious to health, it is always a better idea to prevent it.