Are you feeling worse this morning because of the night spent ringing in new year’s. You shouldn’t trust any hangover trend to alleviate your headache.
Scientists have discovered that traditional remedies such as Korean pear juice, red ginseng and artichokes don’t work.
King’s College London scientists concluded that none of the hangover remedies ever tested in a trial deemed ‘gold standard’ showed any signs of relieving symptoms.
Out of the 23 studies that they examined, the three most promising remedies were clove extract and toothache. This acts as an anti-inflammatory and painkiller. It may also speed up alcohol metabolism and reduce the number of brain related receptors.
One of their 23 studies that examined hangover remedies included clove extract. Also used for toothache. Clove extract acts as painkiller, may increase alcohol metabolism, and targets important brain receptors related to drinking. (file image).
It appears to help with the seven most common hangover symptoms – headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, loss of focus, thirst and stomach aches. Scientists say that 16 participants were sufficient to make definitive findings.
Otherwise, the most hopeful evidence was for tolfenamic acid – a type of painkiller taken before and after drinking – and pyritinol, which is a supplement containing vitamin B6, taken three times during an evening of drinking at three-hour intervals.
The studies also did not consider more than thirty people using the remedy.
Dr Emmert Roberts was the lead author in the Addiction review. He stated: “The message is that any hangover remedy is not based on science and can have a lot snake oil salesmen.”
Only 386 individuals aged between 18 and 65 worldwide have participated in the gold-standard trial for treatment of hangovers. The majority of studies involved only men and were done in South Korea or Japan. A third of the participants were fewer than 30, and there has never been a more comprehensive remedy.
For those sticking to the popular cure of ‘hair of the dog’ – drinking more to get over a hangover – experts are adamant that you will end up feeling worse in the long run.
For those sticking to the popular cure of ‘hair of the dog’ – drinking more to get over a hangover – experts are adamant that you will end up feeling worse in the long run (stock image)