Heal Your Hangover: Six Teas for Quick and Natural Relief

Woman drinking the best tea for hangover

Finding the best tea for a hangover is one of the best ways to soothe yourself after a night that turned a bit too fun. Waking up with a pounding head, dry mouth and dull skin can really throw off your day. However, there are a few teas that can ease a range of hangover symptoms.

Hi, I’m Hazel

I gave up on skincare after years of issues with acne and sensitive skin.

But after going plant-based, my skin cleared up and even started to glow. Now I help women reveal their natural beauty with simple, delicious plant-based food.

I also used to be a nurse, and love nerding out on nutritional science (high-quality science, that is).

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As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

The quick version:

Discover six of the best teas for hangover relief, including Peppermint, Red Ginseng, Green, Ginger, Thyme, and Chamomile Tea. Each offers unique benefits, from soothing stomach aches to boosting liver health.

Remember to avoid highly caffeinated and strong herbal teas during recovery, as they can exacerbate dehydration and stomach upset.

Contents

Choosing Your Best Hangover Tea

When it comes to effective hangover recovery, not all teas are created equal.

Choosing the right types of tea for your specific symptoms of a hangover can make a significant difference after a long night of drinking.

Here’s your guide to the best options:

Green Tea

Green tea is great for hydration, may reduce hangover symptoms and can help you prevent liver damage (1, 2).

Thanks to its antioxidants and vitamin C, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, essential for skin health and preventing premature ageing.

The theanine in green tea also helps calm the brain, providing a gentle recovery from brain fog and a hangover headache (3). You could also opt for a cup of matcha if you already have it on hand.

Red Ginseng Tea

Often regarded as the best herbal tea for recovery, red ginseng enhances energy, supports the immune system, and accelerates hangover recovery with potent revitalising effects (4)

Ginger Tea

A must-have for tackling nausea and soothing an upset stomach, ginger tea is a staple for anyone recovering from excessive alcohol consumption (5). It’s also a natural painkiller and can soothe migraines (6).

Black Tea

Is able to shorten sleep time and has a good sobering effect (at least in animal studies) (1)

Thyme Tea

Known for its soothing properties, thyme tea is a herbal option for reducing a hangover, making it an excellent choice after a wild night (5).

Chamomile Tea

Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile tea is ideal for winding down and easing hangover-related anxiety and restlessness. It helps soothe the stomach and can aid in a more restful sleep, crucial for recovering after a night of drinking.

While it’s tempting to want ‘the best tea’ we are all different the next morning after heavy drinking. So, feel free to consider drinking a few different teas over the course of the day.

Teas to Avoid During a Hangover

While some teas offer relief, others might worsen hangover conditions.

Here’s what you should consider avoiding:

Black Tea: While it can boost alertness, black tea is also a diuretic which basically means a lot of water loss. This can lead to increased dehydration, a common hangover issue, especially after excessive alcohol consumption. It’s also a caffeinated tea. So if you’re sensitive to caffeine, worried about a high caffeine content or concerned about hydration, you might want to skip this tea. However, if you’re looking for an extra boost to your energy level, this may be the tea for you.

Highly Caffeinated Teas: Like black tea, other highly caffeinated teas can exacerbate dehydration and should generally be avoided during hangover recovery. Oolong tea has more caffeine than green tea, although a study suggests that it may be able to help reduce a hangover by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation (1).

Very Strong Herbal Teas: Some herbal teas, especially those with potent laxative properties like senna, might be too harsh for a sensitive stomach during a hangover.

Preparing Your Hangover Tea

When it comes to whipping up the perfect hangover tea, a few simple tips can make all the difference. Here’s how to get the most out of each sip:

Black Tea and Green Tea: Brew these teas with hot, not boiling, water to preserve their delicate flavors, antioxidants and numerous health benefits. Add a slice of lemon or a dash of honey for extra soothing effects.

Ginger Tea: Grate fresh ginger into boiling water and let it steep for a good five minutes. Now, you might think that the stronger the ginger, the better it tackles nausea and stomach upset. No, very strong ginger tea can also lead to stomach upsets. Stick with a 1/8th teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh ginger, or a ginger teabag.

Thyme Tea and Red Ginseng: These teas benefit from a longer steeping time to fully release their medicinal properties. Add a pinch of honey or a cinnamon stick for a flavor boost.

Oolong Tea: Steep oolong tea leaves for three to five minutes in hot water. This tea is gentle on an upset stomach and enhances digestion.

Experimenting with these preparations can help you discover what works best for your body and your tastebuds, turning your recovery into a comforting ritual.

Optimal Timing for Hangover Teas

Timing is everything when it comes to maximising the benefits of hangover teas. Here’s when to drink them:

First thing in the morning: Start with a cup of green tea or ginger tea to rehydrate and begin flushing out toxins.
Mid-morning or as a non-alcoholic beverage at night: Sip on oolong tea or black tea. They provide a mild caffeine boost without overwhelming your system.
Before bed: A cup of chamomile tea can help you relax and ensure a good night’s sleep, aiding further recovery.

By timing your tea intake, you can support your body’s natural healing processes and feel better faster.

Whether it’s the refreshing zest of ginger in the morning or the calming embrace of chamomile at night, these teas are here to support your journey back to feeling fabulous.

Conclusion

In the quest for the best hangover teas, it’s clear that natural remedies can significantly ease the aftermath of a night out. From the refreshing kick of black tea to the soothing touch of chamomile, each has a role in restoring your well-being. Embrace these teas not just as a cure but as part of a healthier lifestyle choice.

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!

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