Hangovers are a common aftermath of festive celebrations, and people around the world have come up with various remedies, some more unconventional than others. Here are 15 weird hangover remedies from different cultures:
- Russia: Pickle Juice
- Russians believe that drinking the brine from a jar of pickles can help alleviate a hangover. The salty and sour combination is thought to replenish electrolytes.
- Mongolia: Tomato Juice and Pickled Sheep Eyes
- In Mongolia, a traditional remedy involves drinking tomato juice with pickled sheep eyes. The belief is that the nutrients in the eyes and the vitamins in the tomato juice can cure a hangover.
- Germany: Rollmops
- Germans turn to Rollmops, which are pickled herring fillets wrapped around a pickle or onion. The combination of protein and the brine is believed to help with hangover symptoms.
- Japan: Umeboshi
- Japanese people consume umeboshi, pickled plums, to help with hangovers. The acidity is thought to balance the body’s pH and aid in recovery.
- Korea: Haejangguk
- Koreans have Haejangguk, a soup made with coagulated ox blood, vegetables, and various seasonings. It is believed to help revitalize the body after excessive drinking.
- Mexico: Menudo
- In Mexico, menudo, a soup made from tripe and hominy, is a popular choice for hangover relief. The spices and warmth are thought to help the body recover.
- Poland: Sour Rye Soup (Żurek)
- Poles swear by Żurek, a sour rye soup containing fermented rye flour. It’s believed to soothe the stomach and provide essential nutrients.
- Iceland: Sheep’s Head
- In Iceland, a traditional remedy involves consuming a boiled sheep’s head. The nutrients and fats are believed to help the body recover.
- Italy: Espresso and Lemon
- Italians often turn to a combination of strong espresso and lemon to kickstart their metabolism and counteract the effects of a hangover.
- Spain: Caldo Gallego
- Spanish tradition includes Caldo Gallego, a soup made with greens, potatoes, and chorizo. It is thought to replenish nutrients and hydrate the body.
- China: Congee
- Congee, a rice porridge, is a popular Chinese hangover remedy. It’s easy on the stomach and provides essential nutrients for recovery.
- Vietnam: Pho
- Vietnamese people often choose Pho, a noodle soup with broth, meat, and herbs, to help recover from a hangover. The warmth and variety of ingredients are believed to be beneficial.
- USA: Prairie Oyster
- In the United States, some swear by the Prairie Oyster, a concoction made with raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. It’s believed to restore lost nutrients.
- Scotland: Irn-Bru
- Scots often opt for Irn-Bru, a popular Scottish carbonated beverage, to combat a hangover. The high sugar content and caffeine are thought to provide a quick energy boost.
- India: Buttermilk and Cumin
- In India, a common remedy involves drinking buttermilk mixed with roasted cumin seeds. The combination is believed to aid digestion and provide relief from a hangover.
While these remedies may be rooted in cultural traditions, it’s essential to note that the most effective way to prevent a hangover is to drink alcohol in moderation and stay hydrated. If you do indulge, getting plenty of rest and consuming water and nutritious foods can also contribute to a faster recovery.