Grape & Grain | The world’s best hangover cures, from century-egg congee to tom yum soup ... and the hair of the dog
Every culture has its own hangover cure – Hongkongers eat congee, Thais turn to spice, and Australians just shrug and drink more alcohol. Whatever it is, find the one that works for you, preferably before the holiday parties begin
Beating a hangover and swearing off alcohol feature strongly in New Year’s resolutions. Alas, the perfect hangover cure proves elusive. Remedies run the gamut from the Italian cure of seven shots of strong espresso, to raw egg concoctions such as America’s “prairie oyster”, to the extreme “Mongolian Mary” of tomato juice and pickled sheep eyeballs.
The cocktail of symptoms that causes reasonable people to consider drinking such concoctions varies from person to person, depending on the type and quantity of alcohol consumed, the pace of consumption, and the metabolism, health, weight and sex of the drinker.Symptoms include disturbed sleep, a pounding head, stomach irritation, lack of coordination, and a tongue that could sandpaper splinters off a fence paling.
Of course, a little prevention is worth a pound of cure and the most effective hangover plan is to avoid excessive alcohol consumption altogether. But, like most New Year’s resolutions, that idea lacks conviction. Consider an international escape plan instead.
Indians begin the battle against alcohol withdrawal with a chilled yoghurt lassi. Blended with fresh fruit and spices, a lassi made with bananas, mangoes or kiwis replenishes nutrients.