A hangover is the cost of taking that one extra bottle of beer or getting talked into downing that last shot. Too often, you’re so caught up in the fun of the night to care about what awaits you the next morning.

If you can relate, this article goes over common hangover symptoms and how essential oils for hangovers can be a lifesaver.

But before we go into the details, first things first…

What is a Hangover?

A hangover is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Typical symptoms of a hangover include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pains and body aches
• Dizziness
• Unusual sensitivity to sounds and light
• Feeling irritable
• Shakiness or general weakness
• Upset stomach
• Extreme thirst

There are several other minor adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption, broadly referred to as a hangover, which can linger for anywhere between a few hours to a couple of days.

While you can just lie in bed throughout the experience and let the symptoms gradually wane on their own, chances are you won’t want to suffer through the discomfort that long.

We’ve all been there–begging and bargaining for some relief–swearing you’ll never take another sip of the devi’s juice again if only this nausea will subside! You want to get back to feeling like yourself fast and go about your day with a clear head.

Certain essential oils have garnered impressive reviews as fast-acting natural remedies for hangovers.

Let's discuss some key hangover symptoms and how these essential oils can help.

Benefits of Essential Oils for Hangover Symptoms 

• Essential oils can boost your energy level

After a heavy night of drinking, it can be tempting to stay in bed all day since you don't have the energy for much else. Thankfully, you can boost your mood and energy by inhaling any of your favorite citrus-themed essential oils – mainly Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot or Orange.

If you’re so down that none of these essential oils does the job on their own, use an essential oil blend with peppermint or rosemary oils. These essential oils are known to boost cerebral blood flow, leaving you reinvigorated.

For a similar effect, MOXE Frost Essential Oil blend may offer you the energy needed to get out of bed.

• Essential oils may relieve some effects of dehydration

As mentioned, alcohol consumption and the hangover that follows depletes you of fluids. This accounts for the dehydration that comes with a hangover.

In addition to consuming lots of water and electrolytes, you can combat some symptoms of dehydration by inhaling essential oils, including camphor oil, grapefruit, and wintergreen.

While these oils may not necessarily add to your water levels, they can help ease fatigue that accompany dehydration. 

Additionally, grapefruit oil can help modulate blood pressure across the body, particularly in the brain. This promotes adequate circulation of electrolytes and water as needed throughout the body, significantly reducing dehydration and related hangover symptoms.

Wintergreen’s relaxant property also comes in handy for feelings of stress  that characterize a hangover.

• Essential oils can combat nausea

Nausea is arguably the most common symptom of a night of alcohol  indulgence. This annoying feeling can last for several hours into the next day.

Eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils' aroma can bring sweet relief, particularly with topical application or inhalation.

For an effective topical application, massage your stomach generously with a decent amount of diluted (we love jojoba or grapeseed) eucalyptus essential oil. 

For inhalation, diffusing these oils in your bedroom can work wonders.

• Essential oils relieve headache

The throbbing headache you wake up to after a drunken night is usually the first hangover symptom we seek to get rid of.

To get quick relief, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils can be lifesavers for a headache. 

Massaging your temples and the base of the head with sufficiently diluted peppermint oil can help alleviate headaches and related hangover symptoms.

Also, studies involving eucalyptus oil show that it can act as a natural expectorant (congestion relief). This property may help you clear out alcohol and related toxins from your system, promoting quick relief.

Other Home Remedies for Hangover

• Eat

While food is usually one of the last things on your mind after a long night, some food in your stomach can go a long way.

Snacks like crackers can help stabilize your stomach and increase blood sugar.

Broths and soups may also come in handy for electrolyte replenishment. Besides, if you’re going to hurl (sorry!), it feels better for something to come out than dry heaves. 

• Hydrate

The need for hydration after excessive alcohol consumption cannot be overstated. As alcohol drains your fluid stores, you’ll need lots of water to replace what’s coming out.

In fact, don’t wait for the hangover symptoms before you drink water – as you get a buzz going, be sure to hydrate in between drinks.

• Rest

Sometimes, your best hangover cure is returning to bed. It could even mean the whole day in bed.

• Pain Relievers

In the past, ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been go-to everyday solutions to a hangover.

While these medications deliver fast acting pain relief, they can cause several health challenges, from irritated bowels to liver toxicity.

Safety Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Hangover 

Although essential oils are natural and generally recognized as safe, there are some precautionary tips to follow:

• Ingesting pure essential oils can be toxic. Therefore, be sure your essential oils are stored beyond children’s reach.
• For diffusing, ensure the room is well ventilated.
• Some essential oils can be toxic and unsuitable for children, pets, and expectant mothers even after dilution, so be sure to check which oils are safe for your home. 
• Before applying any essential oil to your skin, make sure it's well diluted with a lotion, cream or carrier oil. The rule of thumb is to do a patch test and wait for about 24 hours before applying more liberally across larger body parts.
• If you feel any odd sensation(s) after applying essential oil, discontinue use and wash the area with mild soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
• If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or actively using any prescription medication, discuss with your doctor before using essential oils.

Closing Thoughts

Alcohol is classified as a diuretic, meaning substances that can cause dehydration.

But besides the dehydrating effect, heavy drinking can cause other undesirable effects, which all culminate in a  hangover.

Although a hangover usually heals over time, nobody wants to stay in such discomfort for too long.

For quick relief, certain blends of essential oils have shown promise in treating hangover symptoms. In particular, consider: 

• Eucalyptus 
• Camphor
• Wintergreen
• Peppermint 
• Tea Tree

If any of these options don’t seem to offer the desired effect, consider using essential oil blends with one or more of these oils.

MOXE Frost Nasal Inhaler ticks the boxes when searching for an essential oil blend that tackles the most common consequences of a hangover.

For more information on essential oils and how to infuse natural ingredients into your daily wellness routine, check out our free resources.

We can also walk you through the most efficient essential oils for your condition.