10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Hangover

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts made from dried herbs, often used to support the body's natural healing processes.

For hangovers, tinctures containing ingredients like ginger, milk thistle, and turmeric are commonly used due to their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. These natural remedies are believed to help alleviate symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and headaches by supporting liver function and reducing inflammation. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, herbal tinctures are generally considered safer and more holistic, though they should not replace proper hydration and rest.

When choosing a tincture, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it's appropriate for your individual health needs.

1. Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, has been traditionally used to support hormonal balance and may help alleviate some symptoms associated with hangovers, such as headaches and fatigue.

As a herbal tincture, it is typically made by soaking the dried berries in alcohol to extract its active compounds, including flavonoids and essential oils. While scientific evidence specifically linking vitex to hangover relief is limited, some users report that it may help regulate mood and reduce nausea, which are common hangover symptoms. It is often used as a complementary remedy rather than a primary treatment for alcohol-related discomfort.

As with any herbal supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for those with existing medical conditions or taking other medications.

2. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba herbal tinctures are often used as a natural remedy to help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, such as fatigue, headaches, and cognitive impairment.

This herb is known for its ability to improve blood circulation and enhance mental clarity, which may help counteract the effects of alcohol-induced dehydration and toxin buildup. The tinctures are typically made by soaking the dried leaves of the ginkgo tree in alcohol, allowing the active compounds, such as flavonoids and terpene lactones, to be extracted. While some people report feeling more alert and less sluggish after using ginkgo biloba tinctures, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for hangovers is limited.

As with any herbal supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

3. Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum, commonly known as milk thistle, is a herbal remedy that has been traditionally used to support liver health, making it a popular choice for hangover relief.

Its active compound, silymarin, is believed to protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins, including those from excessive alcohol consumption. Silybum marianum herbal tinctures are typically made by soaking the dried seeds in alcohol, which helps extract the beneficial compounds for easier absorption by the body. These tinctures are often taken before or after drinking to potentially reduce the severity of hangover symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

While some studies suggest that milk thistle may aid in liver recovery, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness specifically for hangovers.

4. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea herbal tinctures are commonly used for their potential to support the immune system and reduce inflammation, which may aid in recovery from hangovers.

While scientific evidence on their specific effects for hangovers is limited, some people believe that echinacea can help alleviate symptoms like fatigue and headaches by promoting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress. These tinctures are typically made by soaking the dried roots or flowers of the plant in alcohol, preserving its active compounds. To use echinacea for hangover relief, it is often recommended to take a small dose before or after drinking to potentially mitigate some effects of alcohol consumption.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using echinacea, especially if you have allergies or are taking other medications.

5. Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as true cinnamon, has been traditionally used in herbal tinctures to alleviate hangover symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These tinctures are typically prepared by soaking cinnamon bark in alcohol, allowing the essential oils and active compounds to infuse into the liquid. The aromatic compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, may help soothe nausea, reduce headaches, and improve digestion after alcohol consumption. While some studies suggest that cinnamon can support liver function and may aid in metabolizing toxins, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy specifically for hangovers.

As a natural remedy, cinnamon tinctures are often used as a complementary therapy alongside hydration and rest to ease the discomfort of a hangover.

6. Cnicus benedictus

Cnicus benedictus, also known as blessed thistle, is a herb traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential to support liver function and detoxification.

Herbal tinctures made from Cnicus benedictus are often promoted for their ability to alleviate hangover symptoms by aiding the body's natural detox processes. These tinctures may help reduce nausea, fatigue, and headaches commonly associated with hangovers. While some studies suggest that blessed thistle may have mild hepatic protective properties, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for hangover relief.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.

7. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its herbal tinctures are increasingly being explored for their potential to alleviate hangover symptoms.

The active compound, curcumin, may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are often elevated after excessive alcohol consumption. Turmeric tinctures can support liver function, aiding in the detoxification process and potentially easing the burden on the body after a night of drinking. While research is still emerging, some studies suggest that curcumin may help with symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue commonly associated with hangovers.

As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using turmeric tinctures, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

8. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential to support liver function and reduce inflammation.

When used as a tincture, it may help alleviate some symptoms of a hangover by promoting detoxification and balancing fluid levels in the body. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that may ease the effects of alcohol-induced stress on the body. However, it is important to note that while licorice root tinctures may offer some relief, they are not a cure for hangovers and should be used in moderation.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with hypertension or other health conditions.

9. Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng herbal tinctures are often used to help alleviate hangover symptoms by supporting the body's recovery process.

This adaptogenic herb is believed to enhance energy levels and reduce fatigue, which are common effects of alcohol consumption. The tinctures typically contain concentrated extracts of Panax ginseng, which may help improve mental clarity and reduce the severity of headaches associated with hangovers. Some studies suggest that ginseng may support liver function, aiding in the detoxification process after drinking.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using ginseng tinctures, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or those taking other medications.

10. Withania somnifera

Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha, is an adaptogenic herb that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and support overall well-being.

Herbal tinctures made from Withania somnifera are believed to help alleviate hangover symptoms by supporting the body’s stress response and promoting liver function. These tinctures may help reduce fatigue, anxiety, and irritability associated with hangovers due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While some anecdotal evidence suggests they may assist in recovery, scientific research on their specific efficacy for hangovers is limited.

As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.