Hangovers can be a real drag. They often leave us feeling exhausted, dehydrated, and with a pounding headache. While there is no surefire way to completely cure a hangover, some remedies and preventive measures can potentially help alleviate the symptoms and make the recovery process a bit easier.
Wired Magazine has just tested a variety of hungover cures, and one of the remedies mentioned in the article is chaga.
It’s important to keep in mind that the effect of hangovers vary from person to person. Weight, gender and ethnicity can all play a role in determining the severity of a hangover. Some people are simply naturally more resistant to hangovers than others.
How can chaga help cure a hangover?
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a type of parasitic fungus that grows on the bark of birch trees in cold climates, such as Canada, Russia, and Northern Europe. It is known for its distinctive black, crusty appearance and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
Chaga is rich in (potentially) hangover busting nutrients
Chaga is rich in a variety of nutrients, including polysaccharides, betulin, and triterpenoids, which have been shown to have a variety of health benefits. It is also a potent source of antioxidants, with a higher antioxidant content than even goji berries, acai or blueberries.
One of the key ways in which chaga can help cure a hangover is by supporting liver function. The liver plays a crucial role in the metabolism of alcohol, and a hangover is often caused by the liver’s inability to keep up with the demands placed on it while processing alcohol.
One study found that chaga extract was able to protect liver cells from oxidative stress in rats. Other studies have found that chaga extract may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially be beneficial for the liver since chronic inflammation is a risk factor for liver disease.
Fighting a hangover by reducing inflammation
In addition to supporting liver function, chaga can also help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover by reducing inflammation and improving digestion. Alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation in the body, which can contribute to hangover symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Chaga has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help alleviate these symptoms.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the gut, leading to digestive issues such as bloating and constipation. Chaga has been shown to support healthy gut bacteria and improve digestion, which can help reduce the severity of these symptoms.
Remember that the best way to fight a hangover is to drink in moderation
The only way to guarantee avoiding a hangover is by not consuming alcohol, or consuming it in moderation. Our botanical tonics are brewed with medicinal mushrooms instead of alcohol, helping to ensure that you’ll feel great the night of the celebration and the morning after.
