So the pattern goes: we have one too many drinks the night before, and wake up desperate for either the rewind button or a quick remedy. We’ve all been there, regardless of nationality (hangovers are a universal point of commisery). Here are nine tried and true, sometimes bizarre but effective hangover remedies from across the globe.
1. Puerto Rico: Lemon Under the Pit
The traditional Puerto Rican hangover cure is more of a preventative measure. To prevent a hangover, the Puerto Ricans will rub a slice of lemon under the armpit of their drinking arm before downing their first drinks. According to legend, this will help prevent the dehydration that causes headaches.
2. Russian Pickle Juice
We know that Russians like their vodka, so it’s fair to assume that they know what they’re talking about when it comes to hangover cures. Pickle juice has long been a favorite remedy of the Russians and it has spread globally. Pickle juice will replenish your electrolyte supply after a long night at the bars.
3. Denmark: Reparationsbajer
The Danish don’t want the fun to end. To immediately cure a morning headache after a long night out, the Danish like to indulge in a “Reparationsbajer,” or a “recovery beer.” They make some damn good pastries, so we trust their judgment.
4. Haiti: Cork Voodoo
Haitian voodoo practitioners (no, not all Haitians) take an aggressive approach to curing the hangover. They will stick 13 black-headed pins into the cork of the bottle that has wronged them. This practice allegedly expels all aches and nausea from the body. If you ask us, this seems more like a revenge tactic.
5. Bangladesh: Coconut Juice
Coconuts are abundant in Bangladesh and the Bengali’s have taken advantage of their superfood powers. A single carton of coconut juice contains more potassium than a banana and can keep a person hydrated even better than water. Whether you scale a tree or stop by the supermarket to acquire some coconut juice, you’ll find that it’s quite the effective hangover remedy.
6. Japan: Umeboshi
Have you ever heard of umeboshi? Neither have we, but these tiny mega-pickled plum-like fruits are a respected hangover quick fix in Japan. Umeboshi are sourer than even a lemon, so they can be hard to handle, but the high levels of salt that they contain are highly effective in replenishing electrolytes
7. USA: Prairie Oyster
This vom-worthy drink contains one raw egg, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. We don’t know how this one made its way in to American drinking culture, but we don’t recommend it. There are many other ways to replenish salts and electrolytes (try Gatorade?) The only way it’ll cure your hangover is by forcing you to immediately expel any alcohol contents that were left in your stomach.
8. Australia: Berocca
Berocca is an Australian miracle pill. A small tablet is to be mixed with water, and contains Berocca Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Guarana, Caffeine, and Vitamin B. The best part? You can buy it online (http://buyberocca.com/en/home/) and already have it in your medicine cabinet when the time is right.
9. Italy: Espresso
Italians keep it simpler and classier than the rest of us. If the hangover is bad, Italians will down several cups of strong espresso. No, they don’t run to Dunkin Donuts like the rest of us. The overwhelming amount of caffeine will send your headache out the door.
