Hangover Remedies

Kelly Osbourne was pictured in the press this weekend looking like she was suffering from the "hangover from hell", and I noticed that I had several emails asking questions about hangover cures. Easter might mean overindulgence in chocolate for some, but it is alcohol for others.

As an aromatherapist there are several remedies for hangovers that I can suggest. Use peppermint and chamomile as a gentle headache cure, grapefruit to focus the mind and a touch of lime to rebuild your energy levels. Use a few drops on a diffuser or on a hanky just to smell. If you are not sensitive to the citrus fruits then using this blend in a shampoo or shower base will be very helpful. Also in a bath disperse the oils in milk first and remember to test for sensitivity, especially when citruses are being used.

Partying Without Alcohol

Clary sage* is an oil that historically was added to increase the intoxication effects of cheap wine. When I entertain I like to use it in a burner with bergamot, orange and frankincense. The resulting scent is subtle with a relaxing and slightly euphoric effect - very similar to the effects of alcohol without the negative aspects. Apart from getting everyone in the party mood without copious amounts of alcohol another point to note is that using a burner instead of a candle is a lot more effective, in that the fragrance is natural and is dispersed straight into the air rather than being diluted by the wax. It is also much less expensive than using candles. If you do not like using the burner with its flame you can buy an electric diffuser or add the oils on a ribbon tied on to the bar of a domestic fan.

Other oils that will give you that "just enjoyed a few drinks" feeling without the alcohol are may chang, cedarwood, ylang ylang, green mandarin and palmarosa.

If you have any questions I would love to hear from you julie@potions.co.uk.

*(not suitable during pregnancy)