You’ve had alcohol-induced hangovers before, but this one isn’t the truck-ran-over-you-kind of feeling. This one is in a class of its own, where you resorted to begging saints and angels for relief. What you need might come in another bottle – this time, a two-inch one.
What essential oils can be used for hangovers? Paired with a carrier oil and massaged onto pressure points, or added to a room diffuser or warm bath, essential oils are known to ease the symptoms of a hangover by restoring balance, reducing nausea and easing headache. Lavender, peppermint, rosemary, orange, lemon, and grapefruit oils are among the most commonly used.
If your hangover results from bourbon, tequila, or whiskey, you’ll have the absolute worse symptoms of the bunch. Studies have shown that darker liquors have a higher concentration of congeners – a chemical compound when fermented, produces toxic by-products in the body – creating a whopper of a hangover. Many have turned to essential oils for help.
Different Essential Oils for Different Hangover Symptoms
Several essential oils help with hangovers, including Peppermint oil, which is best for headaches, while lavender helps with lethargy associated with hangovers. Ginger oil is especially useful for nausea, and lemon helps drain toxins from the liver. Orange is best for boosting energy levels, spearmint rejuvenates, and fennel reduces water retention.
Below is a summary about what oil targets what symptoms. As you can see, many oils have overlapping functions. If you tired of the choices, I will recommend you to start with peppermint and ginger oils.
Essential Oils | Hangover-related Symptoms |
|---|---|
Peppermint oil | Headaches & migraines Intense Nausea & vomiting Fatigue & irritability |
Lemon or lemongrass oil | Nausea Dizziness Dehydration Liver toxins Digestion & Acid reflux |
Grapefruit oil | Migraines Alcohol-induced breakouts Dehydration |
Lavender oil | Lack of energy Over-excitement |
Orange oil | Nausea Anxiety Lack of energy |
Rosemary ct. Verbenone oil | Liver toxins Cholesterol Upset stomach |
(Plain) Rosemary oil | Depression Blackout |
Spearmint oil | Headaches & migraines Fatigue Digestive issue |
Marjoram oil | Nausea & vomiting Heartburn Fatigue |
Fennel oil | Nausea Fatigue & lethargy Stomach aches & diarrhea |
Ginger oil | Nausea & Vomiting Stomach aches |
Juniper oil | Headaches Vomit |
A blend of Lavender, cypress, spruce, peppermint, pin, marjoram, and eucalyptus oils | Nausea All kinds of hangover pains |
Frankincense oil | Nausea Headaches & migraines |
Eucalyptus oil | Overall recovery Stomach aches Alcohol toxins |
Tea tree oil | Nausea & vomiting Sweating |
Black pepper oil | Liver toxins Diarrhea |
However, before we explore how essential oils work best for hangovers, let’s first examine what alcohol does to the body to understand how oils may help. We will also highlight the best oils to use in hangover cocktails, along with advice on what to avoid.
What Causes a Hangover?
The characteristics of “veisalgia” or alcohol hangover include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, dehydration, and reduced cognitive and visual ability.
When you drink, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, which is highly toxic and causes free radicals to damage cells, putting more stress on the liver.
When you overindulge, the liver can’t handle the influx. And alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it causes dehydration.
The congeners that are present in some alcohol, such bourbon and whiskey, increase these effects. Altogether, this is what causes the most severe symptoms of a hangover.
How Do Essential Oils Help a Hangover?
What essential oils do to a hangover is help you power through it by effecting the senses and assisting the body in working faster. Essentials oil, therefore, can help:
- Soothe pain
- Improve circulation
- Deliver more oxygen to cells
- Eliminate toxins more quickly
- Help with stomach pain
- Stimulate the nervous system
- Improve digestion
- Prevent nausea
- Maintain the integrity of the liver
- Relax, and relieve stress and tension
Additionally, there are four ways to use essential oils to get rid of hangover symptoms:
- Internally: Drink it by adding drops to water or herbal teas
- Smell: Mixed with water and added to a room diffuser
- Topically: Rub it into the skin and on pressure points
- Bathe: Take a bath or shower with it
EXTRA TIP: To help curb the effects of a hangover, drink coconut water directly after consuming alcohol – not the next morning. Coconut water rehydrates and contains vitamin C and magnesium. Vitamin C has antioxidants that help clear free radicals produced after alcohol metabolizes. Alcohol also depletes magnesium.
How to Correctly Use Essential Oils for Hangovers?
Not all essential oils are pure or 100-percent natural, and not all are made for consumption. Also, never assume that because it's organic and undiluted that you can drink it. In fact, you should never drink concentrated oils directly, and only food-grade essential oils should be ingested.
Additionally, when using essential oils topically, it should be diluted with carrier oils to prevent adverse reactions.
What Is a Carrier Oil and How Do I Use It?
Carrier oils or base oils have little to no scent and are used to dilute essentials oils before applying to the skin. Unless an essential oil comes diluted, carrier oils should be used to avoid skin irritation. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and even a small amount can cause a harmful reaction.
Base oils stem from nuts, seeds, and plant kernels, so if you’re allergic to nuts, oils may trigger a harmful reaction.
Even if you were to dilute these oils, there is no prediction of the side effects it would cause in those with allergies. Essential oils can also be mixed with bath oils, hair products, body oils, cream, and skin lotions.
How to Choose Carrier Oils
When purchasing carrier and essential oils, be sure to understand the difference between the strength, type, and use of each oil.
For example, some products labeled as “oils” aren’t necessarily essential oils or even 100-percent pure. Often, they’re a mixture of ingredients, so check the labels to make sure you’re getting what you paid for.
If you’re using it on your face, you should look for thinner oils, including sunflower seed oil and grapeseed oil to prevent ache. If you have fine hair, use thinner oils such as argan oil. The best aromatherapy oils are almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil, and sunflower oil.
Also, look for cold-pressed or cold expelled carrier oils as they are less processed (with heat).
You might want to experiment with different types to determine which ones work best for you. The different types of carrier oils include:
- Sweet Almond oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
- Sesame oil
- Safflower oil
- Apricot Kernel oil
- Avocado oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Hazelnut oil
- Hemp oil
The Top 17 Essential Oils for Hangovers
A few things before we begin:
- Do not sit in a bath for too long with essential oils
- When using a diffuser, be sure the room is well-ventilated
- Don’t directly inhale the oil from the bottle for longer than a minute or so
- Don’t use near your eyes or mouth.
- Test the essential oil on a small patch of skin before widespread use to avoid allergic reactions
Also, limit how much you apply topically as skin is porous and will it be absorbed, which can create neurological toxicity and affect the liver and kidneys.
Pregnant women and those still nursing should consult with their physician. Finally, when using essential oils, limit direct sun exposure.
The following are options to try with hangovers:
#1 Peppermint oil
General Use
- The amount of menthol in peppermint helps stimulate the heart and calms the nerves
- It’s useful for muscle pain, nerve pain, stomach pain and enables you to relax
- It aids with digestion and bowel movements
- Improves circulation and blood flow
For Hangovers
- One of the best oils for hangovers
- Helps relieve severe headaches and migraines
- Decreases intense nausea, and vomiting
- Lowers blood pressure
- Promotes rehydration (along with lemon)
- Great for the fatigue and irritability that comes with hangovers
- Helps restore focus
Caution
- Use in moderation and on small areas
- If you suffer from seizures, consult your physician before using
- Don’t use large amounts in a bath (it lowers body temperature)
- If the scent is too strong use spearmint (it's milder than peppermint)
- Avoid eyes when using peppermint
- Wash hands directly after use
Directions
- Add a few drops in a bath
- Add lemon and peppermint to create a bath blend
- Put a few drops of peppermint in water and sip slowly
- Use it in a diffuser with two drops of orange or eucalyptus oil
- Put 3-4 drops of grapefruit and 2 drops of peppermint in a diffuser
- Add lavender and a carrier oil to peppermint for use in a massage
- Rub on your stomach and lower back to help with nausea (user carrier oil if you have sensitive skin)
- Add a few drops of lemon and orange to peppermint and rub on stomach
- Using a cotton ball, rub 2-3 drops on temples, forehead, and the back of the neck
Recommended Brands: Sun Essentials Oil Best Peppermint Oil.
#2 Lemon (and Lemongrass)
General Use
- General disinfectant
- Revives, and have a refreshing scent
- Versatile uses like lavender
- Improves blood circulation
- Relieves morning sickness
- Used as a natural anti-depressant
For Hangovers
- Great for hangover nausea
- Also good for headaches, and pain associated with it
- Helps with dizziness
- Supports hydration
- Helps drain toxins from the liver
- Good for digestion, and acid reflux
- Reduces gas and bloating
- Relieves vomiting
Caution
- Cold-pressed lemon essential oils are more sensitive to sunlight than other oils. It oxidizes fast, and overexposure to the sun can cause adverse reactions. Avoid sunlight for at least half a day to avoid irritation.
Directions
- Add a few drops of peppermint or spearmint and 2 drops of lemon oil in a diffuser
- Add 2-3 drops in water and sip slowly
- Use a few drops in a bath
- Add four drops to a damp, warm face towel and breathe deeply
- Using a carrier oil apply a few drops to aching muscles
- Lemongrass can be massaged into the scalp, and it can help relieve anxiety
- Add carrier oil with lemongrass and use in a massage
- Put a few drops on cotton and rub on temples, forehead, wrists, and the back of the neck
Recommended Brands: Edens Garden Lemon Essential Oil, and Now Lemon Essential Oil.
#3 Grapefruit oil
General Use
- Helps with weight lossRelaxes and improves mood
- Helps with stress
- Used for irritability
- Great for skin problems
- Energizes
For Hangovers
- Excellent for general hangover symptoms
- Relieves migraines associated with hangovers
- Settles upset stomach
- Help with alcohol-induced breakouts
- Supports hydration
Directions
- Diffuse 3-4 drops of grapefruit and two drops of peppermint and inhale
- Add 1-2 drops in water and drink to help with an upset stomach
- Add 2-3 drops in a damp, warm face cloth and wipe the face to help rejuvenate
- Use grapefruit with lemon and lavender oils to aid with hydration
- Add a few drops while taking a shower or put in a bath
Recommended Brands: Now Essential Oils Grapefruit Oil, Healing Solutions Therapeutic Grapefruit Essential Oil, and Plant Therapy Grapefruit Pink Essential Oil.
#4 Lavender oil
General Use
- Helps with mood and irritability
- Soaking in lavender-infused Epsom salts improves circulation
- Good for stomach issues
- Has a calming effect
- Best known to aid with anxiety and stress-relief
For Hangovers
- Lavender oil has energy-boosting capabilities
- Helps with lethargy, and headaches associated with hangovers
- Once applied to the skin it absorbs quickly and triggers the central nervous system
- It helps promote sleep
Caution
- Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes
- A potent scent so use accordingly
Directions
- 2-3 drops of lavender oil in a warm bath
- Apply topically with a carrier oil to the forehead, temples, wrists, and the back of the neck
- For aromatherapy place ten drops of lavender and ten drops of peppermint oil in a diffuser
Recommended Brands: Majestic Pure Lavender Oil, Healing Solutions Pure Lavender Essential Oil, and Handcraft’s Natural Lavender Essential Oil.
#5 Orange (and Wild Orange)
General Use
- Lifts mood
- Improves alertness
For Hangovers
- Helps with nausea
- Useful for sleep
- Relieves anxiety associated with hangovers
- Enhances energy
Caution
- If sensitive to the smell of orange use milder scents such as rosemary or lemongrass
Directions
- Use in drinking water for nausea
- Add a few drops in the bath or shower
- Add two drops of eucalyptus and orange oil to water in a diffuser
- Add lavender and lemon with orange and water to a diffuser
- Add peppermint and lemon to orange for an invigorating massage
- Add lavender to orange oil and massage to help with relaxation
Recommended Brands: Plant Therapy Orange Sweet Essential Oil, Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Brazilian Orange Essential Oil, ArtNaturals 100% Pure Sweet Orange Essential Oil, and Healing Solutions Sweet Orange Essential Oil.
#6 Rosemary ct. Verbenone
Rosemary ct. Verbenone Oil is different from other rosemary oils its chemotype, or composition, which is the only way to distinguish between rosemary oils. This one has verbenone in it, which is a naturally occurring terpene, or aromatic oil.
General Use
- Stimulates the nervous system
- Improves circulation
- Soothes muscle pain
- Also good for ache
For Hangovers
- Protects the liver
- Eliminates toxins
- Helps with cholesterol
- Calms the stomach
Caution
- Handle with care as it can be toxic if used in large doses
- May irritates the skin and respiratory system
- Don’t inhale directly from the bottle
- Ventilate the room if using in a diffuser
Directions
- Add to any digestive blends and massage into the skin
Recommended Brands: Silky Scents Rosemary ct. Verbenone Organic Essential Oil.
#7 Rosemary (plain)
General Use
- Alleviate pain
- Restore clarity
- Improves mood
- Helps with memory
- Increases cerebral blood flow
For Hangovers
- (see general uses)
Directions
- Add carrier oil and apply to pressure points or use in a massage
- Combine rosemary with citrus essential oils and water to use in a diffuser
- Blend rosemary with lavender, juniper, and black essential oils to uplift mood and increase energy
Recommended Brands: Handcraft Blends Rosemary Essential Oil, Radha Beauty Rosemary Essential Oil, and ArtNaturals Rosemary Essential Oil.
#8 Spearmint
General Use
- A great alternative to peppermint oil
- Stomach aches
- Help with nervousness
For Hangovers
- Rejuvenates
- Has menthol which helps with hangovers
- Eases headaches and migraines
- Relieves fatigue
- Helps with digestive issues
Directions
- Add 2-3 drops of spearmint with two teaspoons of sesame oil and massage gently on the stomach
- Add 2-3 drops of spearmint and two drops of lemon oil in a diffuser to help with fatigue
- Put a few drops in water and drink slowly
Recommended Brands: Nature’s Oil Spearmint Essential Oil
#9 Marjoram
General Use
- Good for muscle tensions
- Calms irritable bowel syndrome
- Helps combat stress and anxiety
For Hangovers
- Alleviates nausea and vomiting
- Helps with heartburn
- Aids with fatigue
- Improves sleep
- Boosts mood
Directions
- Add 1-2 drops of marjoram to one tablespoon of sesame oil and gently massage on the abdomen
Recommended Brands: Sun Essentials Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil, and Diffuse Essential Oils Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil.
#10 Fennel
General Use
- Stimulates digestive and nervous system
- Helps with dizziness
- Calms down diarrhea and indigestion
For Hangovers
- Alleviates nausea
- Reduces water retention
- Relieves fatigue and lethargy
- Helps with stomach aches
Directions
- Add two drops to a glass of warm water and sip slowly
- Diffuse a few drops and inhale deeply
- Mix 4-5 drops of fennel and one teaspoon of sesame oil and gently massage on the abdomen
Recommended Brands: Edens Garden Fennel Essential Oil.
#11 Ginger
General Use
- Helps with morning sickness
- Relieves pain and aches
- Aids in circulation
- Reduces blood pressure
- Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
- Expectorant and analgesic
For Hangovers
- One of the best natural remedy to reduce hangover symptoms
- Excellent for reducing nausea and vomiting
- Settles stomach
- Helps with digestive issues
Directions
- Put a few drops in a diffuser and inhale
- Add 1-2 drops in a glass of warm water and sip slowly
- Combine 3-4 drops with any carrier and massage gently on the abdomen
- Add a few drops in the shower
- Add a few drops with a carrier oil and apply to pressure points
Recommended Brands: Artizen Ginger Essential Oil, and Gya Labs Ginger Essential Oil.
#12 Juniper
General Use
- Relaxes
- Relieves anxiety
- Helps with stress
- Anti-rheumatic effects
- Astringent and antiseptic properties
For Hangovers
- Eases headaches
- Calms vomiting sensation
Directions
- Use 2-3 drops on cotton and rub on temples, forehead, behind the neck
- Add 2-3 drops of juniper in a diffuser with a few drops of eucalyptus oil
Recommended Brands: Juniper Ridge Cascade Forest Essential Oil.
#13 Plant Therapy Respir Aid Synergy
This essential oil is a blend of lavender, cypress, spruce, peppermint, pine, marjoram, and eucalyptus.
General Use
- Lifts mood
- Energizes
- Helps with congestion
- Helps with respiratory system
For Hangovers
- Alleviates nausea
- Relieves lethargy and pain from hangovers
Caution
- Can be too intense for those with allergies or sensitive noses
Directions
- The pre-diluted form (with coconut oil) can be directly applied to the chest, wrists, temples, back of the neck, and feet
- Add a few drops in a warm bath
- Add a few drops to a diffuser
Recommended Brands: Plant Therapy Respir Aid Synergy Essential Oil.
#14 Frankincense
General Use
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Alleviates muscle pain
- Relaxes
For Hangovers
- Helps with nausea
- Aid with headaches and migraines
Directions
- Add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage to help with pain
- Add a few drops in a warm bath or shower
- Add carrier oil and rub on temples
- Add seven drops of frankincense and six drops of lavender in a diffuser
Recommended Brands: Artizen Frankincense Essential Oil and Cliganic Organic Frankincense Essential Oil.
#15 Eucalyptus
General Use
- Clears congestion
- Boost immune system
- Expectorant
For Hangovers
- Helps with recovery
- Aids with stomach aches
- Removes toxins like alcohol
Directions
- Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus to a carrier oil and a few drops of peppermint oil and massage into skin
- Put a few drops in a diffuser and inhale deeply
- Add a few drops in a bath
Recommended Brands: Artizen Eucalyptus Essential Oil, and Ola Prima Eucalyptus Essential Oil.
#16 Tea Tree
General Use
- Helps with skin breakout
- Promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails
- Natural anti-bacterial properties
- Moisturizing properties
- Relaxes
For Hangovers
- Helps with nausea and vomiting
- Reduces sweating
Directions
- Add a few drops to warm bath
- Place a few drops in a diffuser and inhale deeply
- Add five drops in water and soak feet for ten minutes
- Add a carrier oil and massage on skin, nails, scalp
Recommended Brands: ArtNaturals Tea Tree Essential Oil, Artizen Tea Tree Essential Oil, and Healing Solutions Tea Tree Essential Oil.
#17 Black Pepper
General Use
- Enhances blood flow
- Relieves pains and aches
- Helps with irritable bowel syndrome
- Aids with stomach aches
- Help with indigestion
- Reduces cramping and bloating
For Hangovers
- Detoxifies
- Anti-diarrheal properties
Directions
- Add 3-4 drops of black pepper with one teaspoon castor oil and gently massage on stomach and abdomen
- Add 2-3 drops in a diffuser with eucalyptus
Recommended Brands: Healing Solutions Black Pepper Essential Oil.
TIP: There is no exact science to preventing a hangover. It depends on how much you drank, what type of beverage(s) you consume, and if you mixed drinks. It also depends on your body, weight, gender, how much sleep you had beforehand, if you were tired or already dehydrated, and if you didn’t eat prior to drinking.
8 Essential Oil Recipes for Hangovers and Recovery
Many times, essential oils are mixed to create blends. When it comes to hangovers, certain cocktails can help you through the fog of the morning after.
Below are 8 recipes I selected from different sources. I’ve tested all of them myself and found them effective.
#1 Refreshing Hangover Relief Cocktail
- 10-12 oz. cool water
- 3 drops wild orange oil
- 3 drops lemon oil
- 3 drops peppermint oil
DIRECTIONS: Put essential oils in a glass and then add fresh, cool water. Slowly sip, followed by a glass of cool water to help cleanse, soothe, and detoxify. (Tip: You must use food-grade essential oils for internal consumptions)
#2 Detox, Restore & Revive Massage Oil
- 2 drops wild orange oil
- 2 drops lemon oil
- 2 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops carrier oil, such as jojoba
DIRECTIONS: Massage into the skin to help detoxify, relax, and calm the mind and body.
#3 Diffuse Your Hangover Away
- 3 drops wild orange oil
- 3 drops lemon oil
- 3 drops peppermint oil
- 75 -100ml filtered water
DIRECTIONS: Add the ingredients to a diffuser and inhale deeply.
(Source: Recipes 1-3 from Venture 1105)
The next three recipes reduce nausea and vomiting and aid the body in eliminating alcohol from the system after a hangover.
#4 Diffuser Blend
- 3 drops lavender oil
- 3 drops rosemary oil
- 3 drops peppermint oil
DIRECTIONS: Add water first to a diffuser, then the oils, and inhale deeply.
#5 Body Rub
- 1 drop juniper oil
- 1 drop rosemary oil
- 1 drop grapefruit oil
DIRECTIONS: Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and then wring out excess liquid. Sprinkle with essential oils and rub gently over your body.
#6 Hangover Roll-on Blend
- 6 drops lemon oil
- 4 drops peppermint oil
- 2 drops ginger oil
- 3 drops cardamom oil
- 30 ml sweet almond oil
DIRECTIONS: Mix in a roller bottle and apply to wrists, neck, and temples throughout the day.
(Source: Recipes 4-6 from Serenity Drop)
#7 Concentration Hangover Essential Oil Blend
- 1 oz. macadamia oil
- 15 drops peppermint oil
- 10 drops rosemary ct. verbenone oil
- 15 drops lemon oil
DIRECTIONS: Mix oils and blend to activate molecules, then apply to the stomach, chest, temples, and anywhere else that hurts. Use 2-3 times a day.
#8 Quick Hangover Relief Roll-on Blend
- 3 drops cardamom oil
- 6 drops lemon oil
- 2 drops ginger oil
- 4 drops peppermint oil
- 1 oz. sweet almond oil
DIRECTIONS: Mix in a roll-on bottle and apply to wrists, temples, back of the neck.
(Source: Recipes 7-8 from Essential Bazaar)
Other remedies for hangovers include a few that are proven to work, and some are ingredients that you can find in your kitchen.
TYPE | USAGE |
|---|---|
Milk Thistle | |
Red Ginseng | |
Prickly Pear | |
Turmeric | |
Coconut Water |
Are Essential Oils the Cure for Hangovers?
Some of the essential oils’ “natural ingredients could potentially help to limit the extent” of a hangover but don’t “expect a miracle recovery,” says James Petra. It will not prevent or get rid of your hangover.
“Essential oils can provide “symptomatic relief” … they can provide a short burst of feeling generally a little better when hungover.”
James Petra, Biochemist
The smell of essential oils “triggers certain neuronal pathways” than can have benefit, but for any remedy to work it has to be used right away – in other words, you cannot cure a hangover after the fact – “the damage is done,” and essential oils will not tackle the root cause Petra concludes.
What else you can do to aid a hangover:
- Rest
- Eat a light meal like soup or broth to replenish nourishment
- Hydrate to restore electrolytes by drinking lots of
- Water
- Pedialyte
- Gatorade
- A mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water
The bottom line is, the best cure for a hangover is not to get one. When you do drink, do so in moderation and stay hydrated by having a glass of water between alcoholic beverages.
Final Words
Despite urban mythology, you should definitely avoid “the hair of the dog,” or drinking more alcohol, the morning after a heavy night of drinking. More alcohol the next day does not actually balance a hangover.
The best thing to do is stick with what helps the body recover faster, not slow it down further.
Rehydrate yourself, rest and yes – pull out your essential oils to help aid your body’s recovery.