Bizarre Hangover Cures From Around the World

We've all been there—the pounding headache, the queasy stomach, and the overall feeling of regret after a night of indulging in a bit too much alcohol. Hangovers are a universal experience, and people around the world have come up with their own peculiar remedies to alleviate the misery. And today, we'll explore five bizarre hangover cures from different corners of the globe. While these remedies may sound strange, they are rooted in cultural traditions and have been passed down through generations. So, if you're in need of a little hangover relief, why not give these unconventional cures a try?

1. Pickled Plums in Japan

In Japan, a common remedy for hangovers is umeboshi, or pickled plums. These salty and sour plums have been used for centuries to combat the effects of excessive drinking. Umeboshi are made by fermenting plums with salt and then drying them in the sun. The resulting pickled plums are packed with vitamins and minerals, which are believed to help replenish the body and aid in digestion. To use umeboshi as a hangover cure, simply eat a couple of plums or drink a small amount of the brine. The intense flavor can help stimulate the senses and provide a refreshing kick to your taste buds. Additionally, the high salt content in umeboshi may help to rehydrate the body and balance electrolytes, easing the discomfort associated with a hangover. So, if you're ever in Japan and looking for a unique hangover remedy, give these pickled plums a try!

2. Prairie Oyster in the United States

In the United States, particularly in the Midwest, the prairie oyster is a peculiar hangover cure that has gained a bit of notoriety. Despite its name, the prairie oyster doesn't actually contain any oysters. Instead, it's a concoction made from raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. The mixture is typically consumed in one gulp, resembling the appearance of a raw oyster. Advocates of the prairie oyster believe that the combination of ingredients helps to restore essential nutrients and balance the body's chemistry. The raw egg yolk provides proteins and amino acids, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce add a spicy kick and stimulate the senses. Although this remedy may not appeal to everyone's taste buds, some swear by its effectiveness in alleviating hangover symptoms. 

3. Katerfrühstück in Germany

In Germany, a traditional hangover cure is known as Katerfrühstück, which translates to "hangover breakfast." This hearty meal consists of a plate of pickled herring, gherkins, onions, and sometimes a side of boiled potatoes. The combination of these ingredients may seem unusual, but it is believed to provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to combat the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Pickled herring is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate headaches and joint pain associated with hangovers. The onions and gherkins are thought to aid in digestion and balance electrolytes due to their high water and mineral content. While Katerfrühstück may not be the most conventional breakfast, it is deeply ingrained in German culture and is considered a go-to remedy for those battling the morning-after effects of a night of revelry.

4. "Sopa de Resaca" in Mexico

In Mexico, a popular hangover cure is "Sopa de Resaca," which literally translates to "hangover soup." This comforting and flavorful soup is packed with ingredients believed to help soothe the body and provide much-needed nourishment after a night of heavy drinking. The base of the soup typically includes beef broth, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices. One key ingredient in Sopa de Resaca is tripe, which refers to the stomach lining of a cow. Tripe is known for its high content of amino acids and collagen, which are believed to aid in digestion and support the body's recovery process. The soup is often garnished with lime, cilantro, and diced onions, which add a refreshing kick and help awaken the senses. Many Mexicans swear by this traditional hangover cure, as they believe it helps replenish lost nutrients and rehydrate the body.

5. "Pickle Juice" in Russia

In Russia, a curious hangover remedy involves consuming pickle juice. Russians have long embraced the idea that the brine from pickled cucumbers can provide relief from the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover. Pickle juice is rich in electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, which help restore the body's hydration levels and balance essential minerals. To use pickle juice as a hangover cure, simply drink a small amount of the brine or add it to a glass of water. The tangy and salty flavor can help stimulate the taste buds and counteract the lingering effects of alcohol. Some Russians even swear by drinking a shot of straight vodka followed by pickle juice as a way to "reset" the body and alleviate hangover symptoms.