← Back to Learning Hub

Tea for Hangovers: Science vs. Myth

Medical Disclaimer

A hangover is distinct from alcohol poisoning. If the person is unconscious, breathing slowly, or cannot be woken up, call emergency services immediately. Tea is a comfort measure, not a medical treatment.

The headache, the nausea, the "hangxiety." A hangover is the result of your body battling dehydration and a toxin called acetaldehyde, which builds up as your liver processes alcohol.

While no tea can magically undo the night before, certain brews are scientifically proven to help your body recover faster. Green tea helps the liver, ginger settles the stomach, and honey replenishes glucose levels. Here is the science of sipping your way back to life.

A soothing cup of green tea next to fresh ginger and lemon slices.

Key Takeaways

  • Liver Support: Green tea contains EGCG, which studies suggest may protect liver cells from alcohol-induced damage.
  • Nausea: Ginger tea blocks serotonin receptors in the gut, stopping the nausea signal to the brain.
  • Caffeine: A little caffeine (like in tea) acts as a vasoconstrictor to help headaches, but too much (like in coffee) causes jitters and dehydration.
  • The Sugar Crash: Adding honey to your tea is recommended. Alcohol lowers blood sugar, causing fatigue; honey provides a gentle glucose boost.

1. The Liver & Green Tea (EGCG)

Your liver works overtime to break down alcohol. Research in mice has shown that Green Tea supplementation can decrease the severity of alcohol-induced liver injury. The antioxidant EGCG helps scavenge the free radicals produced during this breakdown process.

However, it must be Green Tea (unoxidized). Black tea has fewer of these specific antioxidants. A warm cup of Sencha or Jasmine is ideal.

2. The Nausea Fix: Ginger vs. Peppermint

If your stomach is turning, avoid tannins (black tea) on an empty stomach, as they can cause nausea. Instead, reach for herbal tisanes.

Herb Mechanism Best For
Ginger Speeds up gastric emptying & blocks nausea receptors. Severe nausea, vomiting sensation.
Peppermint Relaxes stomach muscles (antispasmodic). Bloating, gas, cramps.

3. The Caffeine Debate: Tea vs. Coffee

Coffee is the traditional hangover cure, but it's risky. Coffee is highly acidic (bad for the stomach) and can cause anxiety ("the jitters") which worsens "hangxiety."

Tea is superior because:
1. It has less caffeine (enough to help a headache, not enough to cause shakes).
2. It contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and counteracts the jittery effects of caffeine.

Expert Recipe: "The Morning After Rescue"

Combine the benefits: Brew 1 bag of Green Tea with 3 slices of Fresh Ginger. Stir in 1 tsp of Honey and a squeeze of Lemon.
Why? Green tea detoxes, ginger settles the stomach, honey fixes blood sugar, and lemon adds Vitamin C.

Need a quick fix?

We've reviewed the best pre-blended teas for hangovers, including high-strength ginger blends and electrolyte-rich fruit teas. See our Top 5 Hangover Teas →

Related Learning

Want to know more? Dive deeper with these expert guides from our Learning Hub.

Ginger Tea: The Science of Digestion

Tea & Caffeine: How it Differs from Coffee

The Green Tea Hub: All About EGCG