Japanese Hangover Cures: 8 Common Remedies
After a big night out, the next day isn’t always the most fun, particularly for those who’ve had one too many to drink. The exact scientific cause for hangovers still isn’t known, but researchers suspect it’s due to a combination of dehydration, inflammation, and a buildup of the chemical acetaldehyde in the body as it processes out the alcohol.
Whatever the cause, hangover remedies exist in almost every society, from nourishing soups to greasy fried foods. As a society where drinking with friends and coworkers is a big part of people’s social and professional lives, Japan has plenty of hangover cures to help people recover from a night out. Here’s a guide to the most common Japanese hangover cures.
How to Cure a Hangover When You’re in Japan
Umeboshi
Many people in Japan believe that eating umeboshi, a pickled plum, can help with the effects of a hangover. Umeboshi contains enzymes, organic acids, and healthy bacteria from the fermentation process. It’s also believed to be good for treating fatigue. So the next time you’re feeling hungover, why not reach for a pickled plum? If you find umeboshi too sour to eat alone, try eating this hailed hangover remedy with a bowl of rice or thin rice porridge.
Ochazuke
The ultimate Japanese comfort food—and popular Japanese hangover cure—ochazuke is made by pouring hot green tea or broth over a bowl of rice and assorted toppings. It’s gentle on the stomach, which makes this dish especially appetizing if your stomach is feeling weak after drinking. Make it at home with whatever you’ve got in the pantry, or head to an ochazuke specialty restaurant.
Miso
Miso soup is not only delicious, it’s also a revitalizing broth that is a Japanese folk remedy for hangovers. As a fermented food, miso soybean paste is full of nutrients, enzymes, and probiotic cultures. It’s easy to make from dry instant miso soup mix, but if you can mix together some miso soup from actual miso paste, you’ll be able to take advantage of helpful bacteria that can aid your stomach in recovering from a heavy night of drinking.
Shijimi (Clams)
Shijimi are freshwater clams, which contain a number of amino acids and minerals to fight off the effects of a hangover. They’re a natural source of taurine, which research suggests may help to reverse liver damage. You can try adding shijimi clams to your miso soup, or you may even be able to spot cans of shijimi broth in some vending machines in Japan. If you’re wondering how to cure a hangover, this unique remedy might be it!
Persimmons
Persimmons, known as “kaki” in Japan, are full of healthy vitamins and nutrients that may be beneficial as a hangover remedy. They're rich in potassium, which gets depleted from the body when consuming alcohol, and they contain an enzyme called “catalase”, which studies have shown to be useful in helping rid the body of acetaldehyde. Japanese persimmons are in season from late autumn to mid-winter, which makes them perfect for recovering from holiday revelries.
Pocari Sweat
Pocari Sweat is a useful way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes after a night of drinking, making it one of the most popular Japanese hangover cures. While the amount of electrolytes lost from drinking alcohol are pretty negligible compared to those lost during exercise, Pocari Sweat is designed to be more easily absorbed by the body than just plain water, which can help get you feeling back to normal more quickly.
Green Tea
Japanese green tea is not only good for you, but it may also be an effective at treating the symptoms of a hangover. In addition to providing your body with much-needed hydration, green tea is full of antioxidants, which can help your liver recover, and also contains a small amount of caffeine, which can help relieve headaches and perk you up if you’re feeling sluggish.
Ukon no Chikara
“Ukon no Chikara” is a turmeric-based commercial hangover remedy sold at convenience stores and drug stores in Japan. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which are supposed to be particularly good at supporting liver function. Ukon no Chikara comes in a small glass bottle and is meant to be drunk prior to consuming alcohol in order to prevent a hangover, but if you’ve missed your window, it may also be consumed after a night out to help alleviate the negative effects.
Japanese Hangover Remedies Offer a Range of Minerals and Health-Promoting Properties to Help You Feel “Genki” Again
Of course, the only scientifically proven way to prevent a hangover is by not drinking alcohol, or limiting your intake. But if you find yourself suffering from the effects of one too many drinks, these Japanese remedies may help to alleviate the symptoms—and some of them are pretty delicious!
