Holi 2019: Tips to get over the bhangover

Synonymous with the traditional thandai made with bhang, Holi is incomplete without some good-spirited fun. But Holi celebrations also have a flipside — the dreaded hangover.

It’s Holi day — a day to embrace change, shed the old and welcome the new. It is also a day for colours, water guns and loads of bingeing. Synonymous with the traditional thandai made with bhang (an extract made out of hemp leaves), Holi is incomplete without good-spirited fun. But for many Holi celebrations also have a flipside — the dreaded hangover. Too much of bhang may lead to nausea, dehydration and headache. “In Ayurveda, bhang has high spiritual values and is known for its medicinal wonders. But when overdosed, the same magic may drive you insane,” says Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Vinayak Abbot.

Have a happy and safe Holi. (Photo: Shutterstock)

How to go about it

Prepare your stomach by eating oily foods, advises nutritionist Kavita Devgan. “Eat oily and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as breads and potatoes so that it doesn’t go directly into the bloodstream,” she says. Liquids such as water, juice, milk and yogurt also help relieve the gut.

How to remove bhang from your system

There are broadly two ways to remove or curb the ill-effects of any food item that you have consumed — taking antidotes to counter it, or taking laxatives to flush it out. “For immediate effects, chew 2-3 guava leaves. Drinking lemon water also helps,” suggests Dr Abbot. “Take a multivitamin to help replenish vitamin B. Taking orange juice will provide you with electrolytes and keep you hydrated,” adds Devgan. In addition to this, try staying calm. “Taking deep breaths will help introduce more oxygen into your system, which will help calm your nervous system,” adds Abbot.

Bhang should not be consumed on an empty stomach as then it has a possibility of entering the bloodstream faster. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Quick fix recipes to get rid of a bhangover

Nutritionist Kavita Devgan and Dr Vinayak Abbot share some easy-to-make fixes :

•Take 200 gm of guava leaves, wash them and boil in 5l of water till it reduces to half. A single glass of this decoction will help you get rid of the side effects of bhang.

•Blend 100ml carrot juice with 50ml celery juice and 10ml each beet juice and parsley juice. It doesn’t just rehydrate you; it stimulates your liver too.

•Blend one banana, 2tbsp honey, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup yoghurt , ¼tsp salt and a dash of jaiphal (nutmeg). This smoothie helps calm an upset stomach, restores blood sugar levels and rehydrates you.

•Add 5ml castor oil to a glass full of milk. Castor oil is a laxative and helps eliminate bhang from your body.

Interact with Etti Bali @TheBalinian