The Best Mexican Hangover Remedy

You’ve indulged in some tequila and you’re looking at a day of regret and terrible hangover. But have no fear! We are here to give you the best Mexican hangover remedy.

There are a lot of Mexican remedies for hangovers out there, but prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) is our favorite.

The Best Mexican Hangover Remedy

Prickly pear can help ease your hangover symptoms and allow you to bounce back faster. Let's dive into why prickly pear is the best Mexican hangover remedy.

But first, what is it?

What Is Prickly Pear Cactus?

Prickly pear cactus, also called nopal or opuntia ficus indica, is derived from the fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus. The prickly pear cactus is native to Mexico, but can now be found in other areas of the world as well, including the southwestern United States.

Prickly pear cactus grows in arid climates and in regions where drought is common. It’s often used as a natural fence to keep livestock contained because it’s hardy and requires little water.

The fruit of prickly pear cactus has been eaten for thousands of years in Mexico and used as traditional Mexican folk medicine -- where it become very popular as a Mexican hangover remedy.

Mexican Hangover Remedy: How Does Prickly Pear Work?

This Mexican hangover remedy is loaded with nutrients like vitamin C and magnesium that can help — or hinder — your hangover.

Here's prickly pear cactus hangover remedy key ingredients:¹

• Contains trace amounts of electrolytes (minerals) including calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium and zinc.
• High in potassium.
• A modest source of b vitamins for hangovers, including Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine).
• Superior source of Vitamin C, about 24% of daily value in 100 grams.
• High in antioxidants from betalain in the juice pulps.
• A source of other nutrients such as Vitamin A.

Loaded with so many nutrients in addition to the vitamins to prevent hangover, prickly pear cactus is used on a wide variety of health problems including high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, obesity, fatigue -- and of course as a hangover remedy.

Mexican Hangover Remedy: How Does Prickly Pear Help Hangovers?

Prickly pear has been used as a hangover remedy by indigenous peoples of Mexico for centuries. So how does this plant help you recover from a hangover? 

The benefits of prickly pear are not only limited to helping to protect your liver from alcohol; it has also been shown to reduce inflammation when taken after you've had too much to drink, as well as reduce post-drinking hangover symptoms like nausea, headaches, sensitivity to light and dehydration.

Here's how science proves prickly pear helps hangovers:

• A study found that a severe hangover was reduced by about half when participants used prickly pear (opuntia ficus indica).²
  
  
• Symptoms a hangover are mainly due to the body's inflammatory response. Prickly pear plant extract has an effect on diminishing hangover symptoms by blocking the production of inflammatory mediators.²
  
  
• The study found that prickly pear might be effective in preventing hangovers and protecting the liver from alcohol toxicity due to its anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties.³ 
  
  
• Prickly Pear possesses the ability to hunt down free radicals or boost the antioxidants activities, which helps prevent alcohol-induced liver injury.³

You see, prickly pear cactus fruit not only makes good food or smoothies, but also makes for one of the best Mexican hangovers remedies there is with the many prickly pear benefits.

The prickly pear also has anti-inflammatory properties. When you have a hangover, your body is in an inflamed state. The anti-inflammatory effects of prickly pear can help your body recover faster from inflammation caused by drinking too much alcohol. 

Prickly pear cactus contains betalains, which are antioxidants that can also help your liver. 

Lastly, prickly pear contains electrolytes that help hydrate your body after you’ve had too many drinks. These electrolytes are similar to those found in sports drinks like Gatorade and Pedialyte that some use for hangovers, but the prickly pear contains them all naturally as a much more healthier alternative.

Conclusion on the Mexican Hangover Remedy

If you’re looking for a healthy and effective hangover cure, prickly pear is the right choice. This plant has been used as a healing agent and hangover remedy in Mexico for centuries, and it’s finally gaining attention in the United States for its proven health benefits. With its numerous benefits and scientific research to back it, prickly pear (opuntia ficus indica) makes the best Mexican hangover remedy.

Want to supplement prickly pear? Try Zaca's chewables that are loaded with prickly pear!

SOURCES:

1. Health benefits of Prickly pear (opuntia)
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/prickly-pear.html
2. Effect of Opuntia ficus indica on symptoms of the alcohol hangover
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15226168/
3. Evaluation of Opuntia ficus indica f. inermis fruit juice hepatoprotective effect upon ethanol toxicity in rats
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23047946/

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