Popping pills

ASPIRIN

HOW DOES IT WORK? An anti-inflammatory drug, in the same category as Ibuprofen.

BEST FOR TREATING: Effective for treating headaches. If you've drunk too much and have acid indigestion, aspirin wouldn't be good for treating these symptoms.

WHO SHOULD AVOID IT? Patients taking Warfarin, those with a history of a stomach ulcer and children under 16.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Indigestion-like symptoms are the most common

potential side effect. Always take aspirin after eating food.

IBUPROFEN

HOW DOES IT WORK? An anti-inflammatory and a pain reliever.

BEST FOR TREATING: Will treat a headache but not the wisest medicine to take if you have indigestion. Also good for aches and pains in the joints and if you've fallen over and hurt yourself.

WHO SHOULD AVOID IT? Same category as aspirin but ibuprofen is suitable for children.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Similar to aspirin, though less likely to damage the stomach if used short-term.

PARACETAMOL

HOW DOES IT WORK? A highly effective pain reliever. The maximum dose you can take in 24 hours is 1,000mg - two tablets, four times a day.

BEST FOR TREATING: Good for headaches, joint aches and temperatures. Some people find it doesn't work very well for them but, if it does, taken at the correct dose it's probably the best over-the-counter drug for hangovers.

WHO SHOULD AVOID IT? People with liver disease.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Only if taken in overdose, which can cause serious liver damage.

Alternative approach

Popping pain-relieving pills may not always be the best medicine for your hangover.

HEAD MASSAGE

HOW DOES IT WORK? The therapist gently massages the scalp and neck with strokes ranging from soft to brisk.

BEST FOR TREATING: Tight scalps, tension and neck ache.

PROS AND CONS: Not advisable if you've got a banging hangover headache but helpful for a dull headache. Wonderfully relaxing.

HERBAL TREATMENTS

HOW DOES IT WORK? Uses extracts from healing plants.

BEST FOR TREATING: Peppermint and chamomile are good for sensitive

stomachs while artichoke and feverfew are ideal for hangover headaches. Lavender oil is also soothing - add two to three drops to a carrier oil and massage into the temples or neck. Evening Primrose Oil contains essential fatty acids to keep cells strong and healthy, which could help prevent the need for a big fry-up the following morning!

PROS AND CONS: Herbal medicine can take a while to take effect, so it may not be suitable for instant relief of hangovers. Always check with a qualified medical practitioner before taking herbal supplements, especially if you are on other medication.

REFLEXOLOGY

HOW DOES IT WORK? The therapist applies controlled pressure to certain points on the feet.

BEST FOR TREATING: A variety of conditions, but especially hangovers, as it stimulates circulation and helps to eliminate toxins.

PROS AND CONS: Fantastic for clearing toxins and balancing the body, also very relaxing. Some people can feel nauseous during treatment depending on their level of sensitivity and what is being cleared.

ACUPUNCTURE

HOW DOES IT WORK? The therapist applies needles to points throughout the body to clear blocked energy.

BEST FOR TREATING: A variety of conditions.

PROS AND CONS: It may not be suitable for pregnant women, but a therapist could advise you - different types of acupuncture have different techniques. Fantastic for pain relief but, again, some people can feel nauseous and a little dizzy.

TREAT YOURSELF

Cynara Artichoke supplement, available from pharmacies and health food stores, contains extract of dried artichoke leaves, which stimulates the liver to help break down and eliminating fatty foods and alcohol from the body.

Hellish hangovers

* Drink plenty of fluid to counteract the dehydrating effect of alcohol; aim to drink twice as much water as alcohol.

* Eat something sugary to counteract the alcohol's blood-sugar lowering effect.

* Choose your favourite pain relief but beware of the

stomach-irritating effects of aspirin.

* Take an indigestion remedy, which contains an alginate - a compound which forms a protective layer over your irritated stomach lining (ask your pharmacist). Vitamin C may help.