Of course the best way to avoid a hangover is to drink less, but for those occasions when you wake up feeling ordinary, here are a few natural ways to cure, or at least reduce, the effects.

HYDRATION: Alcohol has a diuretic effect on the body, which leads to dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids and hydrating remedies will help replace the minerals and electrolytes lost as well as alkalise the body. Try drinking water with a pinch of natural salt which is rich in mineral electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium and sodium. Fresh coconut water is a great source of electrolytes. Broths made from bone stock contain a great source of electrolytes in the bones.

HEADACHE: Too much alcohol can create pounding headaches. Instead of painkillers, try using the herb rosemary. Traditionally known as an antioxidant, mild analgesic and circulatory stimulant, it is a soothing herb used to treat headaches. Add fresh rosemary to water to make a tea or try lavender which is traditionally used as a sedative, relaxing, antidepressant and antispasmodic herb. Put fresh lavender next to your bed or massage the essential oil into your temples.

NAUSEA: Calm your digestive system and relieve the feelings of nausea with natural remedies such as ginger root, a known digestive aid. Add fresh ginger to make a tea, or infuse in cold water. Peppermint leaf is also used as a calming, cooling and antispasmodic herb and the essential oils it contains may help provide relief of nausea. Add to your water or enjoy as a tea.

FATIGUE: Fight fatigue, increase energy levels and encourage wakefulness with the licorice root which is used as an adaptogen herb, which means it helps the body handle stress. It can be enjoyed in tea form to help boost energy levels. Fresh fruit can also fuel your body so grab season fruits such as watermelon, banana and pineapple. Fruit contains fructose, which will provide a natural energy kick and will rehydrate the body.

SLEEP: Excessive drinking places a lot of stress on the body and our health. If you can, allowing your body time to rest and sleep can be the best cure for a hangover.

Of course, abstinence or managing the amounts we drink and the time it takes us to consume alcohol are the best solution to avoid a hangover.