You might be surprised to find out that hangovers are not caused by dehydration. Hydration is always a major health factor even when not drinking, but it won’t cure a hangover, as we are about to learn.

When you consume alcohol, the body breaks it down into smaller chemicals until all byproducts are eliminated completely. However, one of these chemicals is called acetaldehyde and is more toxic than alcohol itself. As acetaldehyde builds and circulates in your body, it starts to affect major organs and causes headache, nausea, and fatigue.

In addition, alcohol attaches to the GABA receptors in your brain, causing it to think there is more GABA present than usual, so it stops producing it. Because of this reaction, you experience a rebound effect that causes anxiety, difficulty sleeping and trouble concentrating.

In summary, hangovers are not caused by simple dehydration, but the chemical reactions in our body when alcohol is present. The symptoms start when your blood alcohol levels start to fall, and peak when it reaches zero - which is usually right around the time you wake up in the morning. Fun.

Dihydromyricetin (or DHM) is a flavonoid (natural compound) derived from sources like Japanese Vine Tea, and has been used for centuries as an anti-alcohol remedy in Eastern Asian traditional medicine. It was rediscovered by the scientific community in 2012 and since then, more than 7,500 articles on DHM have been published in academic journals.

Silymarin is another flavonoid, extracted from Milk Thistle, and known for its potential benefits in managing liver diseases, particularly those related to alcohol consumption.

Salicin is a naturally occurring compound found in plants such as willow bark and is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Historical evidence indicates the use of white willow bark for aches and pains dating back to the ancient Egyptians and the Greek physician Hippocrates. 

In the liver, alcohol is broken down with the help of enzymes ADH & ALDH. These enzymes can only clear so much alcohol from the blood (about 1 drink per hour) and they lose their effectiveness as we age. DHM enhances these enzymes to help you metabolize alcohol quicker and reduce the duration and severity of hangovers the next day.

In the brain, DHM binds to the same receptors (GABAa) that alcohol binds to, thus, reducing the withdrawal that your receptors face when you’re feeling the effects of alcohol. It’s most effective when taken at peak blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Additionally, DHM has shown potential benefits in protecting the liver from damage caused by alcohol. This hepatoprotective effect is attributed to its ability to increase the production of antioxidants and stimulate liver cell regeneration.

DHM has generally been shown to be safe, even in large doses, with little to no side effects. As with anything, everybody is different and you should stop taking it if you have adverse reactions. Also note that DHM acts on the GABA receptors. If you are suffering from a condition that affects your GABA production, uptake, or other related neurobiology — or are taking medication or supplements that affect the GABAgenic system — please speak to a doctor before taking any DHM supplement.