In Regency England, heavy drinking was a prevalent practice among the upper and middle classes. Hangover cures ranged from the bizarre to the seemingly effective. Let’s delve into the best methods to cure a hangover during this era.

Traditional hangover remedies

1. “Hair of the Dog”: This method involved consuming more alcohol to alleviate the effects of a hangover, a practice that had been around since the invention of alcohol.
2. Assorted remedies: From ground bird beaks and myrrh to raw eel and bitter almonds, the Regency era saw a variety of unusual remedies for hangovers, each with its own cultural or geographical origin.
3. Jeeves’ Bracer: P.G. Wodehouse’s famous fictional creation, Jeeves, recommended a bracer of Worcestershire sauce, raw egg, and pepper as a restorative after a late evening.
4. Prairie oyster: An American concoction consisting of tomato juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and a raw egg was also believed to be effective, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy.

Drinking culture in Regency England

1. Tumultuous era: The late Georgian period was marked by a culture of alcoholic excess, with drinking being a continual resort for men of affairs throughout their waking hours.
2. Drinking port: Port wine was the drink of choice, symbolizing patriotic duty and social autonomy for the Englishman, and it was heavily promoted as a product of Portugal.
3. Cataclysmic behavior: The Prince of Wales, later George IV, was notorious for his alcohol-fueled conduct, setting an example of excessive drinking and debauchery.

In Regency England, the best methods to cure a hangover were deeply intertwined with the prevalent drinking culture. From the unconventional remedies of the time to the societal acceptance of heavy drinking, the Regency era’s approach to hangover cures offers a fascinating glimpse into the habits and attitudes of the period.

By examining the traditional hangover remedies and the prevalent drinking culture in Regency England, we gain a deeper understanding of the era’s approach to alcohol and its aftereffects.