Holi Hangover? Here’s Your Plant-Based Fix

Holi is one of India’s most vibrant festivals, filled with colours, sweets, bhang thandai, and hours under the sun. What follows the next morning is often less festive. Headaches, nausea, fatigue, bloating, and dehydrated skin are common after a day of celebration.

The good news? A plant-based recovery approach can help you rehydrate, restore energy, calm your stomach, and bring your skin back to life, naturally.

What Causes a Holi Hangover?

A Holi hangover is the result of multiple stressors hitting your body at the same time. Knowing what causes the symptoms can help you address them effectively.

Dehydration From Sun Exposure and Bhang

Hours of outdoor play under the sun, combined with bhang-laced drinks like thandai or lassi, lead to significant fluid loss. Bhang, prepared from cannabis leaves, has mild diuretic properties. Alcohol consumption during Holi festivities adds to the dehydration.

Digestive Overload

Holi celebrations come with fried snacks, sweets, and heavy meals. Pakoras, gujiyas, and rich mithai strain your digestive system. When paired with bhang or alcohol, bloating, nausea, and indigestion are almost inevitable.

Skin Damage From Colours and Chemicals

Many Holi colours contain synthetic dyes that strip moisture from skin, clog pores, and cause irritation. Even after washing off, your skin may feel rough, dry, and sensitised.

Stress and Poor Sleep

Bhang can disrupt your natural sleep cycle, and the overstimulation from a long day of celebration may leave you tossing and turning. Poor sleep amplifies fatigue, brain fog, and irritability the next day.

How to Recover From a Holi Hangover Naturally

Plant-based recovery works because you address root causes, not just mask symptoms. Here are actionable steps to feel better fast.

Step 1: Rehydrate With Electrolytes and Fluids

Water alone is not always enough after heavy fluid loss. Pair plain water with coconut water, nimbu pani (without sugar), and electrolyte-rich beverages to restore balance. Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluids throughout the day. Adding a plant-based immunity supplement with Vitamin C and Zinc can further support your body’s recovery from oxidative stress.

Step 2: Soothe Your Stomach With ACV

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) with “the mother” is a well-known natural digestive aid. Acetic acid in ACV can help stimulate digestive juices, ease bloating, and support gut health after a heavy Holi feast. A convenient way to get your daily ACV is through apple cider vinegar effervescent tablets, which dissolve in water for a fizzy, enjoyable drink without the harsh taste of liquid vinegar.

Step 3: Eat Light, Nutrient-Dense Meals

Skip the greasy leftovers the morning after. Choose easy-to-digest, fibre-rich foods that support your body’s natural cleansing processes.

• Fresh fruits like watermelon, papaya, and oranges for hydration and Vitamin C
• Curd or buttermilk with a pinch of salt and roasted cumin for gut relief
• Khichdi or dal soup for gentle nourishment
• Ginger tea to ease nausea and calm inflammation

Step 4: Support Stress Recovery and Sleep

Bhang can elevate cortisol (your body’s primary stress hormone) and throw off your sleep patterns. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that ashwagandha root extract reduced serum cortisol levels by 27.9% in stressed adults over 60 days. Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties can help support relaxation and better sleep quality after the overstimulation of Holi.

An ashwagandha effervescent with KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Vitamin D3 can be a tasty way to unwind and support your body’s natural stress response.

Step 5: Repair Your Skin After Holi Colours

Your skin takes the biggest hit during Holi. Synthetic colours, sun exposure, and dehydration leave skin looking dull, irritated, and patchy. A gentle post-Holi skincare routine can make a big difference.

1. Cleanse with a mild, fruit-based face wash. A vitamin C cleanser with guava extracts and Pro Vitamin B5 helps remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
2. Apply a lightweight, hydrating serum. A vitamin C face serum with Hyaluronic Acid can help brighten dull, colour-stained skin and restore hydration for up to 72 hours.
3. Moisturise generously and apply sunscreen before stepping out.

Avoid scrubbing aggressively or using exfoliating acids on freshly irritated skin. Let your skin heal gently over 2 to 3 days before returning to active treatments.

Holi Hangover Recovery: What to Do and What to Avoid

A few simple guidelines can speed up your recovery.

What to Do

• Sip fluids consistently throughout the day, not just in one sitting
• Prioritise 8 hours of sleep the night after Holi
• Use gentle, plant-based skincare on sensitised skin
• Support your gut with apple cider vinegar supplements and probiotic-rich foods like curd
• Move gently with a short walk or light yoga

What to Avoid

• Coffee and caffeinated beverages, which worsen dehydration and interact poorly with bhang
• Alcohol the day after, as your body is already processing the previous day’s intake
• Heavy, fried, or spicy foods that add further stress to your digestive system
• Harsh scrubs or chemical peels on irritated, colour-damaged skin

Bounce Back, the Plant-Based Way

Recovering from a Holi hangover does not have to be complicated. With the right hydration, plant-based nutrition, gentle skincare, and rest, you can feel like yourself again in no time. Plix makes wellness easy and enjoyable, so you can get back to celebrating life on your own terms.

Take care, have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Holi hangover last?

A typical Holi hangover from bhang and sun exposure lasts 12 to 24 hours. Symptoms like fatigue and skin irritation may take 2 to 3 days to fully resolve, depending on how much bhang was consumed and your level of hydration.

Can apple cider vinegar help with bloating after Holi?

Yes. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may help stimulate digestive juices and relieve bloating. ACV effervescent tablets offer a convenient way to support digestion without the harsh taste of liquid vinegar.

What should I drink the morning after Holi?

Start with a glass of warm water with lemon. Follow up with coconut water, buttermilk, or herbal teas like ginger tea throughout the day. Avoid coffee and sugary drinks, as they can worsen dehydration.

How do I remove Holi colour stains from skin safely?

Avoid scrubbing with harsh soaps. Use a gentle, fruit-based cleanser and follow with a hydrating serum containing Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. Coconut oil applied before washing can help loosen stubborn colour stains without damaging your skin.

Does ashwagandha help with post-Holi fatigue?

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb known to support the body’s stress response and promote relaxation. Supplementation may help reduce cortisol levels and improve sleep quality, making it a useful addition to your post-Holi recovery routine.

Is bhang safe to consume during Holi?

Bhang, made from cannabis leaves, is legal in many parts of India during Holi. However, effects vary widely depending on dosage and individual tolerance. Pregnant women, people on medication, and those with heart conditions should avoid bhang. Always consume responsibly and stay hydrated.