Salted cucumber juice, a glass of heavy cream, and pickled sheep's eye with tomato juice are among the tried-and-not-necessarily-true hangover cures practiced worldwide.

Thankfully, since research shows that light-to-moderate drinkers average 10 hangovers a year, there are some scientifically proven and less foul remedies. Jeffrey G. Wiese, M.D., a professor at the Tulane University School of Medicine, in New Orleans, treats a hangover like the flu. "Alcohol dehydrates you," he says. He suggests tackling the dehydration by doubling your liquid intake, preferably with an electrolyte-enhanced sports drink.

And if you're not feeling queasy, take aspirin (but not acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which might cause liver or stomach problems if taken after drinking). Sant Singh, M.D., a professor at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, in Chicago, recommends glucose-packed fruit juices or sodium-rich tomato juice. "But if you have the luxury," Wiese says, "your best bet is to go back to bed."