Hangovers: The iVillage guide to the morning after

Before lunch
Do you wake up with a hangover and reach for the vodka? If so, you're one of many subscribers to the 'hair of the dog' principle - the alcoholic equivalent of hangover homeopathy. The theory is that a little of what's making you ill can help your body ease the pain.

This is, not surprisingly, a Scottish idea based on the now-forgotten practice of healing dog bites with hair pulled from the dog that bit you. The original theory may be complete nonsense, but plenty of you seem willing to put your faith in the alcoholic version.

'A good strong spicy Bloody Mary [link to come] is probably best of all,' says charlottecoleman, and many of you agree. 'Slush puppies are also good', recommends one anonymous iVillager, 'with vodka as an optional extra.'

Some of you have a bit more class - 'Full English breakfast and a glass of Buck's Fizz,' does it for iVillager yulandab. Others just seem insane - try philiprooke's morning-after cocktail of gin, Guinness, milk and orange juice.

True believers in the 'hair of the dog' theory know, of course, that there's only one way to avoid a hangover: carry on drinking. Some of you even believe that you can drink yourself sober. Good luck to you.