Between Hangovers, Mental Movies & Herbal Teas: How to Recover

You had a wild night. The music vibrated, and so did your heart – maybe you consumed MDMA, speed, ketamine, or just "too much of everything." The next morning brings a rude awakening: a racing heart, an inner void, irritability, insomnia, or that indefinable "hole" that pulls you down. Welcome to the comedown.

What sounds like the end of a trip is, for many, a distinct, unpleasant state – sometimes worse than the high itself.

But what exactly is a comedown? Why does it feel so bad? And more importantly: What really helps – without panic, with plenty of nature and self-care?

We shed light on this – with studies, practical knowledge, DIY recipes, and a trustworthy look at body & mind.

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What is a Comedown?

A comedown describes the phase after the effects of a psychoactive substance wear off, during which the body normalizes again – often accompanied by unpleasant side effects.

Depending on the drug, dosage, set & setting, and individual constitution, this state can last from a few hours to several days.

Typical symptoms:

• Fatigue & lack of motivation

• Irritability & depression

• Muscle tremors, jaw clenching

• Sleep problems

• Cravings or loss of appetite

• Anxiety

• Skin impurities (e.g., after speed or MDMA)

• Concentration difficulties

• Feeling of emptiness or emotional numbness

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Why do Comedowns happen at all?

The explanation is simple – but bitter:

1. Neurotransmitters are depleted

Drugs like MDMA, cocaine, or amphetamines trigger a massive release of dopamine, norepinephrine, or serotonin.

After the high, the stores are empty – and the body needs time to replenish them.

2. The body is stressed

Many substances increase pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. Your body has truly "worked hard" – and you'll feel it the next day.

3. Sleep deprivation & dehydration

You stayed up all night, ate little, sweated a lot? No wonder you feel like you've been run over.

4. Psychological imbalance

When the artificial high is over, a low follows. Especially if the consumption was emotionally charged (e.g., an intense conversation under MDMA), coming back to reality feels brutal.

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Which drugs cause comedowns?

Not every substance automatically leads to a comedown – but some are notorious:

Drug Comedown Risk Special Feature

MDMA/Ecstasy High "Midweek blues," emotional depth

Speed/Amphetamine High Insomnia, irritability

Cocaine Medium to High Craving, irritability

Ketamine Medium Depressive mood possible

LSD/Psilocybin Low More reflection than crash

Cannabis Low Only with extremely high consumption

Note: A comedown is not to be confused with withdrawal – it is acute and occurs after a single intake.

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Self-care instead of self-reproach: What you can do

A comedown is not a sign of weakness – but a signal from your body. And you can treat it with kindness.

1. Nutrition: Replenish stores

After the night, your body needs:

• Electrolytes (e.g., coconut water, broth)

• Complex carbohydrates (oats, sweet potato)

• Proteins (lentils, tofu, eggs)

• Micronutrients (especially vitamins B6, B12, C, magnesium, zinc)

Tryptophan-rich foods (banana, cashews, dates) help with serotonin production – important for mood and balance.

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2. Hydration: More than just water

Drink:

• Water with lemon

• Coconut water

• Herbal teas (lemon balm, valerian, fennel)

Avoid:

• Caffeine (don't push yourself even harder)

• Alcohol (additionally burdens the liver)

DIY Tip: A rehydration drink made from water, a pinch of salt, some honey, and lemon juice.

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3. Sleep: Less Netflix, more naps

Even if you might feel like you "can't come down" – create the conditions:

• Blackout curtains

• Lavender oil on the pillow

• CBD drops (0.5 – 1 ml)

• Gentle music or white noise

Study (2021): CBD can improve sleep quality and time to fall asleep – especially after substance use.

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4. Physical cleansing: Light detox

A hot bath with:

• Epsom salts (relaxes muscles)

• Lavender oil (calms nerves)

• Chamomile or hemp oil (soothes irritated skin)

Alternating showers, light stretching, or walks help activate the lymphatic system and promote elimination.

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DIY recipes for the day after

1. Anti-hangover smoothie

• 1 banana

• 1 tbsp cashew butter

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp maca

• 250 ml oat milk

• 1 date

Blend everything. Provides energy, supplies B vitamins, and tastes good too.

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2. Soothing lemon balm tea

• 1 tsp dried lemon balm

• 1 tsp fennel

• 1 tsp chamomile

• 300 ml hot water

Steep for 10 minutes, sweeten with honey. Ideal for inner restlessness.

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3. Face mask for comedown skin

If the mirror greets you with dull or impure skin:

• 1 tbsp healing clay

• 1 tsp hemp oil

• 2 drops tea tree oil

• 1 tsp chamomile tea

Mix, apply for 10 minutes, rinse. Has anti-inflammatory and clarifying effects.

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What you should avoid

• Further substances ("a joint will help..." → fallacy)

• Excessive brooding ("Why did I do that...")

• Social overstimulation (withdrawal is okay)

• Social media (sensory overload prolongs the low)

If you feel like you're slipping into a depressive mood: Talk to someone. Professional help is not a sign of weakness.

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Scientific studies on the topic of comedowns

• Parrott et al. (2007): MDMA often leads to mood swings after consumption, caused by serotonin deficiency.

• Curran et al. (2001): The more "empathetic" and intense the MDMA trip, the more pronounced the emotional hole afterward.

• Nutt et al. (2009): Sleep, fluids, and nutrients are crucial factors for recovery.

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Natural Cosmetics & Self-Care: Holistic Comedown Support

Those who love natural cosmetics know that care doesn't just start on the skin, but deep beneath it. And this is exactly where the comedown takes hold. Use it as an opportunity to re-center yourself.

Example routine:

1. Breakfast: Anti-hangover smoothie

2. Care: Healing clay mask, CBD serum, hemp oil massage

3. Relaxation: Bath with lemon balm & lavender

4. Retreat: Diffuser with orange & bergamot, journaling

5. Evening: Light tea, warm blanket, meditation

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The most common symptoms of a comedown

A comedown is not just a "hangover for the soul" – it can manifest in various ways. Typical symptoms include:

• Mental emptiness or emotional numbness ("I feel nothing")

• Mood lows up to depressive states

• Anxiety, paranoia, or guilt ("Why did I do that?")

• Irritability & insomnia

• Racing heart, sweating, or circulatory problems

• Physical exhaustion & body aches

• Loss of appetite or nausea

Important: A comedown is not the same as withdrawal. It occurs acutely, usually within 12–72 hours after consumption.

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Different substances – different comedowns

Not every substance brings the same comedown. Here is an overview of common active ingredients:

1. MDMA (Ecstasy)

The classic when it comes to emotional rollercoasters.

After the intense serotonin rush, a drastic lack of "happy hormones" often follows, leading to:

• depressive mood

• exhaustion

• sleep disturbances

• social withdrawal

Study (Parrott, 2006): MDMA affects serotonin levels for several days – the emotional low is real but reversible.

2. Amphetamines / Speed

Here, the physical low dominates – after hours of overstimulation, this often follows:

• absolute exhaustion

• trembling, muscle soreness

• irritability

• cravings or loss of appetite

3. Ketamine

As a dissociative anesthetic, ketamine brings less emotional emptiness, but often a cognitive down:

• feeling of "alienation"

• disorientation

• depressive moods

• cognitive slowing

4. Cocaine

The "crash" after the short, intense high is very pronounced for many:

• inner restlessness

• craving for more

• lack of drive

• nervousness

Fun Fact: The "Coca-Crash" isn't just named after coke – excessive coffee consumption can also trigger similar symptoms.

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What you can do during consumption to mitigate the comedown

Yes, you read that right – a good comedown starts beforehand. Those who pay attention to a few things during consumption protect themselves better:

1. Enough water, but not too much

Dehydration is classic with party drugs. At least 0.5 liters per hour – more with physical activity. But beware: No "waterloading," otherwise water intoxication (hyponatremia) threatens.

2. Don't forget electrolytes

Mineral water, coconut water, or electrolyte powder help keep mineral balance stable – especially sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

3. Vitamin C and Magnesium

These two helpers can help buffer the oxidative stress from substances before bed – especially with MDMA.

4. CBD or valerian before sleep

Many report that CBD oil, lavender, or valerian help with a gentle come-down without spiraling into another high.

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The role of nutrition in a comedown

Of course: Right after a party, you rarely feel like eating whole grains and kale. But now your body needs building blocks.

Top foods for comedowns:

• Oats & bananas: provide tryptophan, the precursor to serotonin

• Nuts & seeds: contain healthy fats and magnesium

• Dates & honey: provide quick energy without a sugar crash

• Fermented foods (kimchi, yogurt, kombucha): strengthen gut flora – important for mood & immune system

• Spinach & broccoli: full of B vitamins & folic acid

Tip: Even if you don't have an appetite – at least drink smoothies or broths to nourish your body.

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Medicinal plants & natural substances against the low

1. Ashwagandha

An adaptogenic herb from Ayurveda that regulates stress and can alleviate feelings of anxiety.

2. St. John's Wort

Has a mood-lifting effect – but beware: Only with regular use, not as an acute solution.

3. Lavender & Passionflower

Gently calm and promote sleep – ideal as a tea, oil, or bath additive.

4. Green Tea (L-Theanine)

Calms without making you tired. Perfect for the "jittery hole" many fall into after speed or coke.

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DIY recipe: Comedown tea for self-help

A gentle companion for the first few hours after the party:

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp passionflower herb

• 1 tsp lavender blossoms

• 1 tsp lemon balm

• 1 tsp chamomile

• ½ tsp fennel (for stomach problems)

• Optional: 3–5 drops of CBD oil in the drink

Preparation:

Pour 300 ml hot water over, steep for 10 minutes, strain, enjoy warm.

Helps with nervousness, digestion, inner restlessness and gets your day off to a better start.

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Natural cosmetics as self-care for a mental hangover

A comedown doesn't just affect the psyche – you can often see it too: dull complexion, swollen eyes, dry lips. Now is the perfect moment for a mindful skincare routine that is also balm for the soul.

Self-care ritual for the comedown morning:

1. Alternating showers: stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system

2. Hemp oil face mask: soothes reddened skin

3. Rose hydrosol: as a cooling spray for swollen eyes

4. Breathing exercise (4-7-8): 4 seconds in, hold 7, 8 out – acts like a reset

5. Journaling + herbal tea: Organize thoughts, reflect without guilt

Conclusion: The comedown is not an enemy – it is feedback

It's unpleasant, of course. But it also shows you:

• How your body reacts

• What you really need

• That self-care is more than just masks & massages – it's listening

Instead of judging yourself, treat yourself with kindness. Accept the experience, learn from it, regenerate – and come back more consciously next time.