Neither the extreme heat of the Paraguayan summer nor the endless end of year toasts show any mercy. Yet, among the corridors of Mercado 4 and the wisdom of Guaraní ancestors, a green army of herbs, or “yuyos”, endures, capable of reviving anyone. This is the definitive guide to beating hangovers, and post-karu vai (improper eating) discomfort.
In Paraguay, the party does not end when the lights go out, but when the first sip of tereré pantano touches the palate the following morning. The phenomenon of hangover (ka’u ko’ẽ) and heartburn (py’a raku) are almost inevitable companions of our celebrations, but the solution is not always found at the pharmacy. Often, it lies in the roots.
The “Yorador”: The blessed cocktail of the Guaraní people
Within the tradition of the Paseo de los Yuyos in Mercado 4, the key principle is balance. The popular term yorador (derived from the Spanish llorador and adapted into Guaraní, Paraguay’s official language other than Spanish, to describe that which releases or alleviates discomfort) refers to a blend of diuretic herbs used to cleanse the liver and kidneys.
The main components of this mixture are Licorice weed (typycha kuratû) and Ironweed (jagua ra’yi), plants traditionally recognised for their powerful purifying properties. These herbs are believed to support the elimination of alcohol through increased urination. Horsetail and sarsaparilla are also commonly added, valued for their ability to reduce fluid retention and help the body eliminate toxins. The ultimate mix to beat your hangover!
Indigestion or heaviness? The stomach First Aid kit
If the problem was not the drink but the excess of sopa paraguaya, asado, or the ever present clericó, the body calls for digestive relief. In such cases, the Paraguayan herbal tradition offers:
- Burrito mint and Wormwood: The infallible combination for heaviness. Wormwood is bitter, but its effectiveness in “cleansing” the stomach is legendary.
- Fennel: Ideal for those seeking something lighter and more refreshing.
- Boldo (Jaguarete Ka’a): The king of difficult digestions. It is recommended to crush it well and pour it into hot or cold water.
Key fact: Experts recommend not mixing more than three types of yuyos in tereré. The excessive use of diuretic plants, combined with heat, could result in greater dehydration.
Beyond the yuyos: The “rescue diet”
Science and local medicine also contribute their share. If the stomach is too sensitive for mate or tereré, there are kitchen allies that can speed up recovery:
- Banana and mango: Fruits rich in potassium and natural sugars that help replenish lost electrolytes and metabolise alcohol more quickly.
- Tomato juice: Its high fructose content helps the body burn alcohol.
- The power of ginger: Ideal for combating nausea and dizziness. It can be consumed in cold or hot infusions.
- Coconut water or sports drinks: Essential for rebalancing mineral salts.
Golden recommendations
So that the remedy does not become worse than the illness, vendors from Mercado 4 and health professionals agree on three golden rules:
- Be careful with ice: Do not overuse ice in tereré; thermal shock can cause harmful “internal heat”.
- Avoid paracetamol: If you have a headache, choose ibuprofen. Paracetamol is processed in the liver, which is already working at full capacity to eliminate alcohol.
- Classic yerba: For the yuyos to be effective, use traditional yerba mate without added compounds, so flavours and properties are not overloaded.
In Paraguay, Pohã Ñana Day (1 August) is not just a date on the calendar. It is recognition of a culture that has made nature its personal pharmacy. So, before surrendering to the pillow, remember that on some corner of your neighbourhood, a bundle of fresh yuyos is waiting to bring you back to life.
