EXCESSIVE RELIEF
CLASSIC ~ SIMPLE ~ EXTRA STRENGTH ~ UPSET STOMACH ~ HANGOVER
“Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is!” Raise your hand if you remember that jingle. Touted as the answer to headaches, body pains, stomach upset, and a little too much party, that long established product has been in medicine cabinets for over 90 years. It’s a great antidote but sometimes there isn’t any on hand and sadly, certain versions have additives that may be disagreeable for those with dietary considerations. Happily, the ingredients for these formulas can be found in your pantry and first aid arsenal and are adjustable to suit your needs. Whipping up a glass takes no time and doesn’t require a trip to the local drug store when you’re feeling punk.
Variations are provided to suit preferences. It is important to read this site’s disclaimers page before continuing. With each of the products, including aspirin, heed manufacturer’s warnings and follow their guidelines for dosing. Take caution if you have any chronic conditions such as kidney disease, a special diet, are pregnant or nursing, or take other medications and always, always, consult your trusted health care provider for guidance prior to use of any homemade remedies, including the ones outlined here.
Yield: 1 serving per recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: N/A
Skill level: Easy
Directions for each preparation is the same: Put all ingredients in a glass, gently stir until dissolved, and drink (don’t guzzle) immediately.
CLASSIC “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” INGREDIENTS
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA
¼ teaspoon CITRIC ACID (aka “sour salt”)
325 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
CLASSIC “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” INGREDIENTS – VARIATION
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA
¼ teaspoon ASCORBIC ACID
1 Tablespoon LEMON JUICE or 1/5 teaspoon LEMON POWDER
325 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
SIMPLE “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” INGREDIENTS
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA or 1/2 teaspoon TRI-SALTS
325 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
4 oz. MINERAL WATER
Consider taking a quality Vitamin C supplement alongside this preparation.
EXTRA STRENGTH “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” INGREDIENTS
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA
¼ teaspoon CITRIC ACID (aka “sour salt”)
500 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
EXTRA STRENGTH “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” - VARIATION
¼ teaspoon ASCORBIC ACID
1 Tablespoon LEMON JUICE or 1/5 teaspoon LEMON POWDER
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA
500 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
UPSET STOMACH (no pain reliever) “EXCESSIVE RELIEF”
1/2 teaspoon TRI-SALTS
¼ teaspoon CITRIC ACID (aka “sour salt”)
1/4 teaspoon BAKING SODA
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
UPSET STOMACH (no pain reliever) “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” - VARIATION
1/2 teaspoon TRI-SALTS
1 Tablespoon LEMON JUICE or 1/5 teaspoon LEMON POWDER
1/8 teaspoon ASCORBIC ACID, optional
1/4 teaspoon BAKING SODA
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
HANGOVER “EXCESSIVE RELIEF”
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA
¼ teaspoon CITRIC ACID (aka “sour salt”)
500 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
65 milligrams CAFFEINE POWDER
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
HANGOVER “EXCESSIVE RELIEF” - VARIATION
¼ teaspoon ASCORBIC ACID
1 Tablespoon LEMON JUICE or 1/5 teaspoon LEMON POWDER
½ teaspoon BAKING SODA
500 milligrams ASPIRIN POWDER or non-enteric coated, plain aspirin tablet, crushed
65 milligrams CAFFEINE POWDER
4 oz. FILTERED WATER
USE CASE
This preparation may help to alleviate symptoms as referenced in each recipe. Do not exceed manufacturer’s recommended dosages of aspirin or caffeine. In general, 1 dose/recipe 1-2 times a day typically addresses concerns. Check with a trusted health care professional for dosing guidance including any drug interactions or contraindications.
In general, these preparations are useful when suffering from headache, body ache, stomach upset, colds, some flus, and/or over indulgence of foods/beverages.
NOTES/VARIATIONS
Make sure if you are using Citric Acid (“sour salt”), that it is of the highest quality and sourced from citrus, not from mold. See this paper for more information.
If you are highly sensitive to baking soda (usually the sodium), try using Tri Salts in its place.
Add flavor to these preparations with pure fruit powders such as cherry, lemon, lime, or orange.
Make extra and store the dry ingredients in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. Mark clearly and keep in a cool, dry place.
If you only have prepared aspirin (in tablet form) and you don’t want to crush it to add to the mixture, it can be taken separately however, it may take a little longer to notice its effects.
Using mineral water, such as San Pellegrino, Perrier, or other sparkling water, will give extra fix and for some, is added relief. Flavored versions may also be substituted - just do so in a taller glass, slowly and gradually, as the mixture will bubble up.
Any of the Excessive Relief recipes may cause or exacerbate belching, gas, or a change in stools. This is temporary. Gentle stretches, walking, and rocking in a rocking chair will help to move or dissipate any trapped gas.
While it’s true you can adjust the ingredients according to your needs and preferences, take care not to exceed manufacturer’s directions (such as in the case of aspirin or caffeine) or ignore common sense. Even things that are “good for you” or seem harmless, in an overabundance, can create issues. For example, ingesting too much baking soda can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, dehydration, and kidney failure.
These preparations should be used sparingly. If you find that your concerns are not abating, it is important you speak with your trusted health practitioner.
CREDITS/REFERENCES
Thumbnail photo credit: www.stylecraze.com
I remember my great-grandmother taking a glass of something like this! I created these recipes based off of research and experience. I hope they are helpful!