What Are IV Drips & How Do They Work?
Have you ever tried an IV drip? Intravenous drip therapy, (or IV drip for short), is a wellness treatment that delivers a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into your bloodstream through a small tube inserted into a vein. IV drips are a firm favourite among celebrities like Rihanna, Adele, Madonna and Justin Bieber because of their quick, effective results in everything from boosting energy levels to tackling brain fog.
But how do IV drips work? And what kind of drips are there? If you're curious about IV drip therapy, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
What makes IV drips so effective?
The main benefit to IV drips is that they get to work – fast. Unlike oral vitamins that have to be absorbed in the stomach and transformed into usable forms by the liver, IV drips bypass your digestive system, meaning they’re much more effective than a multivitamin!
Whilst oral supplements only offer a 20-50% absorption rate, IV therapy boosts that figure up to 90-100%. And given that research shows that 90% of people are nutrient deficient, (despite half of these people are already taking a multivitamin), IV therapy is by far the most efficient way to fix energy levels, improve hydration, immune support, and more.
What can IV drips be used for?
IV drip therapy is different for everyone, but drips are most commonly used to:
Boost immune health (particular if you travel regularly or have young children)
Treat nutrient deficiencies
Improve energy levels
Reduce brain fog and increase cognitive function
Strengthen hair, nails, skin, and eyes
Improve athletic performance (or as part of a recovery plan after a competition or workout)
Support muscle recovery or maintain healthy muscle and tissue
Relieve hangover and jet lag symptoms
Support healthy weight loss
What ingredients go into an IV Drip?
The ingredients in your IV drip will depend entirely on your personalised treatment plan that you’ll decide on with your practitioner before you begin. At Aura Wellness, we tailor each IV drip to suit your individual needs and wellness goals. Some of the most common nutrients used in our drips include:
Vitamin C – for immune support and skin health
B vitamins – to boost energy and brain function (Fun fact: Madonna has long been a fan of B12 injections to boost her energy levels!)
Magnesium – for muscle recovery and stress relief
Glutathione – a powerful antioxidant for detoxification
Amino acids – to support performance and recovery
Electrolytes – to restore hydration and balance
Whether you're looking for a skin-brightening drip, immunity boost, or hangover recovery, our IV experts will help you choose the right blend.
Who Is An IV Drip For?
IV drips are increasingly popular among busy professionals, athletes, frequent travellers, and anyone needing a quick health and hydration boost. If you’re based in a city like London (as we are!), an IV drip is a great pick-me-up that can be booked in for short notice.
How Long Does an IV Drip Take?
IV therapy is relatively quick and convenient. Most IV drips take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of treatment and your unique needs. You’ll be comfortably seated in our calming clinic environment, so you won’t even notice the time passing. Many of our clients use the time to relax, listen to music, or just have a chat!
How Long Do IV Drip Benefits Last?
As a rule of thumb, the IV drip formula will pass through your body within a few hours (and you may find you need to urinate more frequently than normal!). Some nutrients start to work immediately and last for a few hours (such as our fast-acting Hangover IV), while others can stay in your system for a number of weeks, depending on your wellness plan. We find many of our patients see the best results in the first few days after their drip, and we recommend coming back every few weeks for maximum efficiency.
Can You Get an IV Drip While Pregnant?
While IV therapy offers many benefits, we do not offer IV drips to pregnant women. Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy, and it’s important that any treatments or supplements are carefully coordinated with your midwife or obstetrician. Patient safety is always our top priority.
Are IV Drips Safe?
Yes, when administered by trained professionals, IV drips are safe for most healthy adults. All our Aura Wellness practitioners are fully qualified, and every treatment is carried out in our controlled London clinic using high-quality ingredients. We’ll always take a full medical history to ensure that IV therapy is right for you, and you’re welcome to ask questions at any time.
Why Choose Aura Wellness for your London IV Drip?
Aura Wellness is one of the UK’s trusted destinations for IV therapy. We specialise in:
Customised treatment plans based on your health goals
High-quality, pharmaceutical-grade nutrients
Experienced staff trained in IV administration
A welcoming, relaxing environment in our Hounslow-based clinic
Whether you’re dealing with burnout, looking to improve your skin, or need recovery support after a big event, we’ve got an IV drip for you. Book your FREE consultation online today or come and visit our clinic, and let’s create a treatment plan that helps you feel your best – inside and out.
