What is the "Hair of the dog" anyways?

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I have always wondered what people meant when they said "Hair of the dog". I know it means to have some alcohol the day after you drink way too much but I was wondering where this colloquial expression came from. I read that it originally referred to a method of treatment of a rabid dog bite by placing hair from the dog in the wound caused from the bite! Can you imagine putting a rabid dog's hair into the wound after it bit you? Wow! But in reading about this I guess there really is scientific theories backing up the "Hair of the Dog" saying. It seems to work this way: basically a hangover is the first stage of alcohol withdrawal and this is alleviated by further consumption of alcohol. So basically the “hair of the dog” works as a temporary relief from alcohol withdrawal rather than a cure. But now I understand the history of this expressive saying and why it actually does seem to work for some people. Have a great day and happy myLotting!!!