Holistic survival guide for the festive season

The lead up to the festive period is a busy time for everyone and over indulgence in food and drink during the festive season is all part of the fun – but it can take its toll on our bodies and leave us feeling bloated and unwell.

We need to look at the festive season and plan ahead.

Alongside the mince pies and yule logs, I make sure my cupboard is well stocked with homeopathic medicines to help my family through the ailments of the season.

A particular favourite with patients, is the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica, which many people use to help with the symptoms of a hangover.

I often say: “Different remedies help with different sets of symptoms. In homeopathy, we treat according to the individual symptoms of the patient and how if effects them, rather than based on the named condition. Patients usually come to a homeopath with a chronic illness, such as eczema, and because the treatment is individual, 10 people with eczema would usually be prescribed different remedies.

“Minor complaints and acute illnesses are more superficial and remedies can be used at home with good results. Nux vomica does help many people with hangover symptoms. While it’s important to lead a healthy lifestyle, it’s also good to let your hair down once in a while!”

Here are just a few remedies which might help you through the ailments of the festive period:

Nux vomica: this is known as “the hangover” remedy but can also be used for the general symptoms of over-indulgence. Symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, and nausea, a headache, sensitivity to noise and light, and irritability. Particularly suits “workaholics” who tend to burn the candle at both ends, keep going with coffee and feel the cold.

Arsenicum: this remedy comes into play when the symptoms are like that of food poisoning, with vomiting and diarrhoea, a pale palour and anxiety. Symptoms are worse at night, with burning in the digestive tract and a desire to sip water. It suits restless people who worry, need to plan ahead and feel the cold.

Sulphur: symptoms include offensive diarrhoea which drives the patient from bed in the morning, excessive sweating, and burning feet. Suits stubborn proud people who are always hot, and crave sugar and spicy food.

Lycopodium: symptoms include bloating with wind, a huge appetite, and waking as if from a fright. There is heartburn with sour burping. Suits fearful people lacking in confidence, especially in new things, but can be bragging and assertive at home.

Arnica: this is a great remedy to help with bruising and that “battered” feeling you get after Christmas shopping or bargain hunting in the January sales.

If you would like further advice on when you can treat at home, and when you should seek professional

help, please get in touch by phone or email.

07773 983739

hlee031266@gmail.com