Alternative’ remedies bring holistic fayre to the party season

While the festive season undoubtedly brings cheer and goodwill, the stocking fillers can often be the unwanted after effects of over-indulgence and too much partying.

While Kingston homeopath Shauna Wyldeck-Estrada offers advice on healthy living, she says it’s also important to have fun – with a little holistic help for the ailments that come after.

In a survey, an average of 19 per cent (just under a fifth) of the UK workforce admitted they had taken time off for a hangover-induced sickie (1). Shauna says: “A particular favourite with my patients is the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica, which many people use to help with the symptoms of a hangover. We all know it’s not healthy to drink too much alcohol, but from time to time, we do it anyway. Nux vomica works in most cases, no need to take time off work!”

She explained that homeopathic remedies are always prescribed according to a specific set of symptoms, and in most cases, different people will need different remedies for the same ailment, because their symptoms and how they experience them, will differ. But, she said, in the case of Nux vomica, it perfectly fits the symptoms of a hangover in most people.

For long standing or chronic ailments, it’s important to see a practitioner, but there are other homeopathic remedies which might help with minor symptoms of over indulgence over 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 people who tend to burn the candle at both ends, who 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, loss of colour in the face and anxiety. Could also be used when the diarrhoea is anxiety-induced, worse at night with burning in the stomach and a desire to sip water. It suits restless people who are fearful worriers, need to plan 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 people who need praise, worry about their health, can be peevish with lots of big ideas they find difficult to actualise. They 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 who don’t like undertaking new news. 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 last-minute Christmas shopping or bargain hunting in the January sales.

Notes to the editor:

Homeopathy: is a system of medicine which involves treating the individual with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form, with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing. Based on their specific symptoms, a homeopath will match the most appropriate medicine to each patient.

Evidence-based: It is often said that there is ‘no scientific evidence’ that homeopathy works. This is not the case. More research is desired, but there are already high-quality randomised clinical trials demonstrating that homeopathy is clinically effective beyond placebo. See www.homeopathy-soh-org/research for a summary.

Professional: The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe. Established in 1978, it has 1,400 registered members, who are fully insured and have agreed to practise and abide by a strict Code of Ethics & Practice.

 If you would like any more information on homeopathy or would like to make an appointment, please contact Kingston natural Health Centre on 02085498000

References:

1. Sickness Absence Survey 2007, by leading disability insurer Unum (http://www.unum.co.uk/Home/Corporate_Information/Press_Releases/2007/Hangovers_are_top_reason_for_spurious_sick_days.htm)