Surviving Christmas

Now that it is December the run-up to Christmas tends to present us with many invitations to a range of social events and that inevitably includes Christmas goodies such as mince pies, sausage rolls, wine etc.

By all means have a great time at any social events you attend but if you do tend to be a little bit susceptible to the ill effects of all this rich food and wine you could help yourself by adding a few homeopathic remedies to your home first aid kit.

Aconite

The remedy to think of when there is a sudden onset of a cough or cold or earache after being out in cold, dry winds.   The person needing this remedy would feel very anxious, nervous, restless and fearful.  The fear can present itself as nightmares and bad dreams interrupting sleep.

Arsen Alb

Should there be any unfortunate incidents of food poisoning this remedy is very helpful when sickness and diarrhoea are revenant.   It can also help with acid reflux.   The person who would find benefit from this remedy is one who is fearful, anxious and restless and fastidious about disorder, dirt and germs.

Bryonia

Dryness is the keynote of this remedy, harsh dry hacking cough that makes you want to hold your sides when coughing and the cough is worse when going into a warm room.   Because your mouth, tongue and throat feel so dry it makes you want to drink large quantities of water.     Constipation is also another feature as is irritability.   Feels better when being left alone.

Ferrum Phos

This remedy to turn to when you have the onset of a sort throat or cold and feel that your energy is lacking but do not feel as lethargic as the Gelsemium picture and your symptoms tend to be worse at night and in the early hours of the morning.  Hoarseness from overstraining the voice.

Gelsemium

For when you are nervous about attending a social occasion or worried about how your Christmas meal will turn out and as a result get butterflies in your tummy that makes you keep running to the loo.   This remedy is also helpful for when you feel a cold is coming on, have a headache and flu-like symptoms and just want to close your eyes and sleep.

Ignatia

Whilst there may be many fun and enjoyable activities during the festive period, it can also be tinged with sadness if a member of the family is unable to attend due to being away from home through work, illness or if there has been a bereavement.  The person needing this will be tearful and emotional and feel as if they have a lump in their throat that they have difficulty swallowing over.

Lycopodium

The person who could benefit from this remedy is one that feels hungry but as soon as they start eating their appetite diminishes because they feel full very quickly.   It has been useful for other digestive upsets such as bloating, burping and flatulence.   Symptoms tend to be worse around 4-8pm.
This remedy is also useful for upcoming events when the person has an issue around confidence particularly if they are speaking in public yet they are very capable and once they start to present their topic they do very well.

Nat Mur

Think of this remedy when you get the sniffles, lots of sneezing and your nose runs like a tap.  The person who can benefit from this remedy doesn't like to show their emotions and in times of stress and upset and prefers to be left alone.

Nux Vomica

Often referred to at the 'hangover' remedy.   It is useful when you have had too much to eat or drink and feel that if only you could be sick you would feel better.   Lack of sleep and too much rich food could give rise to some constipation and this in turn makes you feel irritable and like a bear with a sore head.  Can be helpful for children who complain of tummy ache after they have been to birthday parties and have eaten too many sweets and chocolate.

Pulsatilla

People who have a craving for fatty foods that tend to disagree with them will find this remedy more useful than Nux Vomica.   It is a great remedy for children that become clingy and needy especially when you have a lot to do preparing the Christmas dinner and they are wanting to be by your side the whole time.  If you are travelling overseas this is a great remedy to have on hand for ears that go 'pop' when flying.

Homeopathic remedies can be purchased from local health shops and the instructions on the packet followed.   Homeopathic remedies are safe for all ages, non-toxic and non-addictive.

With very best wishes to you all for a Happy Christmas and I hope you all enjoy your festivities.

June Sayer D.Hom(Med) MARH, D.N.Th., D.Iridol
Homeopathy, CEASE therapist, Nutrition, Iridology, Reiki

The information on this webpage represents the views and opinion of the author, based on her clinical experience, and the traditions of Homeopathy. This material is provided for information only, and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Always consult with a suitably qualified and registered Homeopath, or with a medical doctor for advice about the treatment they offer, especially in serious or life threatening medical conditions, or if you are already taking medical drugs. 

References: Nature's Materia Medica, 3rd Edition, Robin Murphy.