According to the Sickness Absence Survey, an average of 19 per cent of the UK workforce admitted they had taken time off for a hangover-induced sickie with half a million people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder in the dark winter months.

Homeopath Jill Roarty, from Thame Therapy Clinic in Upper High Street, said: "Homeopathic remedies trigger the body's natural system of healing and are selected based on a patient's experience of
their symptoms, rather than based on the named condition. For short-lived acute conditions, it's possible to use these remedies at home."
Here are just a few remedies which might help you through the downside of the festive period: Nux vomica: known by some patients as "the
hangover" remedy, Nux Vomica can also be used for the general symptoms of digestive overindulgence. Symptoms include nausea, headache, sensitivity to noise and light and irritability. Particularly suits people who tend to burn the candle at both ends, keep going with coffee and feel the cold.

Arsenicum: may help with the symptoms of food poisoning, with vomiting and diarrhoea, a deathly palour 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.

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.