HOMEOPATHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is upon us once more. For most people this time of the year means excitement, celebration, and gathering with family and friends. For others the joys of the holiday season may be accompanied by illness or anxiety. This year arm yourself with a few homeopathic remedies to help make the season jolly and bright.

Too much celebrating?
We all have a tendency to overindulge during the holiday season. When gathering with loved ones to share good food and drink we often forget that age old saying: “everything in moderation.” Here are a few remedies to have on hand when too much celebrating has left you feeling unwell:
- Nux Vomica is the first remedy to think of after indulging in too much rich food and alcohol leads symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, nausea, headache, irritability, and the proverbial “hangover”.
- Arsenicum is a good remedy to have on hand if you suspect food poisoning. With plenty of parties, get togethers, and pot-lucks there is an increased chance of food poisoning during the holiday season. Symptoms to look out for include: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweats, and abdominal cramps. As dehydration may be a concern with food poisoning remember to drink small sips of clear liquids, like water or flat ginger ale, and seek medical attention if vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours.
- Pulsatilla is helpful to have on hand if sweets and baked goods are your weakness during the holidays. Try this remedy if too many rich, creamy, or sugary treats play havoc on your digestive system or leave you feeling sluggish.
- Carbo Veg is a remedy to keep in mind when feeling uncomfortably full with gas and bloating.

Stressful instead of joyful?
Some people enjoy the busy excitement of the holidays, getting caught up in the shopping, parties, and rush of the season. For others the gatherings, cooking, expectations, and traffic means stress and anxiety. Here are a few homeopathic remedies you many consider to help you get through the season:
- Coffea is the remedy to think of when your mind is racing and you feel jittery or anxious, as if you drank far too much coffee. It is also helpful for kids who can’t sleep due to excitement or anticipation.
- Cocculus is handy when staying up late, going to parties, and running around with last minute errands have you exhausted and running on empty. It is also useful if you’re travelling during the holidays as it works well for jet lag and motion sickness.
- Argentum nitricum is a good choice when worries and anticipation of what will happen become too much. If you find yourself restless and pacing, with thoughts of what to do and what will go wrong think of this remedy.
- Recuse Remedy is a combination of flower remedies that is helpful during stressful times. When everything is starting to become over-whelming or you need a little boost this combination remedy is conveniently available in liquid, spray, pastilles, and gum.

Taking Remedies at home
There are three simple rules to remember when taking remedies at home: 1. Match the symptoms to the remedy. “Like cures like” so choose a remedy that has similar symptoms.
2. Less is more. Take one dose and wait. If you’re feeling better refrain from taking another dose until symptoms begin to return.
3. Stay low. When home-prescribing use a 30C dose or lower, as these doses may be repeated if necessary if symptoms return.
The remedies recommended are intended for acute or short term, conditions. For long standing or chronic conditions a personal assessment is recommended.

Tara Jensen DSHM, RHom, DSHom, BA,
Tara is a classically trained, registered homeopath. She helps clients deal with a variety of health conditions so they can get back to living.