NATURE has the remedies for many of the self-inflicted ills of the festive season so instead of reaching for the medicine cabinet, why not invest in some herbal teas?

Medical herbalist Sue Salmon, who practices in Kirkburton, says there are a number of effective remedies for everything from hangovers and dyspepsia to seasonal stress.

For a hangover she suggests: “Milk thistle is very good because it helps the liver to metabolise alcohol and protects it from the effects of alcohol.” Ginger is good at combating nausea.

For dyspepsia caused by over-indulgence Sue says: “Peppermint is excellent or a mixture of cardamom, caraway and fennel seeds. Make a tea with them – they help that unsettled feeling. But don’t use these remedies if you have acid reflux as it can make that worse because it relaxes the smooth muscle of digestive system.” Slippery elm is also good for protecting the digestive system as it coats the lining of the gut.

For anxiety Sue says: “Chamomile tea helps with stress and anxiety, but it’s really important that if you make chamomile tea – or any herbal infusion really – that you put a lid on your cup to stop the aromatic oils, which are the active substances, from escaping.”

Sue recommends ready-made herbal teas from companies such as Heath & Heather or Pukka because their formulations have been accredited by medical herbalists.

But it’s easy to make your own teas from dried herbs, ginger root and crushed seeds. Simply crush into piping hot water, cover and leave for a few minutes.