I’m having a hard time believing it’s December! The year has flown, and we are well and truly in winter mode now - warm fires, stews and frosty winter walks. In Organico we are getting a lot of people coming in with colds & flus and tummy bugs at the moment however this month’s article is about helping you survive the Festive Period with grace and dignity! I’ve put together your Natural Christmas Survival Pack - tips from our staff, plus more excellent tips from members of our Facebook group “Organico Healthy Living Group”. There are a variety of options here to cover the main possible complications arising from Christmas - not that ANY of us suffer either digestive issues or stress over Christmas! But just in case either of these situations happen to arise, here are a few tips and tricks to get you through. A Daily Tonic before and after the Big Day - Molkosan I love Molkosan - in the past I have devoted an entire article to its benefits. If you are struggling to find a fermented food that you can add to your diet on a daily basis (I know not everyone shares my love of sauerkraut!) then this might be one for you to try. The primary benefits of Molkosan are to our digestive system, but really it is a tonic for the entire body. It’s alkalising, so acts as a balance to all the acid forming foods we love (especially at Christmastime!). It has been shown to promote healthy gut bacteria, improve transit time and reduce gas and bloating, and it aids weight loss because it stabilises blood sugar. Molkosan is made from organic whey, which is lacto-fermented with Vogel’s own registered bacteria, Lactobacillus Casei. This process yields a liquid rich in L+ Lactic Acid, in minerals and particularly in Potassium. It’s called  PreBiotic, which should be taken on it’s own or with your Probiotic (it’s like the fertiliser that makes our good bacteria grow and flourish). It’s safe for people who are lactose intolerant and it’s gluten free. If you suffer from digestive difficulties, you could try the 21 Days to a Happy Tummy - you will need 2 x 200mls of Molkosan - simply take 1 tablespoon in a large glass of water every morning and see how much better you feel! For with and after Christmas Dinner: Digestive Enzymes and Digestisan Digestisan is a licensed herbal remedy for the relief of indigestion, feelings of fullness and flatulence. It contains extracts of freshly harvested Cynara (Artichoke), Dandelion, Peppermint and dried Boldo leaves. As an all-round digestive enzyme to help your tummy break down all the rich Christmas food I would always suggest Nature’s Plus Acti-Zyme, it’s a super strong Enzyme that hugely boosts your stomach’s ability to process food. If you have issues with your digestion (who doesn’t?) your might well benefit from trying a digestive enzyme...my main problem is remembering to take them!! (Top tip - leave them permanently on the dinner table) For those who overindulge: Nux Vom 30 Nux Vom 30 can be a lifesaver - it’s a homeopathic which many people find incredibly useful after they have eaten or drunk too much. Nux Vomica is the major digestive remedy used by many homoeopaths. Nux Vomica helps with nausea, sour burping, bloating a few hours after eating, indigestion, heartburn and digestion after effects after eating rich foods, spicy foods or overeating. Consider this remedy for the nausea of pregnancy and when certain foods cause nausea, indigestion and/or vomiting. One Homeopathic site I use regularly says: ‘No home should be without Nux Vomica over the holiday season. Fast relief from the gas and indigestion of holiday overeating.’ For the Love of your Liver: Milk Thistle Milk Thistle contains silymarin and silybin, antioxidants that are known to help protect the liver from toxins, including the effects of alcohol. ... As a “blood purifier,” the liver needs to actively clean the blood each and every day in order to support nearly every system within our body. Grab yours and take a dose or 2 every day over the holiday period - your liver will thank you!! To relax and sleep well: Valerian and Avena Calm, Melissa Dream Medicine is made from the root. Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). I find it great to have to have for those tricky nights where you wake and your mind is racing...which can happen easily if you overindulge over Christmas! Avena Calm is for mild anxiety and stress, and can be a wonderful support for caregivers or in the run up to a stressful time...if just the thought of Christmas causes your blood pressure to rise, this could be for you! We also find people coming back for a tablet called Melissa Dream which contains Theanine and Lemon Balm, both calming and soothing - you can take it during the day or night. To keep colds and the flu at bay We always suggest regular doses of Echinacea, C-Zinc and Olive Leaf Extract/Propolis/Elderberry. And have some carrageen and lemons to hand to make yourself a soothing drink for sore throats and coughs!! Natural Energising Options The ever useful Revive Active (lots of CoQ 10 for sustained energy - an excellent option for the morning after); or if you aren’t taking a multi you could try Oxylent - it’s an all in one sachet with a full spectrum multi-nutrient and is excellent if you don’t like tablets. Oxylent contains electrolytes as well as energy boosting ingredients. And finally, a treat for your hands, from all that hard work! Weleda Skin Food Both Almond and Peanut oil soften and soothe the skin and also assist in the penetration of other soothing, rejuvenating ingredients. Weleda Skin Food can be used as a nourishing day and night cream. It is good for rough, dry skin anywhere on the body; face, hands, elbows, knees etc. Keep some in the kitchen for after the washing up is done!! Also makes a lovely stocking filler. Smells delicious!