T'is the season to party - until you drop. Alcohol, rich food and late nights all take a toll on the digestive system, the liver and the head.

The usual cures - a fry-up, hair of the dog or paracetamol - don't always work.

But there are some preventative measures you may be able to take to numb the effects of the morning after the night before.

So not only do some promise to prevent the throbbing head and nausea of a hangover, but many will ensure that the effects of Christmas do not wear you down too badly. Rather than resorting to endless Alka Seltzer and hangover cures, alternative therapies promise a way to boost energy levels and reduce the effects of the toxins on the body. *Ginseng: This acts as a short-term tonic to beat fatigue and stress and improves moods and endurance.

Studies also show that it boosts the immune system, which can be damaged by too much alcohol, leaving party-goers susceptible to colds and flu. Dried ginseng root can be taken in capsule form or brewed as tea.

Try Lazarus, an adaptagenic reviver or pep up tonic.

A one-shot bottle of 20ml which is a herbal concentrate of ginseng, schizandra (a Chinese herb for energy), sarsaparilla, ginger and liquorice. It costs £2.49 for 20ml.

*Milk Thistle: This herb protects the liver from alcohol and chemical toxins and regenerates already damaged liver tissues. Used to treat the liver by the Romans, the active substance is called silymarin, a powerful antioxidant.

Solgar Milk Thistle, which costs £17.99 for 100 vegicaps or Livatone Plus, which costs £22.95 for 120 capsules.

*Kudzu: In China, the vine has been used for 1,300 years actually to curb the desire for alcohol.

Clinical trials suggest taking supplements can be helpful in discouraging drinking and preventing hangovers. Intox Rx contains kudzu, which protects the body against the affects of alcohol.

Herbs and nutrients protect the system, including the liver, and it is a powerful antioxidant. It costs £18.95 for 80 capsules. *Astragalus: Used by the Chinese as a tonic and an immune system booster. Also called milk vetch, Chinese herbalists prescribe it to boost vital energy or qi.

Astragalus is available at many health food stores in the form of teas and tinctures.

*Vervain: A neglected tonic which acts as an aspirin and has a mild anti-depressant effect. It also works as a mild laxative to keep the digestive tract running smoothly. Ideal before and after the party.

*Garlic: One medium clove of garlic has the antibacterial action equivalent to one per cent of penicillin. It is regarded as an excellent preventive measure against colds and flu and stimulates the liver's detoxifying enzymes - useful if you plan to drink too much.

*Artichoke: Extracts from the vegetable have anti-toxic effects that can help the digestive system, liver and gall-bladder and eliminate fats and toxins from the body.

The remedy dates back to Roman times. Cynara artichoke, as a supplement, can be bought at chemists and health food shops - a pack of 30 by Lichtwer costs £9.95.

*Vitamin C: Taking Vitamin C before and after a big night out will help the immune system, as it works as a general anti-oxidant and gives energy.

*Potions: Or how about a cure-all formula? Source Natural's The Hangover Formula costs £7.99 for 30 tablets. Taking three before partying should combat some of the effects of alcohol. The tablets contain milk thistle extracts, vitamins and calcium, as well as dozens of Chinese and Western herbs. Available from good health stores or call 0800 252875 for mail order details.

*Flower remedies: Good smells are one way to fight the effects of the booze. The International Flower Essence Repertoire sells a number of remedies. The Angel Rejuvenation Facial Spray And Aura Cleanser contains lavender oil, frankincense and geranium. Use it throughout the night as a freshener - it will protect your skin cells and costs £10.95 for 60ml.

*The Nutri Centre can be contacted on 0171 436 5122. Solgar stockist's number is 01442 890355. For a wide range of vitamins and herbal remedies, telephone www.thehealthshop.co.uk

Story date: Thursday 23 December

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