Family Life: Cures from the shelf; Body and Soul.

Byline: Compiled by MARIE TURBILL and JOANNE WELFORD

Milk thistle A cleansing herb, available in tablet or liquid form, that's effective in restoring the liver to normal function after a night on the tiles.

But don't expect to enjoy the experience. "It's a terribly bitter herb," says Guy Walpole, owner of Middlesbrough's For Goodness Sake health shop on Newport Road.

Vitamin B complex Alcohol destroys vitamin B, which is vital for normal body function. Take a couple of tablets before you start partying and more with water before you go to bed. Continue topping up to replenish what you've lost throughout the following day.

Artichoke and ginger Artichoke can soothe a gut that has been irritated by alcohol and ginger may also help with any nausea. Try taking Ginger Root capsules, pounds 6.45 for 100 from Holland & Barrett.

Kudzu Used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for alcoholism, Kudzu tonics were considered effective for controlling and suppressing the appetite for alcohol.

Good 'N' Natural Kudzu capsules are pounds 4.49 for 60 from Holland & Barrett.

Fruit and veg Samar Tarabay, nutritionist at Holland & Barrett suggests eating lots of fruit and veg. Bioflavonoids give vegetables and fruits their colour and are powerful antioxidants which boost the immune system and clear out damaging toxins.

Fresh lemon juice Samar says drinking a glass of fresh lemon juice can help relieve nausea and dizziness associated with hangovers.

Bananas When the alcohol forces fluid out of the body, the body also loses a lot of potassium, which is needed to keep the body fluid balanced. Bananas are an excellent source of this mineral and also help replenish lost magnesium.

Dandelion is also a rich source of minerals, especially potassium to re-regulate fluids.