February so often brings cold, damp, windy weather. The days are still short and dull and summer seems so far away.

Valentines Day brings joy for some, but misery for many. Grief and disappointment overshadow many feelings, while anger sometimes turns inward leading to depression.

Bereavement and loss of any sort have a powerful effect on our immune system, only adding to the sad picture.

Eventually the passage of time softens grief. And difficult though it is, pain needs to be felt in order to experience happier times ahead.

On a practical level, regular daily exercise improves mood and regulates appetite.

Avoid becoming over tired; even if you find sleeping difficult, make sure to rest well.

Be sure to drink at least 2 litres of water each day. Your appetite may be affected, but water is essential and keeping well hydrated will help your mood.

Mood enhancing foods include nuts, seeds, tofu, eggs, bee pollen, yogurt as well as sweet potatoes, parsnips, winter squashes, beans and lentils. Short grain brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, garlic, leeks and onions are all helpful.

Basil, sage, nutmeg, chilli and coriander help to enhance mental function and mood.

Many fruits are beneficial, notably apples, bananas, strawberries and cherries.

Homoeopathic remedies can be of tremendous value in overcoming grief and depression, especially when prescribed by an experienced, Registered Homoeopath. Helpful remedies include:

• Pulsatilla Constantly changing moods; dependence on others alternating with anger and rage when criticised; comfort eating
• Natrum Muriaticum Weepy; depressed; averse to being comforted; unresolved or suppressed grief
• Aurum Oversensitive; profound depression, even talk of suicide
• Sulphur Feels depressed, weak, lazy, irritable; selfish with no regard for others
• Ignatia Sighing; sobbing; changeable moods; melancholic; unreasonable moods
• Staphysagria Suppressed anger and indignation
• Arnica Early stages of shock or grief; desire to be left alone
• Phosphoric Acid Profound nervous exhaustion; apathy; unable to concentrate; sleep is fitful and not refreshing
• Arsenicum Time seems to pass too slowly, alternating with restless frustration and anxiety
• Calcarea Carbonica Weakness and depression, alternating with restless impatience
• Phosphorus Flashes of temper alternate with a great need for reassurance

Penny Rushton DNN RSHom practices at the Hale Clinic