Despite the plethora of treatments available, there is no proven cure for a hangover, medical researchers have concluded.

This time of year sees many a staff member suffering, and in Britain, alcohol hangovers account for about £2bn in lost wages each year, mostly due to sickness absence.

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, analysed randomised controlled trials of any medical intervention for preventing or treating alcohol hangover.

Most trials reported no beneficial effects, although encouraging findings existed for borage, a yeast based preparation, and tolfenamic acid.

“We are confident that our search strategy located all published trials on the subject,” the authors said. “Our findings show no compelling evidence to suggest that any complementary or conventional intervention is effective for treating or preventing the alcohol hangover.”

They concluded that the most effective way to avoid the symptoms of alcohol-induced hangover is abstinence or moderation.

* If the office Christmas party has left you feeling a bit jaded, check out these tips from TrainingZONE members.