Margo, Kent

A. Pollutants, irritants and carcinogens are present in many laundry and cleaning products. These can cause symptoms such as nausea and skin disorders. The environment is a key source of toxins, but we can minimise our exposure to potentially toxic chemicals in our homes by choosing gentle, safe and environmentally friendly products. You can go a long way by cleaning your home with simple products such as vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and olive oil, which makes an excellent wood polish. Always use hot water when cleaning; I also add a few squirts of Germ-a-Clenz (£6.99 for 56ml; www.oliveleaf.co.uk), a germ-killing spray that contains a potent blend of essential oils to disinfect surfaces.

Alternatively, Bio D (available from www.earthlets.co.uk) is a range of natural household cleaning products that are biodegradable, allergy-tested and free from sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). For a natural alternative to conventional washing powders, try Eco-Balls. These hypoallergenic balls, which can be used for 1,000 washes, produce ionised oxygen, which penetrates fibres and lifts dirt without causing colours to fade or damaging delicates. A pack of three costs £34.99 (www.earthlets.co.uk).

Q. I am writing to you on behalf of my 78-year-old mother, who has suffered from acute eczema on her body her entire life. She has tried cortisone creams, hypnosis and homeopathy, and is now having acupuncture. Nothing seems to work. Please help.

Simon Meehan, Ireland

A. As your mother is undergoing acupuncture, I am going to recommend topical treatments that can be used in conjunction with it. Cardiospermum is commonly used in Sri Lanka for skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. Defensil Rescue Serum (£14.99 for 75ml; www.skinshop.co.uk) contains the concentrated extract of cardiospermum seed combined with cold-pressed echium oil. The presence of natural steroids, called phytosterols, in an isolated form of concentrated cardiospermum-seed extract, called beta-sitosterol, has been found to reduce the intense itching caused by eczema; stearidonic acid, found in the echium oil, can inhibit the inflammatory mechanism that causes flare-ups.

If your mother can cope with bathing, one remedy involves attaching a muslin bag filled with oats to the bath tap; run water through it and pop the bag into the bath. The combination of minerals in Dead Sea salts can also help, but test a small area first, as it can sting if the skin is raw. Pure brands to try include Malki Dead Sea Genuine Bath Salts (£6.99, from Boots) and Finders Dead Sea Spa Magik Bath Salts (£4.40, from Holland & Barrett). Essential fats reduce inflammation, so she should include oily fish, flax or hemp oil and seeds in her diet, and take a pure fish oil supplement such as Eskimo-3 (£20.95 for 210ml, from Nutri; 0800 212 7423).

Q. For medical reasons, I am due to give birth to my second child by caesarean section shortly. I am 38, fit, healthy and not allergic to anything. I am not on medication. I hear that arnica is supposed to be good, but have no idea in what quantities.

Name and address supplied

A. Many midwives recommend homeopathic arnica to reduce the bruising of childbirth. I suggest that you suck one tablet three times daily a week before your appointment (or due date). On the day of surgery, suck one to two tablets every two hours, taking up to six doses. After a few days, return to one tablet three times daily for a few weeks. Take the tablets between meals, and be aware that coffee and strong essential oils such as camphor, eucalyptus and mint can serve as antidotes, so avoid these. Weleda’s arnica is grown to strict biodynamic standards, ensuring purity and quality (6c tablets cost £5.55 for 125 tablets; 0115 944 8222).

As you will be given antibiotics, I suggest you also take a probiotic powder, Health Bac (£22.35; www.oliveleaf.co.uk), which doesn’t require refrigeration. Start at least a week before your C-section and continue for a month afterwards. Take as directed.

Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician. For more information, visit www.jenniferharper-deacon.com

Find an archive of articles by Jennifer Harper-Deacon at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,27069,00.html

If you have any questions, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. We can only provide replies to published letters

Before following any recommendation in this column, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from any health problem or special condition, or are in doubt as to its suitability

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