I have postnasal drip, catarrh on my chest and often cough until I am sick. I have tried nasal sprays and pastilles, but only acupuncture has worked, and I cannot afford it. I have also suffered from excess sebum production leading to acne. My GP has offered antibiotics and oral contraceptives, but they give me fever and nausea.

The catarrh, postnasal drip and excess sebum are due to a build-up of mucus, indicating digestive problems and probably food allergies. Toxins have built up because they are not being properly processed by the liver or excreted by the kidneys and bowels. N-acetyl cysteine, vitamin C and lots of filtered water will help. Ask your GP to refer you for full allergy testing, or call Higher Nature on 0870 066 0808 for a home test.

Otherwise, start by cutting out dairy products and wheat. Saturated fats, fried foods, sugar, spicy, processed foods and cigarettes should also be avoided. Eat mainly organic fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, pulses, brown rice, nuts and seeds. Use herbs, garlic and ginger in cooking and infusions; drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices with carrot and dandelion. Acupuncture and ayurveda will address the imbalance, but dietary changes will be cheaper and give longer lasting relief.

I suffer from a skin condition called keratosis pilaris, characterised by bumpy red pimples (plugs of keratin) on the arms and legs. No conventional medical preparations are available. Are there any natural remedies that might help to alleviate it?

Vitamin A is very important for skin health; it maintains proper replication of skin cells and all the underlying functions of the skin. Take 7,500IU a day in softgels (but not if you are pregnant). The causal factor in keratosis pilaris is the liver, which needs to be detoxified. Reduce your fat intake and try Ultimate Liver Cleanse by Nature's Secret, which contains milk thistle, dandelion and many other herbs, plus lecithin - a fat emulsifier that helps to get rid of the fats in the liver. But the 'right' fats are also necessary - take essential fatty acids to moisturise from within and reduce inflammation. Take two Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil capsules twice a day for two months, then one twice a day. Mix sandalwood, myrrh and benzoin essential oils (20 drops of each) in 100ml base oil (organic jojoba or wheatgerm). Apply to affected skin daily for three weeks then repeat if necessary after two further weeks. Supplements from Victoria Health on 0800 389 8195 and oils from NHR on 0845 310 8066.

I have been wearing hard contact lenses since I was 17. Now 50, I have been told I have poor tear quality and quantity. I use false tears at night, but the problem is contributing to corneal abrasions. Any ideas?

Dry eyes do affect women in middle age and can be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. But they can also be caused by allergy, often to house dust, smoke, pets or gluten intolerance (avoid wheat, barley, rye and oats for a month, and see if there is an improvement). A lack of vitamin A causes eyes to feel dry and scratchy, so take 15,000IU a day. Also important are extra daily vitamin C (2,000mg), 50mg of both B2 and B6, and supplementation of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (for example, cod-liver oil and evening primrose oil). If the ducts are swollen, add calcium to your diet and avoid processed foods. The vitamins, especially riboflavin (B2), will also help to heal the cornea.

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Her recommendations are to be followed in conjunction with advice from your own healthcare provider. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.