Q I suffer from very dry skin, for which I use oils in the bath. However, I am off on a round-the-world trip soon and, for practical reasons, cannot take them with me. I have yet to find a cream that has the same nourishing effect. Can you recommend anything?

Jane Sinclaire, by e-mail

A It sounds as if you would benefit from using Trilogy’s Everything Balm, which contains organic marula oil. Revered in Africa for its skin-healing properties, marula oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. The balm also includes certified organic rosehip oil, omega3 and omega6 fatty acids, evening primrose oil, olive oil and honey, all of which are wonderful for soothing and nourishing the skin.

On first application, you might assume that it will leave a greasy layer on the skin (like many natural butters, including shea butter), but it is absorbed almost immediately.

It is ideal for travelling, as it can be used on any dry areas of the face or body, is packaged in a lightweight recycled-plastic pot and is available in many countries, so you can replenish stocks abroad.

After showering, while your skin is still moist, rub a little of the balm between your hands, then apply it to the dry areas of the skin. Everything Balm costs £18.95 from www.hqhair.com; call 01737 822361 for stockists worldwide.

Q For many years, I have suffered from psoriasis of the scalp, and the itching drives me to distraction. Conventional medication from my doctor controls it to a certain extent, but not completely. I use medicated shampoo and a scalp application. Can you recommend any alternatives?

P Golding, Newmarket

A Psoriasis of the scalp or body is a condition where excess live skin cells accumulate, with dead cells, on the skin’s surface and remain there in visible layers. It is regarded as an autoimmune disorder, where something goes awry and the immune system begins to attack areas of the body.

It is important to go beyond topical solutions and take something that targets the source of the problem, such as Simba, a potent natural anti-inflammatory that is suitable for all autoimmune conditions. Simba is pure African potato, which is rich in phytosterols; these balance and regulate the immune system, helping to restore its normal function.

Take one capsule three times daily on an empty stomach; a month’s supply costs £26.50. Themba (£13.49 for 30ml), a herbal skin cream, works well in conjunction with Simba, and can be applied topically to heal the skin and soothe any itching. You can buy both at www.littleherbal-international.com.

It is important not to use a shampoo that contains the foaming agent sodium lauryl sulphate, as this could exacerbate the irritation. Instead, try Oregon Hair Care’s nongreasy scalp spray, shampoo and conditioner (£14.99 for all three products, from www.skinshop.co.uk), which contain oregon grape root, a native North American plant traditionally used to treat psoriasis.

Q I am a midwife, and wonder what advice you would give for nocturnal leg cramps in pregnant women. The suggestions we offer regarding calcium and magnesium intake – to eat a banana or have a milky drink before bed – don’t seem to work.

Miriam Post, London

A In the 1870s, Dr Wilhelm Schüssler, a German homeopathic physician, identified 12 basic salts that are necessary if the body is to function optimally at a cellular level. For your patients, I would suggest that you recommend the tissue salt magnesium phosphoricum, which has a particular affinity with the nervous system and gives relief to spasmodic conditions where nerves and muscles do not cooperate, resulting in cramps.

The advantage of using tissue salts is that it is safe for pregnant women to take them. The salts pass rapidly into the body through the bloodstream, and work gently and quickly to relieve cramps and sharp twinges quickly.

They are prepared in low homoeopathic dosages (usually 6c). You can recommend dissolving nine pills in 200ml of hot (not boiling) water and sipping every 5-15 minutes, depending on the severity of the cramps; once improvement occurs, reduce to sipping every hour or two. New Era No 8 Mag Phos 450 Tissue Salts cost £4.29 from www.baldwins.co.uk.

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

If you have any questions, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST.

We can provide replies only 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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