K McFall, Glasgow

A. Osteopenia means low bone mass and, as it can be a precursor to osteoporosis, you should follow a bone-strengthening routine in order to build and maintain a strong musculoskeletal system. As well as paying attention to dietary and lifestyle factors, and starting weight-bearing exercise, it is advisable to take bone-supporting nutrients.

Calcium is the predominant mineral in bone, but other vitamins and minerals are essential to support calcium absorption. Magnesium is important in the prevention and reversal of bone loss, while vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium. About 20 minutes of sunshine per day helps to prevent a vitamin D deficiency, and good dietary sources of vitamin D include egg yolk and oily fish. Boron is an ultratrace mineral that appears to be required for optimum calcium metabolism; taking it in supplement form has been shown to reduce calcium and magnesium loss through urinary excretion. Zinc plays a role in bone formation, as do vitamin K, manganese, silicon and copper.

Osteo-P-Complex (£18.95, plus £1 p&p, from Nutri; 0800 212742) contains all these nutrients, as well as absorbable forms of magnesium and calcium. It also includes the enzyme phytase, which promotes absorption of calcium and magnesium in the gut. Take 2-3 capsules three times daily with meals.

Q. My four-week-old daughter cries inconsolably between 7pm and 11pm every night. She pulls up her legs and arches her back. My GP says she has colic, but colic medicine has had no effect. I had a 26-hour labour and my baby got stuck for two hours at the pushing stage — could this be the cause? I have been told that cranial osteopathy could help. Is there someone in London you would recommend?

J Brown-Smithe, London

A. There are several predisposing factors for infantile colic, including the mother’s diet (if breast-feeding), lactose intolerance, stress during pregnancy and the effects of pressure on the baby’s head from birth trauma.

I would certainly suggest that you see an osteopath who is trained in cranial osteopathy and who has experience of treating babies. A professional should be able to assess whether your daughter’s condition is suitable for osteopathic care, and will screen her for symptoms that may require referral back to your GP or paediatrician. If your daughter is suitable for treatment, the osteopath will assess her general condition and, using a gentle touch, evaluate the tone of the tissues, especially those of the pelvis, the diaphragm and the base of the skull.

With colic, there may be mild congestion around a nerve that exits the base of the skull and travels through the chest and diaphragm into the intestines. Experienced practitioners are adept at easing these tensions with a subtle touch, and most parents report a positive benefit after two or three sessions. I would refer you to an extremely gifted registered osteopath in Harley Street, John Qureshi (020 7580 6191), who specialises in cranial osteopathy.

Q. On October 9, Susan Clark wrote about a tincture of Nigella sativa. However, she also said that she had brought a bag of the seeds back from North Africa. My neighbour says that you can buy these seeds in Indian shops and use them in cooking. Is that true?

J Bonner, Maidenhead

A. I, too, read with interest Susan’s answer regarding the herb black seed (Nigella sativa), which is also referred to as black cumin or black caraway, and its powers to clear migraine, a congested head and sinuses. You are right: these seeds can be used in cooking. Another reader, Amal Basu from Manchester, sent this interesting information to me: “Nigella sativa is available in many Indian grocery shops. It clears congested sinuses and can be ground to a paste, mixed with oil, salt and green chilli, then eaten with rice, to stimulate the taste buds after a cold.”

The seeds are available at some Indian grocers; alternatively, buy them at www.natco-online.com, where 100g costs £1.85. There is a minimum charge of £8.95 per order (which includes £3.95 for postage), but, as the website offers a great range of spices and Indian cookery ingredients, it should be easy to spend this amount.

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

If you have any questions or tips, 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 problems or special conditions, or are in doubt as to its suitability