Name and address supplied

A Dr Stephen Gascoigne, a medical doctor, author and practitioner in natural medicine, has written a booklet entitled Natural Alternatives for Depression. This aims to empower people so they are better able to understand the condition. It also provides information on how to treat this debilitating but common problem using holistic remedies such as therapeutic herbs and flower essences, diet and simple meditation practices.

As the Tibetans say, the mind is king, and, indeed, it is the innermost aspect of being. Gascoigne believes that gentle methods of transformation, such as visualisation and meditation, are the most powerful, as they deal specifically with our inner state. Practised regularly, they can help to transform negative states of mind and lead you to wisdom, clarity and peace of mind.

As you live in London, I suggest that you go to his Natural Alternatives for Depression workshop, which will be held on Friday (1pm-2.30pm, at Neal’s Yard Remedies in Covent Garden, WC2). Other experienced natural-health practitioners will be holding similar workshops at Neal’s Yard stores throughout the UK, for two weeks from tomorrow (01747 834634). Dr Gascoigne’s workshop costs £10 (including his booklet), or you can buy the booklet for £2.50 from any branch or by mail order.

Q I’m having a job interview after Easter and would like to wear a smart, dark-coloured suit that I’ve bought. However, I’m conscious that I have dandruff and would be mortified if it appeared on my shoulders. Can you recommend an anti-dandruff shampoo that will help?

Joanne, by e-mail

A Phythéol is a dandruff treatment that combats many scalp conditions. Phythéol Force 1 shampoo (£10 for 100ml; 020 7620 1771 for mail order) contains herbs such as willow extract to purify and exfoliate the scalp, and fenugreek, which has soothing and calming properties. This should be used initially as an intensive treatment two to three times a week for the first week, then once a week to maintain its long-term effectiveness.

After that, you can switch to Phythéol Force 2 anti-dandruff maintenance shampoo (£12.50 for 200ml), which has a base of castor and coconut oils to help maintain your scalp’s natural balance, while gently removing impurities.

As dandruff is often the result of a yeast problem, it would be worth drinking an anti-fungal tea such as pau d’arco (lapacho), which costs £2.30 for 50g (from Neal’s Yard, as before).

Q For many years, I suffered from awful constipation, until, last November, I read your column. You recommended psyllium products, which have solved my problem. Some of my friends have had the same success, but we are uncertain about a few points. Should we take psyllium twice daily, and is it safe to keep taking it indefinitely?

Mrs N Byrne, Ireland

A I am thrilled to hear that you and your friends have been helped by this simple formula. There are no contraindications for taking psyllium twice a day, or for extended periods of time, provided you drink sufficient water with it. Swallowing the husks daily could become rather unpalatable, however.

The other thing I recommend for constipation is Colon Support Formula.

I advise a course twice a year, in spring and autumn, times when, according to Chinese medicine, it is ideal to cleanse your body (and bowels). This formula contains psyllium with bentonite clay, which helps to remove old faecal matter from your colon, plus traditional cleansing herbs and warming spices such as ginger. Take 2-4 capsules with a large glass of room-temperature water at about 3pm every day for a month.

Solgar Psyllium seed husks cost £6.99 for 6oz from health shops. Colon Support Formula costs £16.95 for 120 capsules from Nutrigold (01884 251777; www.nutrigold.co.uk).

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

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