My eight-year-old daughter suffers from nosebleeds, especially at night and when she is hot or swimming. Her father also suffered when he was younger. Can anything be done?

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are common in children: the nasal mucous membranes are thinner and the blood capillaries are fragile, so rupture with injury, infection, irritation (for example, to pool chemicals) or atmospheric changes (at night and when hot). Rarely, this is a sign of more serious illness, such as anaemia or liver disease, but it is likely she inherited it from her father. Try one capsule daily of vitamin C with bilberry (from Biocare, 0121-433 3727), to strengthen the capillaries. Alfalfa sprouts (or capsules) will help the blood clot normally; young nettle shoots, cooked like spinach, and nettle tea also help to stop bleeding. Calendula cream applied to the nostrils can stop infection and aid healing.

I'm about to start rotating shiftwork and am anxious about the health effects: I'm told that alterations to sleep patterns cause changes in melatonin levels. Can supplements help?

Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, plays a vital role in biorhythms; serotonin, a nerve-calming, mood-elevating hormone, is its precursor, and levels of both affect sleep, mood and appetite. A safe way to boost them is to take 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, a new supplement dubbed the natural alternative to Prozac. The body converts this amino acid into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin. If you find it hard to sleep when you need to, become depressed or anxious with your new shiftwork, try one to three capsules daily of LifeTime 5-HTP 100mg (£15.95 for 30, from Victoria Health, 0800 389 8195).

Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

· Send your questions to: Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.