I'm an education officer, in close contact with young children, which leads to unwelcome visitors: head lice. The products from the chemist irritate my eyes and affect my breathing - I suffer from asthma.

Natural head lice treatments are well researched in our household. They do work, but only if you repeat the treatment at suggested intervals to break the lice's life cycle. Natural lice busters that are safe for asthmatics contain tea tree, lavender, geranium and eucalyptus essential oils, as well as neem seed extract, found by the London School Of Hygiene And Tropical Medicine to affect all stages of the life cycle. Nice 'N Clear is effective, too (from Boots). The Rolls-Royce of nit combs is Nitty Gritty (nittygritty.co.uk). If combing is a problem, try NeemCare Riddance, which you use as shampoo for three consecutive nights (Neemco.co.uk).

My three-year-old daughter has had repeated bouts of tonsillitis and been taking antibiotics almost constantly. How do we boost her immune system?

Zinc, vitamin C and echinacea would boost her immune system; while the bee products propolis and manuka honey are powerfully antiviral and antibacterial. Lamberts (01892 554312) does Zinc Plus lozenges with vitamin C; suck half a lozenge four times a day. Children's Propolis Herbal Elixir and Kiwiherb's Echinacea For Children could be given daily until she is fit and well (xynergy.co.uk). Following antibiotics, probiotics would rebalance the healthy flora in the intestines that are so important for immune health - try Biocare's strawberry or banana acidophilus powder (0121-433 3727).

· 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.