I've had an intermittent sore patch on the end of my penis for two years. A specialist found no medical condition, and suggested circumcision. Help!

Each day, dilute a teaspoon of natural rock salt, two drops of lavender oil and one of tea tree essential oil in a pint of water; use this to wash your penis, especially under the foreskin. Don't use soap on the area, and wear loose cotton underwear. Lavender is soothing, reducing inflammation and infection; tea tree is an excellent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic oil. Apply a tea tree cream twice a day, to treat the infection and moisturise the skin - try Ord River Tea Tree Antiseptic Cream (mail order, 01420 540400).

My wife had a hysterectomy with her lymph nodes removed, and now has lymphoedema. Her GP says that nothing can be done. Is there anything that might reduce the swelling?

Removal of lymph nodes results in a blockage in the lymph drainage system, causing swelling of the limbs. This cannot be completely rectified, but it can be alleviated by manual lymphatic drainage performed by a trained practitioner. The aim is to move the lymph along new pathways, away from affected areas to nodes in other parts of the body. For advice, call Manual Lymphatic Drainage UK, 01592 840799 (www.mlduk.org.uk).

Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: weekend@theguardian.com