Five months ago, my partner broke her ankle. She has since been diagnosed as suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, which apparently troubles 5% of fracture patients. The symptoms are swelling, a cold and/or clammy foot, extreme discoloration and pain. The treatment is physiotherapy, which she's done religiously, and she has started to recover, but it seems this can take as long as 18 months. Can you recommend a herbal remedy that might help?

Homeopathic treatment should help your partner's symptoms and would complement the physiotherapy. Arnica would heal the bruising and any original trauma still being suffered. Ruta is indicated for bruised bones and persistent internal pain. Symphytum heals wounds and broken bones, and speeds up the formation of new bone cells. It also heals the periosteum (the connective tissue covering the bones). Alternate arnica and ruta every two hours through the day, starting with arnica, until you have taken two doses of each using potency 30c. Do this for four days. Also take one dose of symphytum 6c twice daily for three or four weeks. If this doesn't result in lasting relief, for remedies and further advice, call Helios on 01892 537254.

I am 57 and going through the menopause. Four years ago, I had a partial hysterectomy because of fibroids, then a year later was diagnosed with and successfully treated for breast cancer. I was put on tamoxifen, and have since been unable to have sex fully, owing to pain caused by vaginal dryness and atrophy. You recommended vitamin E capsules to help with low libido; would these help? I feel wary about using anything that might jeopardise hormone levels, or interfere with the tamoxifen.

Oestrogen keeps the cells lining the vagina moist and plump, and helps the secretion of natural lubricants. During menopause, oestrogen levels drop. Usually, taking phyto-oestrogenic herbs will rebalance levels for those suffering from vaginal dryness. However, these herbs may interfere with tamoxifen, and even vitamin E would not be advisable because of its mild oestrogenic activity. The safest alternative is Higher Nature's V Gel, which contains aloe vera gel, with marigold and comfrey extracts, vitamins A and E, and zinc (highernature.co.uk, or use a discreet order phone line, 01435 884676). It gently soothes dry, sensitive vaginal skin and encourages natural vaginal moisture.

I have had chronic itching in my ears for years, finally diagnosed as eczema of the inner ear. Only antibiotic drops (with cortisone) have brought relief; this means using them almost all the time. Have you any other suggestions?

Using a 50ml brown glass bottle with a dropper, make a blend of the following oils, chosen for their ability to soothe itchy eczema and heal inflammation in the inner ear: 10ml evening primrose, 10ml jojoba and 30ml sweet almond oil. Add to this four drops German camomile, two drops peppermint and 12 drops sandalwood essential oils. Shake the bottle and insert two or three drops into each ear night and morning, if possible lying on one side at a time for five minutes, to let the oil establish. In Chinese medicine, eczema and irritation of the ear indicate an imbalance with the Triple Burner Meridian, so acupuncture may well help (British Acupuncture Council, 020-8735 0400).

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Her recommendations are to be followed in conjunction with advice from your own healthcare provider. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.