Each evening at bedtime, one nostril becomes completely blocked.

Many people find salt water clears nostrils and sinuses. Buy a nasal douche or Netti Pot - a small glass pipe with a hole in one side. Dissolve half a teaspoon of natural sea salt in a cup of hot distilled water and let it cool. Fill the douche with the salt water, cover the hole with your finger and as you snort the water up, release your finger and it will shoot up into your sinuses. Done twice daily, it will clear out the mucus and you will be able to breathe easily. Netti Pot, £12.95, from The NutriCentre (0800 587 2290, nutricentre.com).

Can you recommend a natural remedy for urticaria? I had brief periods of this condition as a child, then again 10 years ago at the age of 50. Antihistamines (cetirizine) seemed to resolve the condition, but early this year it began again, with swelling on my face, lip and eyelid.

Chronic urticaria is usually due to certain foods, food additives or drug reactions. Milk, fish, meat, eggs, beans and nuts are likely culprits. Many drugs can trigger it, commonly aspirin and penicillin, which can be undetected in milk and meat as it is given to animals (except those farmed organically). Packaged and processed food contains additives that may cause urticaria - tartrazine dye (also in drugs such as antihistamines!), salicylates, benzoates and sulphites. Stress and tension are a factor. To reduce the allergic reaction take vitamins C (1g three times a day) and B12 (100mcg a day orally), grapeseed extract and the flavonoid Quercetin (400mg 20 minutes before each meal). If urticaria persists, see a nutritionaltherapist (0870 606 1284, bant.org.uk).

· 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.