I have always had quite a lot of saliva (and been complimented on it by several dentists). Recently, however, possibly due to stress, I have found myself swallowing and gulping almost constantly to get rid of the excess. Can you suggest any natural remedies?

Known as ptyalism, excess salivation can be caused by gingivitis, ill-fitting dentures, mouth ulcers or mouth injury. In any case, it is the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system that is overactive, causing excess salivation. Magnesium would relax the nerves that have been 'excited' and can help to reduce stress. Dyno-Mins Magnesium by Nature's Plus provides a therapeutic dose of 250mg of magnesium in a food state, thus ensuring maximum absorption and utilisation by the body. Take one daily with, or immediately after, meals.

I have had asthma, and been on a steriod inhaler, for many years. During that time, I've put on a lot of weight around the middle (diet and exercise don't seem to work) and my hair is also falling out. Would anything make a difference?

Check with your GP because weight gain and hair loss can be due to thyroid gland imbalances. Cortisol-like drugs are commonly used to treat asthma - but cortisol increases insulin production, causing more fats and sugar (as glycogen) to be stored for later use rather than burned for energy. This probably explains your weight gain.

Chromium regulates insulin levels, thus inhibiting fat stores and ensuring glucose metabolism. I would recommend you use Diet 5 by Natural Balance. It contains green tea extract to stimulate thermogenesis (calorie and fat burning) and hydroxycitrate from the brindal berry (garcinia cambogia),which also encourages thermogenesis and inhibits fat deposition. It has also been shown to help reduce appetite. Diet 5 contains the new carbohydrate blocker, alpha block. It inhibits alpha amylase, the enzyme that converts carbohydrates into simple sugars, which ensures more carbohydrates pass directly out of the body through excretion than would do otherwise. Take two capsules before the two biggest meals of the day. Dyno-Mins and Diet 5, both from Victoria Health, 0800 389 8195, victoriahealth.com.

· 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