Having read all the other publications in the "Ask Dr Weil" series, there is little doubt that he is a medical expert with unorthodox views. And he is at his most controversial with some of his answers here, particularly the ones on how to get rid of head lice and what is thebest cure for a nosebleed.

For head lice, he suggests using an organic pesticide as a possible cure. Failing that, you could try a herbal application which has to be left on the infected head under a towel for an hour. Try doing that with an active child! After years of being told never to blow your nose if it is bleeding, that is the first thing he would tell you to do.

He also discusses the possible benefits of drinking your own urine, although he does stress that urine therapy, as it is known, is not quite his cup of tea, so to speak. Acupuncture for pets is also among the wackier subjects he discusses. But his useful question-and-answer sessions do tackle some more important issues that affect most of us, including how to stop snoring, what to do about forgetfulness and whether chicken soup is a good remedy for the common cold. --Carole Butterworth