Offering an alternative approach to health and wellbeing, independent nutritional and naturopathic researcher Irene McCabe and medical herbalist Nikki Biddiss of A&M Eaglesham Herbs and Natural Remedies in Cresswell Street, Glasgow, offer help and advice using the healing power of plants.

I am terrified of flying. Are there any natural remedies I can take to help me overcome my fear ?

Naturopathic nutritional expert Irene McCabe:

According to figures produced by The International Civil Aviation Organisation there were around 32 million airline departures in 2013. Less than one flight in 300,000 had an accident, and only one in 3,000,000 was fatal. Whilst this information is very reassuring it is no consolation to those individuals with a debilitating fear of flying. Here are some of my favourite remedies with calming properties

My all time personal favourite remedy for times of great stress, whether it's a fear of flying, sitting your driving test or helping control exam nerves is L-Theanine which is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It interacts with chemicals in the brains known as GABA and increases the release of serotonin into the bloodstream. Serotonin helps us stay balanced and wards off anxiety. It neither makes you feel hyper nor sleepy and can help with a variety of other ailments

B complex vitamins, including B5, B6 and B12, all help to calm stress and the nervous system.

Inositol is a vitamin that may help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. It may also soothe your nervous system.

Magnesium is another important nutrient that not only relaxes your mind, it relaxes your muscles. Symptoms of deficiency include anxiety and insomnia as well as muscle aches, cramps and spasms. Seeds and nuts are rich in this wonderful mineral, as are dark green leafy vegetables and fruit.

Bach flower Remedy, a type of natural medicine made from the distilled essences of five flowers calms the nervous system and helps ease stress.

Medical herbalist Nikki Biddiss:

You might be surprised at the number of seasoned performers who still get terrible stage fright every time they go onstage, yet they still perform. If you cannot overcome fear you can learn to cope with it. Every time you board a flight you are proving to yourself that you are able to do it and live to tell the tale.

There are a number of herbs which are traditionally used to help relax you or help you cope with stress (herbalists call these herbs adaptogens) and I would suggest you start taking them a couple of weeks before a planned trip.

Valerian reduces anxiety while passionflower, skullcap, limeflowers or lavender taken as a tea or tincture can help ease the stress. A herbalist can make up a blend specifically suited to your needs which takes into account other medication.

Swap your pre-flight latte for a relaxing cup of chamomile tea (most coffee shops sell it) and you can take some lavender essential oil with you on the flight – just put a few drops on a tissue and inhale its relaxing vapours, breathing deeply and slowly. But don't overdo it; the person next to you may not want to smell it

Once you are on-board, use as many distraction techniques as you like: watch a film, talk to whomever you are sitting beside or listen to an audiobook or music you love. The flight will be over in no time and you can get on with enjoying your holiday- Bon voyage.

Consult your herbalist or health practitioner before following any advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have underlying health issues.

Homeopathic desensitisation treatment may be carried out during the season or during the winter months in order to reduce symptoms in the following year.

Complementary therapy is not intended to replace the advice or treatment offered by your GP. In all cases before visiting a therapist your GP should be consulted.

Nikki Biddiss is a medical herbalist, aromatherapy massage therapist and stress and wellbeing coach. Irene McCabe has been an independent nutritional researcher who practices allergy and intolerance testing (using kinesiology and homeopathy), advanced clinical hypnotherapy, and from June naturopathic nutrition. She is the owner of A & M Eagleshams Herbs & Natural Remedies (formerly Napier's Glasgow) at 61 Creswell Street, Glasgow. Consultations are available, call 0141 339 5859 or visit www.eagleshams.com