HELEN SPATH and her team at Tullivers Health Store, in York, advise on herbal remedies.

Q: My cold has cleared up but I still have an annoying tickly cough. Is there anything you can recommend?

A: Helen Spath and her team at Tullivers Health Store say: "You may have recovered from a cold or flu, but a cough can last much longer.

Tickly coughs are quite common at this time of the year, not least because of the drop in temperature outside, but also because of the dry, centrally-heated environment inside, which can aggravate an already tickly cough. Dry, tickly coughs which do not produce phlegm are known as non-productive coughs. They tend to be caused by an irritant, such as dust or smoke, or follow an illness.

Other symptoms may include wheezing shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest, and can last up to several weeks after the illness.

The following measures should help: Try to avoid dry, smoky or dusty environments and drink plenty of liquids; hot drinks, especially hot lemon with honey, can be very soothing.

Throat lozenges can also help. In addition to their active ingredients the actual sucking action helps to keep your mouth and throat moist.

There are, of course, plenty to choose from and it can be tricky knowing which ones will be right for you. The A. Vogel Santasapina Lozenges from Bioforce offer an effective natural alternative.

Derived from the spruce buds of the Norwegian Pine, they are rich in antiseptic, mucolytic terpenes that help to break down mucus and combat irritation.

There's also a Santasapina syrup which can be particularly soothing for dry, tickly coughs and congestion.

If your symptoms still persist or you cough up blood, you must consult your GP. For more information contact your local health store."