3 During the winter months, colds and the flu can spread like wildfire. Getting sick
Easy Ways to Recover Quickly From a Cold
Available in several different forms, including syrup, oil, and dried leaves, eucalyptus can be used as an expectorant or as a way to relieve a sore throat. When you’re at home and sick, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in a humidifier. The results are remarkably soothing!
at least once during the season can be hard to avoid, and once you are sick, you want nothing more than for it to be over and done. While there is no way to completely avoid getting sick, there are ways to speed up your recovery. Next time you’re suffering from a cold, try these remedies to get back on your feet a little bit faster.
Zinc While many people turn to vitamin C to hurry through a cold, that’s not the supplement you should be focusing on. In fact, an overwhelming number of studies show that vitamin C does absolutely nothing to help shorten a cold. Instead, take zinc. You
Elderberry Syrup Also referred to as elderberry extract, this syrup is made from
a plant called European elder. It can be purchased at many health food stores or made at home (but use caution when doing this, since raw and undercooked elderberries are toxic). Many people swear by the berries’ ability to ease congestion and relieve a number of other cold symptoms. Plus, elderberry syrup is known for having anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, making it an ideal tool for fighting the common cold. Some research even suggests that it can shorten flu symptoms by up to three days.
can find it as a nasal spray or lozenge, or even as part of a vitamin C supplement. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who took zinc reduced their recovery time from a cold by half. Cold symptoms among those taking a zinc supplement lasted about four days, while symptoms among those taking a placebo lasted about eight days.
Eucalyptus If you’re suffering from congestion or can’t stop coughing, eucalyptus may offer the relief you’re looking for.
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o r t a n c When people experience pain in their lower back and legs, their first instinct is generally to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the pain persists, they talk to their doctor or general practitioner, who may prescribe another pain reliever or an injection. In more serious cases, including spinal disc herniation, they may recommend surgery. However, if you suffer from back pain — whether it’s characterized as sciatic pain or a herniated disc — relief may be closer than you think without reliance on drugs or surgery. It’s all about working with your physical therapist to find the ideal solution. Many people who suffer from back pain tend to avoid physical activity. They take it easy until the pain subsides or they take a pain reliever to temporarily manage the pain. Unfortunately, when it comes to your back, taking it easy will not always produce the desired results. In fact, remaining sedentary can actually exacerbate the problem.
What can you do? For some people, the answer is exercise. If you’re dealing with the symptoms of sciatica, stretching and core
strength routines can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the lower back and legs. Yoga has been shown to help people with sciatic pain as well.
Do keep in mind that not all yoga poses or exercises are ideally suited for people with sciatica or other forms of back pain. It’s best to understand the source of your pain before committing to an exercise routine. For instance, if you suffer from disc herniation, certain motions and poses have the potential to place undue stress on your back and increase the pain. The ideal yoga poses and core strengthening exercises will depend on the source of your pain, so it’s crucial to consult with your physical therapist first. Your therapist can guide you and suggest appropriate steps to maximize your relief and avoid further discomfort.
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