healthbriefs


Natural Relief for Colds & Flu W


ith cold season in full swing, it’s good to know that we don’t have to rush to the nearest drug store to get relief. Using natural remedies—many of which may already be in the house—can be just as effective. Although such steps don’t claim to cure what ails us, they can bring comfort and often shorten the duration of illness by strengthening the immune system. Here are six helpful tips: Herbal Teas: Chamomile can help cold and flu sufferers relax and get much- needed rest. Hot ginger tea, spiced with cinnamon and a dash of cayenne, will keep the body feeling warm when we have the chills. Sage: Gargling regularly with sage tea disinfects the mouth; sage-based inha- lations further reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes. Garlic: Garlic is a natural antibiotic that also stimulates the immune system and wards off complications such as bronchitis. Homeopathy: The homeopathic remedy Arsenicum


album helps when one feels chilly and exhausted. Bel- ladonna is suggested when the symptoms are sudden and intense. Bryonia alba relieves headaches, coughs and irritability and Allium cepa is good for watery discharge. Consult a holistic practitioner to determine potency and doses.


Humidifiers: Nothing irritates sensitive nasal


passages and sore throats like dry air. Add a few drops of eucalyptus food-grade essential oil to a humidifier to help open airways and clear congestion. Moist heat compresses: When plagued by a throbbing head and difficulty in breathing through the nose, try applying warm moist compresses— perhaps with a drop of peppermint food-grade essential oil—to the cheeks and sinuses.


Sources: AssociatedContent.com, eHow.com, HolisticOnline.com, WebMD.com


Build Muscle with Weightlifting Lite W


e know that maintaining muscle mass is important to good health, especially as we age. But is it really obligatory to lift heavy weights to keep muscles in shape? Not necessar- ily, says a new study conducted at McMaster Univer-


sity, in Ontario, Canada, which shows that effective muscle building also can be achieved by using lighter weights and pumping until the muscles in the targeted area are fatigued.


“Rather than grunting and straining to lift heavy weights, you can grab some- thing much lighter, but you have to lift until you can’t lift it anymore,” says Stuart Phillips, associate professor of kinesiology at the university. “We’re convinced that growing muscle means stimulating your muscle to make new muscle proteins, a process in the body that over time, accumulates into bigger muscles.” The new paradigm contradicts current gym dogma and is welcome news for those who cannot lift heavy weights or simply don’t want to.


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