5 Zero-Watste remedies for a cold

Cold season is essentially over now that spring is over. But it still seems like everyone is getting it. No matter how hard you try not to get infected, even the healthiest of us aren't spared.
There are countless remedies for colds—from throat lozenges to nasal sprays to prescription medications. Many of these products are lavishly packaged and, unfortunately, often packed with chemicals and artificial ingredients.
In my opinion, however, well-known home remedies are often the most effective. What's more, they're also inexpensive and zero-waste.

Here are five zero-waste remedies to fight your cold:

Drink ginger-lemon-honey tea:

Hot drinks, such as broths and soups, not only comfort us during a cold with their warmth. They also loosen expectorant and aid digestion. They soothe sore throats and protect us from dehydration. Especially during a cold, you should drink plenty of fluids to allow your body to cleanse itself from the inside and flush out bacteria. But sometimes it can be difficult to drink enough fluids, especially when you have a sore throat.
Lemon is a great source of vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory and has antibiotic properties that boost the immune system. Locally applied, pure honey soothes the palate and throat and acts as a natural cough remedy.
Simply slice a little ginger and add it to boiling water. Add a teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey, and drink.

Bathing with salt:

A steam bath is an ancient and well-proven remedy for fever. Adding bath salts such as magnesium sulfate (also known as Epsom salts) can relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the body.
Our skin is highly porous, and the salts added to bathwater literally draw harmful toxins out of our bodies. To promote relaxation, it's a good idea to add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to the bathwater in addition to the bath salts.

The healing effects of oregano oil:

Many people aren't even aware of this natural remedy. Oregano oil acts as a powerful herbal antibiotic. Oregano has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. Today, oregano oil is used for a variety of health ailments due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Not only does it fight bacteria and viruses, it also promotes circulation, has anti-inflammatory properties, and relieves pain. Typical symptoms of a cold, such as a tickly cough, aches, and congestion, can be alleviated.
The oil can be purchased at most health food stores and is available in glass bottles. However, because it is highly concentrated, it should not be used undiluted (especially during pregnancy!). Add one to three drops of oil to a glass of water twice a day and drink until the cold subsides.
To inhale, simply add 5 drops of the oil to half a liter of water.

Sleeping with a scarf:

Often, you can tell in advance when a cold is coming on. For me, one of the first symptoms is usually a sore throat. So, when I notice I'm getting sick, I sleep with a scarf around my neck. The next morning, my sore throat is still there, but it hasn't gotten any worse.Many people find the warmth of the scarf very pleasant, which in turn has a positive effect on their general well-being.

Loosen mucus with a nasal douche:

Another thing that can really disrupt sleep (besides a sore throat) is a stuffy nose and the feeling of not being able to breathe easily through it. A nasal douche can help with this. Rinsing your nose with warm salt water may not sound sexy, but it helps remove mucus, secretions, pollen, and dust. It also helps clear pathogens from your nose. It also helps reduce sinus pressure and accompanying headaches.
By the way, nasal douches are not only available in plastic, but also in ceramic!

I hope you stay healthy, of course. But if you do catch a cold soon, hopefully these natural tips will help you recover quickly!

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