Ginger tea: This should be your first line of defense against the miseries of a cold. The kick of ginger will help clear up nasal passages, and lemon has anti-inflammatory properties (and provides a vitamin C boost). And they are both immunity boosters! Place 4 or 5 slices of fresh ginger in a small pan of water and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and let steep for about 10 minutes. Strain into a mug and add honey and lemon juice to taste.
Sweat it out: Sweat therapy helps the body produce a temporary fever that destroys microbes, including viruses. Sweating also flushes out waste products, lowers the risk of bacterial infections and relieves congestion. Feel something coming on? Climb into a hot bath, sip on a cup of ginger tea and sweat it out!
Homemade nasal spray: Longtime use of decongestant sprays can have the opposite of their intended effect, making you more congested. Instead, make a saline spray at home—and no need to spend the big bucks at the drug store. Simply combine a pinch of sea salt and 1/4 cup water and transfer to a nasal spray bottle (available at many pharmacies). And even if you aren’t congested, a couple of squirts of saline can bring relief for a dry nose brought on by dry winter days.
Fight congestion and bacteria: Cider vinegar, fresh horseradish and honey contain expectorant components that inhibit the growth of bacteria, fight infection and speed healing. When you have a cold, mix 1 teaspoon freshly ground horseradish with 1 tablespoon cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture 4 times a day.
Sore throat relief: Dilute about 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice with 1 cup hot water. Gargle with this three times a day to alleviate a sore throat and hoarseness.
Stop those germs from spreading! Make a sanitizing spray for hands and doorknobs: Mix 1/2 cup vodka and the peel of 1 lemon and let steep for a couple of hours or overnight. Put in a spray bottle and spray on doorknobs—and your hands when you don’t have a chance to wash with soap and water.