Traditional Estonian cold remedies to get you through winter

Cold weather doesn't directly cause colds, but they do spread more easily in winter. These are the go-to home remedies for Estonians.

Winter is the season for colds and flu.

Like many other European countries, Estonia also has traditional home remedies to help people cope with seasonal infections.

These tricks have been passed down for generations, and many are still in use today — you can even buy a little pot of goose fat at the pharmacy!

Berries

Estonians think everything is better with berries. In addition to tasting good, they discovered long ago that they are also helpful in treating infections. Many berries found in Estonia, such as blueberries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, and raspberries, are high in antioxidants.

Mustard foot bath

For a mustard bath, dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of mustard powder in 2-3 liters of hot water (40-50 °C). Add essential oils for extra fragrance and healing. Soak your feet in the water for up to 15 minutes. Then, cover them with a blanket or wear warm socks for 30-60 minutes. A mustard bath provides a general feeling of warmth and well-being, relieves congestion, and lessens bodily aches and pains.

Steam inhalation

Inhaling warm steam helps to clear the airways. Doctors often recommend using a nebulizer to breathe in steam from a saline solution, though traditionally, Estonians would breathe in the steam from boiling potatoes. Adding mint, rosemary, or cloves to boiling water (without the potatoes) is also wonderful aromatherapy.

Child holds handful of lingonberries in Estonia

Source: Aron Urb

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Herbal teas

Many plants with beneficial properties can be used to make tea, such as peppermint, chamomile, nettle, cornflower, marigold, and many more.

Marigold is a powerful antioxidant and helps relieve pain and inflammation. In addition to tea, marigolds can also be used to make tinctures, ointments, and oils.
Peppermint has antiseptic, analgesic, cleansing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint tea is also good for respiratory infections and upset stomachs.
Chamomile: Cool chamomile tea helps with dry coughs when drunk in small sips.

Nettles

If you plan to visit a sauna, add nettles to your whisk. Then, gently whip your body to eliminate toxins and stimulate blood circulation. Use the water left over from soaking the whisk to wash your body. Nettles are rich in vitamins A, C, and K; the vitamins act as antioxidants.

Collecting herbs and flowers from nature in Estonia

Source: Rivo Veber

Honey

Tea with honey is popular in Estonia. Scientific studies have shown that honey can be as effective as other medicines in treating some cold symptoms, such as a persistent cough.

Honey's antibacterial effect is due to its high sugar content and acidity (pH 3.5–5.0). Diluted honey also has antibacterial properties.

Salt compresses

To make a salt compress, fill a small bag or piece of cloth (a sock works) with salt. Heat the bag in a pan over a hot stove or microwave until warm, being careful not to overheat it. Then, place it on the affected area, like the cheeks, if you have congested sinuses.

A salt compress can also be used to relieve muscle pain. Add dried lavender or other sweet-smelling dried herbs for a bit of aromatherapy.

Goose fat

Goose fat is used to alleviate symptoms from colds, bronchitis, and coughs by rubbing it onto the chest. Luckily, you won't even have to butcher a goose to get the fat; pharmacies sell little pocket-sized pots over the counter.

Goose fat also helps to protect the nose and cheeks from the cold, dry winter air (which sounds more logical, to be honest). Apply the fat to exposed skin before going outside, or use it on dry skin before bed.

Source: Karl Markus Antson

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Vodka socks

Vodka socks are supposed to be used to lower a fever. Making them is easy: dip cotton socks in a mixture of vodka and water, put them on in the evening before bed, and keep them on all night. You can also wear wool socks over them for extra warmth. In the morning, the socks will be dry, and your fever will have gone down.

A blue scarf

Singer Kerli said that when she was a child, the school nurse recommended wearing a blue scarf if she had a sore throat. In many cultures around the world, blue is said to have healing powers. Plus, it's the color of the throat chakra. We're not sure how well this works, though keeping your neck warm in the cold certainly can't do any harm!