The common cold affects over 62 million people in the United States annually, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Before there were over-the-counter cold medications, people all across the world used tried and true remedies for easing their cold symptoms. Some of these methods have helped to relieve symptoms for thousands of years and are still used today. Here's a roundup of all-natural cold remedies from seven countries:

1. India

A neti pot is an Indian Ayurvedic practice originally developed thousands of years ago. The small pot is usually made of ceramic, glass, or metal and can be found in many drug stores today. You cleanse your nasal passage with the neti pot by inserting the spout into one nostril and tilting your head as the solution (usually saline) comes out of the other nostril. Using a neti pot during a cold can reduce inflammation in the nasal passageway, breakup and remove mucus, and relieve dryness.

2. Spain

In Spain, garlic tea is popular. It’s made from garlic cloves, honey, lemon juice, and water. According to Dr. Oz, the properties of the tea help to stimulate the immune system and can help shorten the duration of a cold.

3. China

In China, a mix of herbs and remedies are used. One staple is called Ephedra Decoction, or Ma Huang Tang, as it is called in China. This herb is a powerful stimulant that opens the bronchial passages, warms the body, and stimulates sweating, according to Discovery Health. It’s been used for 5,000 years for other medicinal purposes, but because of safety concerns regarding ephedra-related deaths, it is currently illegal in the United States.

4. Russia

Gogol-Mogol is a hot drink originally from Russia. It’s often coined “grandmother’s remedy for a sore throat” because its consistency helps to ease an itchy throat. It’s made up of an egg yolk, a teaspoon of honey, and a half-cup of warm milk mixed with a tablespoon of unsalted butter. To add a little kick, some Russians add a splash of cognac to this concoction.

5. Dominican Republic

This remedy might be hard to swallow, but in the Dominican Republic, cold sufferers turn to onions for relief. Finely chop half of a large onion and mix it with one cup of honey. Before going to bed, drink 2 tablespoons with the juice of half of a lime. This mixture is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

6. Iran

Many people turn to Persian chicken soup for a pick-me-up when they’re burdened with cold symptoms. Another method calls for using quince seeds. Users mix 1 tablespoon of the seeds with 8 ounces of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Quince seeds come from a plant that bears a pome fruit, which looks similar to a pear.

7. South Africa

Umcka is a plant native to South Africa and has gained popularity because of its respiratory benefits. Users believe that it helps to reduce the intensity and duration of the common cold. Some companies have even begun bottling and marketing a less concentrated version of the plant.