With the semester back in session, there’s nothing more annoying than the coughs and sniffles that fill an otherwise silent classroom. Whether you are suffering from a headache because you’ve been staring at the computer for too long, fatigued from pulling an all-nighter, or stricken with the common cold, not feeling your best can get in the way of your busy schedule. The obvious thing to do when you’re under the weather is to hit up the drug store, but before you start popping pills, consider these foods for healing some common ailments.
Honey
Honey’s antibacterial and antibiotic properties kill certain bacterial infection. Adding honey to your tea or eating it by spoonfuls can reduce the pain caused by coughing or a sore throat as well as inflammation.
Photo by Stephanie Lee
Kiwi
Battling insomnia the night before a major exam? Try eating kiwi. Kiwi increases levels of serotonin, a sleep-regulating neurotransmitter.
Photo by Justin Shannin
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, a nutrient deficient in people who have frequent migraines. So when your head’s pounding and you just can’t get through that 15-page paper, try eating a handful of these instead of giving up.
Photo by Tallie Gabriel
Cherries
Too sore to move after your first workout in weeks? Eat a handful of cherries or drink a cup of cherry juice for a boost of anthocyanin and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Photo by Andrea Kang
Ginger
If you think ginger is only something to eat with your sushi, you’re mistaken. (“Oooh snap!” says gingersnaps.) An effective remedy for nausea, indigestion and heartburn, ginger can also act as an antihistamine and decongestant to ease cold-related symptoms.
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Pineapple
This tropical fruit is full of Vitamin C, the cure-all for any flu symptom you might have. Eating pineapple can suppress coughs and fights off viruses. The bromelain enzyme in it also aids in digestion, helpful for when you just can’t stomach anymore Danforth food.
Photo by Isabelle Chu
Coffee
Not that anyone needs another reason to drink coffee, but studies have shown that caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and effectively. Better yet, it also relieves the pain of migraines and headaches.
Photo by Libby Perold