Food is good natural medicine, and not just in the self-medicating-with-chocolate way. “Not only are whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals, but they’re also loaded with phytonutrients that support the immune system, decrease inflammation in the body, and ward off chronic diseases,” says Michelle Babb, R.D., owner of Eat.Play.Be, a nutrition consulting business in Seattle. So next time you’re suffering from jet lag, a sleepless night, or any of these other ills, just remember: There’s a snack for that. Check out these effective home remedies from the experts.
What’s dragging you down: SORE THROAT OR COUGH
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Swallow this: Honey
Here’s more proof that honey is nature’s sweetest treat. Studies have found that it can help alleviate a scratchy throat and hack attacks. “This probably has a lot to do with the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of honey,” says Babb. Stir two teaspoons of honey into warm water or herbal tea, and sip a cup every two to three hours as needed. “Some studies suggest that manuka honey [a variety produced in New Zealand and Australia from a tree of the same name] and darker varieties like buckwheat may have the strongest antibacterial properties,” says Babb.
Other Ways to Dose Yourself: Mix into yogurt, salad dressings, and smoothies; use in baked goods in place of the processed white stuff; drizzle over roasted vegetables.
What’s dragging you down: A MUSCLE-TAXING WORKOUT
Swallow this: Ginger
Got a date with an overzealous trainer and don’t want to spend the next two days moving as stiffly as an extra on The Walking Dead? Reach for a knob of ginger. A study published in the Journal of Pain found that subjects who lifted weights experienced a 25 percent greater reduction in their post-workout pain after consuming two grams of raw ginger (about two teaspoons) each day for a week and a half, compared with when they skipped it. Experts credit antioxidants called gingerols, which can have inflammation-reducing properties similar to drugs like ibuprofen. And this wonder root does double duty: It has long been used to quell nausea and motion sickness too.
Other Ways to Dose Yourself: Mince and add to stir-fries and soups; eat it pickled as a sandwich topper or sushi accompaniment; snack on or add to baked goods in its crystallized form.
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