15 Magical Recipes to Ward Off Illness

“Mommmm, I don’t feel well…” The dreaded words that no parent wants to hear, especially as she’s scooting everyone out the door with lunches packed and backpacks on, and a full day of work meetings ahead. As it happened at our house this morning, I checked Phoebe’s temperature (fever), got her settled with a cold washcloth and PBS Kids, and prayed that it was a 24 hour bug that wasn’t about to spread through our entire household. Just this week, multiple people in our office have been under-the-weather, and the front desk girls at my workout studio were going through Kleenex’s by the boxful. As much as I love fall, there’s no denying that it’s cold / flu / allergy / and who-knows-what-else season, and I’m determined to fight it with all I’ve got this year.

As part of my homeopathic toolkit (along with hydration and rest), I’m employing the healing properties of some of my favorite foods that boast major immune-boosting ingredients.

These may be more science than magic, but especially in this spooky month, these recipes seem to have a supernatural power and I’m here for it. Scroll on for a few recipes you’ll want to stir up in your cauldron asap (sorry, couldn’t help myself.)

Turmeric

Turmeric is extremely high in antioxidants, with strong anti-inflammatory properties that help your body fight illness. No wonder it’s been used as a health-booster in many cultures for thousands of years — and is responsible for the “golden milk” tonics that are beloved by wellness circles these days.

Try it in:

Turmeric Chicken Immunity Soup

Carrot Turmeric Hummus (LOVE this recipe!)

Bone Broth

Bone broth has tons of collagen (an immune booster), plus amino acids and nutrients that help prevent inflammation.

Try it in: The Ultimate Homemade Bone Broth

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Berries

Berries are particularly high in Vitamins A, C, and E, all immunity-boosting superstars.

Try it in:

Coconut, Banana, and Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Ginger

Ginger is naturally antibacterial, and is also known for helping to prevent nausea and soothe an upset stomach.

Try it in:

Rosemary and Apple Zucchini Bread with Ginger

Kale & Sweet Potato Salad with Ginger Dressing

Citrus

Citrus is one of nature’s best sources of Vitamin C, long know to be one of the greatest immune-boosters. Thankfully it’s in season during the winter, which makes grapefruit, oranges, and lemons my favorite flu and cold-fighting superstars.

Try it in:

Salmon, Cucumber, and Grapefruit Detox Salad

Blood Orange and Roasted Beet Salad

Tea

Both green and black tea are chock-full of disease-fighting antioxidants (polyphenols and flavonoids) that protect against free radicals and help destroy them — and they can even kill certain viruses.

Try it in:

The Best Homemade Classic Chai

Cocoa Caramel Butter Tea

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Leafy Greens

Greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard contain high levels of vitamin C, which helps fight off infection and regenerate other antioxidants in the body, including vitamin E. They also contain immune-boosting folate.

Try it in:

Jennifer Garner’s Morning Smoothie