1. Raw Honey

Surprised to see honey on this list of healing foods? We commonly associate with honey as a sweetener for tea, but it’s so much more! Honey is a true healing food that can help heal wounds, burns and scrapes as well as reduce inflammation, kill germs and is a natural source of energy. Raw honey contains lots of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, making it a nutritional powerhouse, and it was actually used as medicine centuries ago. Try adding more raw, unprocessed honey from a farmer’s market or health food store for an easy sweetener, instant energy and more!

2. Garlic

Garlic isn’t just for fighting off vampires, it’s one of the delicious foods that heal that I encourage you to keep in your kitchen! Known for its pungent fragrance, garlic helps treat skin and yeast infections, reduce blood pressure, protect your heart and is antiviral and antibiotic. All that in those tiny cloves! Add raw garlic to salads or soups or use them in cooking your favorite dishes. Everything tastes better with garlic in my opinion!

3. Bananas

Bananas make me happy. They’re sweet, portable, nutritious and they’re a healing food. Did you know that eating a banana when you’re stressed or anxious can help your brain produce more serotonin? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect mood, learning and sleep, so that’s a good thing. In addition, it also helps give you energy, promote digestive health and has been known to reduce the effects of a hangover! Eat them as a snack or throw one in your smoothie today!

4. Broccoli

If you’re not a fan of this green, cruciferous veggie, you’re missing out! Although the flavor of broccoli isn’t for everyone, there are so many ways to enjoy it that I’m sure you’ll find something that suits your taste buds! Broccoli contains phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Aside from being a nutritional dynamo, they’ve also been known to help lower your risk of cancer! Add some florets to your salad, whip up some broccoli soup or steam them for a delicious side dish!

5. Ginger

While you’re chopping up some garlic to add to your dishes, why not throw in some ginger?! Ginger is a spicy, warm root or stem that has been used for centuries as a cooking spice and medicine. Ginger is well known for helping reduce nausea, relieve stomach aches, morning and motion sickness. But that’s not all, ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties to help with pain relief, boost the immune system and help relieve nasal congestion. Sip some ginger tea or add it to a stir-fry.

6. Potatoes

Potatoes are one of the more unpopular vegetables and it’s so unfortunate! They’re often shunned since they’re starchy, but they’re also a tasty healing food with lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They’re known to help ease tension headaches by increasing serotonin, reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease and improve brain function. You probably don’t need any help thinking of ways to eat a potato but my fave way to enjoy it is baked!

7. Yogurt

Many people eat yogurt since it’s a healthy snack option, but there are more benefits to it than just being low-calorie! Yogurt has loads of protein, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria in your tummy which give you immune and digestive support. Eating yogurt has also been observed to improve vaginal health and help lower cholesterol! Look for plain yogurt with active cultures and add your own healthy toppings!

Healing foods come in all shapes, sizes and flavors! You don’t have to be a total health nut to consume some foods that heal in your everyday snacks and meals. Has food ever helped you recover from something? What’s your favorite healing food?