It’s finally happened. You pulled one too many all-nighters or perhaps your science lab partner sneezed a little close to you, and you’ve caught the mysterious gripe that terrorizes Northwood every fall. Although traditional over-the-counter medicine may temporarily halt that rattling cough, here are some remedies to recover quickly from around the world.

FINLAND:
Black currants were originally used in the U.K. as a source of vitamin C during World War II. They have roughly three times the vitamin C of an orange and are often brewed into a hot juice. These berries will soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation with a sweet tart taste reminiscent of grapes.

RUSSIA:
If you’ve got the chills and can’t seem to warm up, a popular Russian fix is to try steaming your elbows and knees over hot water buckets. Fill a tub with water at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and watch your sinuses gradually clear and those aches subside. As a bonus, your skin will look revitalized. Just don’t burn yourself!

MEXICO:
For a nutritious, delicious and comforting meal, try Caldo de Pollo, a Mexican chicken soup. While the recipe varies across different households, the broth is usually stocked with carrots, cilantro, garlic, green onions and of course, chicken. The antioxidants from the vegetables combined with protein from the chicken will have you back to school in no time.

JAPAN:
Umeboshi, which translates to “preserved plum,” is a common household staple for reducing cold fatigue. It has a strong salty and sour flavor, and the high acidity is believed to have antibacterial properties as well as stimulate digestion. You can eat them alone, boiled in tea or diced and paired with rice porridge.

INDIA:
Made up of milk, turmeric and other spices like cinnamon and ginger, turmeric milk is used for the treatment of many respiratory disorders. It is also known as Golden Milk, and drinking a cup regularly in the morning or before bed can boost your immunity and increase mucus production to flush out organisms in your respiratory tract.