In America, the most common food cure-all is chicken soup. Partly because of the Jewish* influence, since many Jewish women were convinced that it had almost magical properties. (As I understand it, it's not a bad food for colds, and respiratory infections generally. It's warm, mostly liquid, and can help reduce congestion.)
In my family it was always combined with saltines, and, to this day, I have a feeling that I should have some around, just in case I get sick.
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In my family it was always combined with saltines, and, to this day, I have a feeling that I should have some around, just in case I get sick.
*Here's an example: http://shortjewishgal.blogspot.com/2013/04/it-couldnt-hurt.html
(As I recall, the first version of that joke I have seen, was from Isaac Asimov.)