Boost Your Immunity with Change of Season Soup
The change of seasons is upon us, bringing unpredictable weather, fluctuating temperatures, and the increased likelihood of catching colds or the flu. This is the perfect time to nourish and fortify your body with Change of Season Soup, an immune-boosting tonic rooted in the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This soup helps your body adapt to seasonal shifts by strengthening your immune system and protecting your lungs, which are crucial for both temperature regulation and defending against respiratory illnesses.
In Chinese culture, food and medicine are closely intertwined. Ancient Chinese practitioners blurred the lines between the two, understanding that everyday meals could also be potent remedies for health. Herbs were regularly incorporated into food, and this practice persists today.
A Preventative Approach to Health
In ancient China, traditional medical practitioners were paid to keep their patients well, rather than waiting for them to fall ill. They believed it was illogical to "dig a well when you are already thirsty" or "forage for weapons after engaging in battle." This philosophy led to preventative healthcare practices, such as the use of Change of Season Soup. This soup is designed to strengthen and cleanse the body, building your immune defenses to prevent illnesses as the seasons change—a time when many of us are particularly susceptible to colds and flu.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs in the Soup
The Change of Season Soup contains six powerful herbs, each chosen for its unique health benefits:
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi): A powerhouse for boosting immune defenses, protecting the lungs, and increasing energy. It’s also known for strengthening the spleen and nourishing the blood.
Codonopsis (Dang Shen): Sometimes called "poor man's ginseng," Codonopsis strengthens energy and nourishes body fluids. It's also great for building blood and overall vitality.
Lycii Berries (Goji Berries, Gou Qi Zi): These antioxidant-rich berries strengthen the liver and kidneys, promote longevity, and enhance immune function.
Jujube Dates: Known for their calming properties, jujube dates are rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish the blood and support digestion.
Reishi Mushroom: This medicinal mushroom is revered for its immune-boosting properties, helping the body adapt to stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Chinese Yam Root (Shan Yao): Great for balancing both the lungs and kidneys, this root also supports digestion and overall vitality.
Making the Herbal Decoction and Soup
The process starts with making a decoction to extract the beneficial compounds from the herbs, which you can then use as a base for a hearty, nourishing soup.
Herbal Decoction:
Add the herbs (Astragalus root, Codonopsis, Lycii berries, Jujube dates, Reishi mushroom, and Chinese yam root) to a large stockpot with water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours.
Strain out the herbs and discard them, leaving you with a rich herbal broth.
To add extra nutrition consider adding in a chicken carcass or bones and a touch of apple cider vinegar to the soup pot to create a nutrient-rich—and delicious—broth.
Making the Soup:
Use the herbal decoction/broth as the base for your soup, adding cubed or shredded chicken meat and your favourite seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, cabbage, bok choy, and onions.
Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Season with garlic, ginger, and any spices you enjoy.
This soup is not only delicious but acts as a powerful immune tonic, giving your body the tools it needs to stay healthy during the seasonal transition.
Tip: This soup keeps for several days in the fridge, ideal for you to portion out several cups a day over 3-4 days. Or freeze individual portions.
