Many of my patients are suffering from the “Daycare Curse” lately. At school or daycare, their kids are passing around germs, left, right and centre. Little Sarah then comes home, sneezes or coughs in your face and wipes her snotty hands on you. Before you know it, everyone in the household is infected, including you, who is still expected to care for all the other sick and whiny family members.
You and your family don’t have to suffer through repeated colds, flus and sore throats. Naturopathic Medicine provides treatment to boost immunity, prevent illness, speed recovery and reduce your symptoms once you do get sick.
This Change of Season Soup is a great way to help keep the adults and teenagers in the family healthy for the coming winter. Drink 1–2 cups every day for 5–14 days. It can be enjoyed as a tea (you may add honey and/or cinnamon sticks) or as a soup with vegetables, chicken and chicken broth.
Ingredients:
- Codonopsis pilosula root (Dang Shen)
- Astragalus root (Huang Qi)
- Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
- Chinese Lycii berries (Lyceum/wolf berries/goji berries)
Use equal parts of each herb (2–3 oz each). You can combine in one batch, or purchase individual prepared packs from your local specialty health food store or trusted Chinese herb market.
Directions:
Fill a large pot with water. Add the herbs and place the lid on. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1–4 hours, adding more water if needed.
Allow to cool, strain and enjoy 1–2 cups per day for 5–14 days.
Alternately, add herbs to chicken broth and simmer for 1 hour. You can enjoy it as is or make a soup out of this broth.
Additional information:
Codonopsis pilosula root (Dang Shen)
- Enhances energy (Qi), builds blood, nourishes body fluid, and tonifies the spleen and lungs
Astragalus root (Huang Qi)
- Boosts immunity, strengthens your defenses, enhances energy (Qi), tonifies the blood and lungs, nourishes the spleen and stimulates the immune system
Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)
- Supports the health of the lungs and kidneys
Chinese Lycii berries (Lyceum)
- Contains vitamin C, supports lungs and kidneys
If you or any of your family members need a little extra immune TLC, feel free to contact me to book in for my Immune Boosting Program.
Have a healthy and happy winter!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed healthcare practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed healthcare professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.