Recipe to Prevent Colds and Flus
5 Oct
“The principle of the interaction of the four seasons and of yin and yang is the foundation of everything in creation. Thus sages nurture their yang in the spring and summer and yin in the fall and winter in order to follow the rule of rules …” – Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor Inner Classic)
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, being in harmony with the seasons plays a key role in being a balanced person. Each of us are affected by the transition from one season to the next, although for many of us this instinctual awareness has been clouded by the pace and nature of our North American lifestyles.
You’ve probably noticed that people are more susceptible to colds and flus around this time – the transition from summer to fall and winter – as this is a particularly vulnerable time for the lungs. The aptly titled, “Change of Season Soup,” is a traditional Chinese nutritional remedy thought to tonify our immune system, balance our bodies during times of stress, and, in turn, improve our resistance to colds and flus.
The soup is an herbal blend consisting of:
- Codonopsis root (Dang Shen), which strengthens “qi” energy, builds the blood and nourishes body fluids
- Astragalus root (Huang Qi), which strengthens our protective defences, nourishes the spleen and tonifies the blood and lungs
- Dioscorea/Wild Yam (Shan Yao), which balances the lungs and kidneys
- Lychii berries (Gou Qi Zi), which strengthen the liver and kidneys
The following recipe can be made on its own or as a base in homemade soup with other ingredients like chicken, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, beets, etc.
Fill a large pot with water. Add equal amounts (approximately 4 to 6 tbsp or 57 to 85 grams) of each of the above herbs. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 to 6 hours. Add water to refill as neccessary if water boils down. Strain out the herbs.
Makes approximately 4 litres of soup.
Drink one cup or bowl twice a day for 12 days at the time of each change of season. If you are sick with a cold or flu do not drink the soup until you are fully recovered.
Have you tried Change of Season Soup? Tell us about your experience or how you have modified the recipe.
Algoma Natural Healing Clinic carries these herbs in its dispensary. Ask Candice for more details.
45 Grace Street Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A2S7 Canada
candice@healingclinic.ca • 705 575 7560
What wonderful timing Candice. I was just preparing my herbs to make this tonight.
That's great, Lisa. How did it turn out?
Delicious! I used the herbal stock to make a soup with yams, potatoes, root vegetables and lots of mushrooms.
Hello
Hey I have never tried change of season soup but I really want to try it.I think you are doing good job.Thank you very much for sharing this with us.Keep up the good work.
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