Soups are a marvellous way to provide warmth and healing on cold and dreary winter days. The main benefits of soups are that they are inexpensive, wholesome and packed full of tasty nutrients that help boost immunity and alleviate many seasonal ailments.

Unlike dishes cooked by other methods, soups retain large amounts of vital vitamins and minerals and provide us with plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.

Soups as healing remedies have been used by people, including the Chinese, for centuries. Stock and broth were given routinely for most illnesses and beef tea was an ancient British remedy. These were nutritious and easy to digest, providing the invalid with essential fluids and minerals without adding strain on the digestive system.

Delicious soups can be made to treat many minor ailments. They are quick, easy to make and can be made in bulk and frozen. Below are some popular and tasty soup recipes that can also be used for specific problems.

Chicken Soup
Comforting and nourishing, there is nothing quite like hot chicken soup when you are feeling unwell. This nutritious soup will warm and fortify the body, soothe sore throats, clear congestion and ward off colds.

The healing properties of chicken soup have been researched by scientists who found that it has anti-inflammatory properties which helps stop the movement of neutrophils. Neutrophils are white blood cells that encourage the flow of mucus, which accumulates in the nasal passages and lungs. So eating chicken soup really is helpful for infections where congestion and mucus are present. 

To make the soup:
1 small organic chicken
1 large onion (chopped finely)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped finely)
1 large carrot (sliced)
1 potato (cubed)
1 small leek (sliced)
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme
1 teaspoon of fresh or dried sage
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Make a stock by adding 1 litre of water to the chicken, half the garlic, bay leaf and a little salt and pepper. Simmer gently until the meat falls from the bones. Remove all skin and bones until you are left with the chicken meat in the stock. Cut the chicken into small pieces.

Gently fry the onion, carrot, potato and remaining garlic in the olive oil until soft. Add these to the chicken and stock, along with the herbs. Simmer gently for 20 minutes and then add the leek. Simmer until the vegetables are tender. Thicken with a little cornflour (if desired).

Season, stir well and serve hot.

The recipes for the soups can be modified by adding ingredients to suit particular ailments or your own personal tastes. Other ingredients which are beneficial and can be added to soups are:

• Parsley (rich in Vitamin C and boosts immunity).
• Parsnips (rich in many vitamins including Vitamin C and folic acid).
• Mushrooms (contain proteins, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, antibiotics and
  antioxidants). Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which appears to stimulate the immune system and help fight infection. They have been used by the Chinese and Japanese to treat colds and flu for centuries.

Warming ingredients can be added for conditions that are exacerbated by cold, such as osteoarthritis, poor circulation and muscular aches and pains. Try adding small amounts of ginger root, turmeric and chillies to your soups to bring relief.

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.Cert.Ed for Third Age.

Member of the Complementary Therapists Association
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com

Other Healing Winter Soups:
Pumpkin & Carrot Soup
Tomato, Garlic & Herb Soup
Onion Soup
Beetroot Soup