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.

Onion Soup
Onions are effective flu-fighters as they are a good source of vitamin C and Vitamin B-complex. They are also rich in quercetin, an antioxidant, and folic acid. Research has shown that quercetin has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and may possibly help prevent cancer.

To make the soup:
4-6 large onions (chopped)
1-2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 ½ pints of chicken or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp dried thyme
2 oz grated Gruyere cheese
Salt and black pepper

Gently fry the onion and garlic until soft. Add the stock, bay leaf and herbs and simmer gently for about 30 minutes, until onions are soft.

Add the cheese and serve hot with toasted, cheesy granary rolls.

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
Chicken Soup
Tomato, Garlic & Herb Soup
Beetroot Soup