The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in individual ways and it has been a difficult year for many. Life during the pandemic has been a reflection of resiliency, as well as an opportunity to focus on and strive for the truly important things that we value the most. So much creative energy has been fueling new ideas and ventures. Businesses are reopening, people are gathering more, and schools are starting in-person classes again. We are unfortunately still experiencing a rise in Covid-19 cases in the Seattle and Burien areas and with new strains of the virus more prevalent, it is important to stay proactive by supporting our immune systems naturally.
I would like to share with you a recipe for an antiviral, immune boosting soup that was given to me many years ago by a Naturopathic nurse at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. It is based on a recipe by Dr. Bill Mitchell, one of the founders of Bastyr University. This soup can be eaten as preventative medicine to boost immunity, and help the body naturally become more prepared to fight viral infections. It is also delicious and can be easily customized to your liking:
Immune Boosting Soup Recipe
1 quart broth (bone broth, vegetable broth, or miso broth)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 small yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped (or more to taste)
1 carrot, chopped
4 each fresh Shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or more to taste)
1 tbsp ginger root, grated (or more to taste)
1 cup greens of choice (Spinach, kale, added near end)
1 each fresh lemon, juiced
3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring the broth, turmeric, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, carrot, mushrooms and ginger root to a slow boil. Reduce heat and simmer on low, covered, for 15 minutes. Add greens to the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat; add the lemon juice and parsley. Cover and steep, off the heat, for 5 minutes. Eat and enjoy in good health!
Chinese herbal medicine can also offer strong immune support to help prevent Covid-19 infections, as well as treat and attenuate symptoms of current Covid-19 infections. Contact us for an herbal consultation to have a custom immune support formula prescribed to you. I also recommend taking Vitamins C & D daily as well as drinking green tea to help boost immunity (unless the use of these is contraindicated for certain underlying conditions). Here is a link to a clinical study on Vitamin D and Immune Function. Acupuncture is also an excellent way to boost your immune system and stay healthy. Used in conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, the two have synergistic and longer lasting effects. Contact us to schedule an appointment and help support your immune system naturally.