Soothing Remedies What Medicinal Soups to Drink When You Have a Cold

When you're under the weather with a cold, there's nothing quite as comforting as a warm, healing soup. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a variety of medicinal soups that can help alleviate your symptoms and speed up your recovery. In this article, we will explore some of the best TCM-inspired soup recipes to soothe your cold and boost your immune system.

1. Ginger and Honey Soup

Ginger is a well-known remedy for colds and flu, as it helps to clear congestion and reduce inflammation. Combine fresh ginger with honey and water to create a soothing and effective soup.

Ingredients:

- 2 slices of fresh ginger

- 2 cups of water

- 2 tablespoons of honey

- Optional: lemon juice and a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Boil the water in a pot.

2. Add the ginger slices and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and strain the ginger out.

4. Stir in the honey and lemon juice (if using) and enjoy.

2. Turmeric and Chicken Soup

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory spice that can help to reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with a cold. This soup is also rich in protein, which can help you recover more quickly.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole free-range chicken, chopped into pieces

- 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon of black pepper

- 4 cups of chicken broth

- 1 cup of carrots, diced

- 1 cup of celery, diced

- 1 cup of onions, diced

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, turmeric, and black pepper.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Add the carrots, celery, and onions, and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

3. Congee with Goji Berries

Congee is a traditional Chinese porridge that is believed to be a great remedy for colds. It's easy to digest and provides the body with essential nutrients while you're feeling under the weather. Adding goji berries to the congee will enhance its immune-boosting properties.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of white rice

- 8 cups of water

- 1/4 cup of goji berries

- Optional: ginger, honey, or rock sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the rice and water.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the goji berries and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes.

4. If desired, add ginger, honey, or rock sugar to taste and serve.

4. Licorice Root and Astragalus Soup

This soup is a potent combination of two TCM herbs known for their immune-boosting properties: licorice root and astragalus. It can help to alleviate cold symptoms and boost your immune system.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 ounce of licorice root

- 1/2 ounce of astragalus

- 2 cups of water

- 1 tablespoon of honey

- Optional: lemon juice and a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Place the licorice root and astragalus in a pot and cover with water.

2. Boil the mixture for 20 minutes, then strain out the herbs.

3. Stir in the honey, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt.

4. Serve warm.

Conclusion

When you're feeling under the weather with a cold, don't underestimate the power of medicinal soups. These TCM-inspired soup recipes can help soothe your symptoms and support your immune system as you recover. So, the next time you catch a cold, try one of these healing soups to help you get back to feeling like yourself.