It’s officially cold and flu season. How do I know? I’ve been suffering with a nasty, upper respiratory tract virus for over a week now.
I don’t believe in over-the-counter cold medications.
Number one, I can’t pronounce most of the ingredients in them; chemicals scare me. Number two, they only affect symptoms; many of which are our body’s natural way of eliminating foreign hosts (e.g., fever, fatigue, some types of secretions). And number three, I hate the overly-dried out feeling that most nasal decongestants produce; give me mucous any day.
I’d much rather medicate via food. A good old fashioned home made chicken, garlic and leek soup recipe for me.
Garlic, for it’s antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Leeks, for their vitamin C (immune system booster and natural antihistamine) and potassium (helps maintain electrolyte balance; particularly important when vomiting and diarrhea are present).
Chicken, for tryptophan (a sleep-inducing agent) and selenium (support immune system function).
Fitknitchick’s chicken, garlic and leek soup recipe
- 1-2 Tbsp EVOO
- 2 leeks, white parts only, cleaned and diced
- 1 head of garlic, ~ 12 cloves
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 500 g cooked and diced chicken breast
- 8 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat.
- Sautee leeks and garlic in oil until soft and translucent; about minutes
- Add stock, carrots and chicken to pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 min.
Serve with crusty bread for maximum enjoyment.
Say goodbye to your cold and flu symptoms***
Do you have a favourite recipe that makes you feel better when you’re under the weather?
Do you believe in the healing powers of home cooking?
***Although there is no scientific evidence documenting the medicinal properties of home made chicken soup, I felt better within 12 hours of making and eating this recipe. Of course, I was on day 8 of my cold, so it may just be coincidence that I started to feel better then. But I prefer to think it was the soup!
HECK YES I BELIEVE.
I administer the Jewish penicillin.
matzo ball soup
xoox
MIz recently posted..I’m so N.E.A.T.
Ha, ha! I need to try me some matzo ball soup. There’s a great Jewish deli that my kids love to go to for rugella and bagels! Have to try theirs…
I was going to make a Jewish Mom joke but Carla beat me to it!!!
So glad you are better & the soup sounds delish!!!!!!! Sure if someone cooks for me, I BELIEVE!!! 
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Myths About Older Adult Exercise; Nut Butter Recall Expanded
You’re right, Jody! Food heals ever more when somebody else makes it!
Totally believe in the healing nature of food. There’s a very famous quote by Hippocrates that says: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
My father-in-law, who recently retired as a pharmacist (and was completely disgusted by the pharmaceutical industry by the end) used to hand out his family’s chicken soup recipe to people with colds and try to dissuade them from getting useless OTC cold remedies and prescriptions.
Jonathan Aluzas recently posted..Food For Fitness: Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Isn’t it amazing how many brands of OTC cold medication there are? We never give it to our kids because of the unknown side effects. And really, cough medicine doesn’t do a thing to stop a stubborn cough.
Loved this post, because I, too, am against cough and cold medicines. They’ve never been shown to consistently work for viruses (though they may help with allergies), especially for children in whom they can cause nasty side effects.
Like you, I’m all for pushing the good foods. This recipe looks great. I also like green tea, berries, and other foods high in anti-oxidants–for when I’m sick or not.
Hopefully you’re on the mend!
Carrie Rubin recently posted..An Unexpected Gift
Ha, I knew you’d agree with me on this one Carrie! I’m a green tea and berry lover too, but chicken soup when I’m sick, always!
my mama used to make me egg sandwiches with mayo when i had a cold (and fritos and sprite when my stomach was upset). To this day, I NEEEEED those things when I’m sick – they help me get better, even if it’s just the placebo effect.
Lindsay @ Lindsay’s List recently posted..taking a few days….
Mmm, Fritos. I haven’t had them in years. Do they still make ‘em?
totally agree…when it’s made by someone else while I lay on the couch watching princess bride
Leeks really are such a great veggie, I need to start using them more!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Don’t Call Me Jogger
This looks great!!! I cant wait to try it!!!
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted..Friday Favorites-Featuring a Progresso Soup Giveaway
That soup looks absolutely delicious!
And it will definitely keep the nasty viruses away!
Craig Wilson recently posted..She’s Young, Fit and Loves Pushups — An Interview with Juliana Llop
This recipe had to be from Grandma’s top secret recipe box. So simple yet so covert in nature.
The aromas & flavors were beyond words. It was like a surprise party in my mouth. Just don’t go near anyone but Vampires or Bears for at least a week.
Loved it in Maine while stuck in 3 feet of snow drifts.
Why, yes! My grandma did teach me how to cook! And she loved garlic too!
Great recipe! I added ginger.