Chicken Soup, Manuka Honey, and Other Cold Remedies

Ever since we had Sawyer and Liv started school, we can’t seem to go more than a few weeks until one of us gets a cough or cold. Around Mother’s Day, I started getting an itch in my throat that eventually manifested into a full-blown cold that I just couldn’t shake for weeks. I’m very anti- antibiotics unless they’re completely necessary, so I wanted to find some natural remedies to help fight whatever was attacking my immune system. Finally this week, I tried all my newfound treasures and *knock on wood* I’m actually 99% better!! I’m pretty shocked that it worked and I wish I would’ve tried this stuff weeks ago, but now I know for the future where to turn when I feel like I’m getting sick.

  1. Chicken soup: My mom kept telling me that I NEED to eat chicken soup to get better. I thought she was telling me an old wives’ tale, but I actually found on WebMD that it “helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus so you can better cough it up. In addition, research shows it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease symptoms.” I guess Mom does always know best… thanks Mom!!
  2. Manuka Honey: a friend told me that this stuff is god-sent and I didn’t believe the hype (or the price tag!), but now I’m a believer. I researched why this honey is different than regular honey, and it happens to have antibacterial properties that are proven to heal. It also has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. One of the articles I read explains its healing properties and history really well: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manuka-honey-uses-benefits . I’ve been drizzling this stuff on everything the past few days from overnight oats, to avocado toast, to blueberry muffins. We use this brand: Wedderspoon Raw Premium Manuka Honey
  3. Elderberry: Elderberries are rich in flavonoids, which boost the immune system and have antioxidant properties. Our childrens’ pediatrician told us to give Liv Elderberry Extract whenever she starts showing symptoms of a cold. We buy her this organic children’s version: Nature’s Way Sambucus for Kids, Organic Elderberry Syrup
  4. Zinc: Zinc lozenges were found to shorten the duration of common cold episodes by up to 40 percent in a study published in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal. Josh and I use this organic version: Natures Way Sambucus Organic Zinc Lozenges with Elderberry and Vitamin C
  5. Echinacea: Research shows it increases the number of white blood cells, which fight infections. I drink this organic echinacea/elderberry tea at night with manuka honey: Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus Elderberry Tea Bags
  6. Ginger, Turmeric, Lemon, Cayenne Pepper: My friend told me to blend a mixture of these together to make a paste twice a day, and to swallow it quickly. I didn’t have the courage, so I blended it all together with a strawberry banana smoothie. It definitely tickles the throat (hello cayenne pepper and ginger!) but it also definitely works to heal. The anti-inflammatory gingerols and shaogals in ginger root soothe a sore throat quickly, and also kill rhinoviruses, which cause infections in the first place.  Turmeric has antiviral properties and can reduce symptoms of viral infections. Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C and help cut through congestion. Finally, the component in cayenne that gives it that spicy flavor—capsaicin—happens to be a natural decongestant.

Hoping these tips keep everyone healthy to enjoy the warm weather ahead!

Chunky Chicken Soup with Apple and Sweet Potato

 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
 1-2 apples, cut into chunks
 1-2 small sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
 1 large onion, chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 carrot, cut into small pieces
 1-2 quarts chicken/vegetable broth
 1 tbsp onion Powder
 1 tbsp paprika
 Dill, chopped (optional)

1

Lightly oil a small pan and saute onions until caramelized. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant.

2

Add in the broth, then chicken, apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Sprinkle with seasoning. Ensure the liquid covers the chicken- if not, then add enough water to cover. Add in chopped dill. Bring to a boil for about 4 minutes. Reduce heat, cover the pot partially with a lid, and allow to simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

3

Transfer chicken to a plate and discard the bones. Chop chicken roughly into bite size pieces and return to pot. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

Ingredients

 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
 1-2 apples, cut into chunks
 1-2 small sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
 1 large onion, chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 carrot, cut into small pieces
 1-2 quarts chicken/vegetable broth
 1 tbsp onion Powder
 1 tbsp paprika
 Dill, chopped (optional)

Directions

1

Lightly oil a small pan and saute onions until caramelized. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant.

2

Add in the broth, then chicken, apples, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Sprinkle with seasoning. Ensure the liquid covers the chicken- if not, then add enough water to cover. Add in chopped dill. Bring to a boil for about 4 minutes. Reduce heat, cover the pot partially with a lid, and allow to simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

3

Transfer chicken to a plate and discard the bones. Chop chicken roughly into bite size pieces and return to pot. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.

Chunky Chicken Soup with Apple and Sweet Potato

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