“When the science of medicine reaches perfection, treatment will be given by foods, aliments, fragrant fruits and vegetables, and by various waters, hot and cold in temperature.” ~Abdu’l-Baha

Breathe Easy Soup recipe contains medicinal foods to support the respiratory tract and immune system during a viral or bacterial infection. For many who are feeling congested in the sinuses and throat, and are fighting off Omicron, below is a quick and delicious soup recipe to help the body breakdown excess mucous and congestion while potentiating its immune response to reduce inflammation and fight infections.

Breathe Easy Soup:

Every ingredient in the Breathe Easy soup has specific medicinal benefits. For more on using food as medicine, see Foods For Depuration & Detoxification. Turnips, for instance, one of the oldest vegetables known to humans, provide multiple health benefits for the immune system and the lungs (2). Loaded with bioflavonoids, and anti-oxidants, as well as antimicrobial, anti-cancer and immune potentiating constituents, turnips make a great addition to any immune support meal (3).

Leeks, contain high amounts of anti-oxidants and quercetin, which have shown to be beneficial in respiratory conditions, viral infections, cancer, allergies, and several other immune system conditions (4). Leeks and garlic contain high amounts of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC breaks down mucous (mucolytic) and acts as a decongestant providing support especially in COVID-19 patients(6). Leeks and garlic, historically have been well-known for their antiviral, antibiotic, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties and provide additional support during a viral infection (5).

Ginger, another mucolytic food, is also an expectorant and helps the bronchial muscles to relax, allowing for easier breathing (1). Multiple studies have shown turmeric to be immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial thereby, reducing excess heat in the body (7). Mineral salts like Himalayan salt or sea salt provide the basic building blocks for a healthy immune system while hydrating cells.

Shiitake mushrooms have been researched for their immune modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. More recently, the beta-glucans found in shiitake mushrooms appear to reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the lungs of COVID-19 patients (8). Therefore, shiitake mushrooms further supplement the medicinal benefits of Breathe Easy Soup.

Ingredients:

1-2 large leeks chopped

1 large turnip or 2 small ones – peeled and chopped

8-10 Shiitake Mushrooms – stem removed and chopped

2-3 cloves of garlic – peeled and chopped

1 inch ginger – peeled and chopped

1 tbs coconut oil or avocado oil

1 tbs Organic Turmeric powder

Himalayan or Sea Salt to taste

1/2-1 tsp Black Pepper

1 liter filtered Water

Instructions:

Combine all of the above ingredients into an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Pressure cook for 15 minutes. Stove top, cook for 40 minutes. Strain to enjoy the broth only or enjoy it all as a soup. Looking for more healthy recipes? Try our Healthy Cooling Foods for Hot Weather.

References