Change of Season Soup

In Chinese Medicine the belief is that the change of seasons is a time when our bodies are particularly prone to getting sick. To build your immune system (your Wei Qi) try brewing a pot of this broth and using it as the stock in your favourite soup. It does taste mildly bitter but once you add it to a vegetable or chicken bouillon you won't notice. 

The traditional method is for healthy people to consume 1 cup of soup once or twice a day for 10-12 days at the change of season. Now is the perfect time to source your herbs (which can be found either in Chinese medical clinics or, in larger cities, China Town) as Fall is right around the corner.

Disclaimer: It is best not to consume this soup if you have a cold or the flu as it is too stimulating. Call me if you are sick and want alternative treatment.

Ingredients:

You will need equal parts (2-3 oz each) of the following herbs.
1. Codonopsis root
This herb will help to tonify and strengthen "Qi" energy. It helps to build blood and nourish body fluids.
2. Astragalus root
Astragalus is a root that helps to strengthen protective defenses, strengthen Qi energy, nourish the spleen, and tonify the blood and lungs.
3. Dioscorea (Chinese yam) root
Dioscorea is a herb that tonifies and balances the lungs and the kidneys.
4. Chinese Lycii berries
Lycii berries help to strengthen the liver and the kidneys.

Instructions:
1. Fill a large stock pot with water. Add the above herbs to the pot and place the lid on. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 to 6 hours. If the water level boils down, add water to refill if necessary.
2. Using a slotted spoon, remove the herbs from the pot and allow the soup to cool. This recipe makes about 4 liters of soup. You can drink it as a broth, use it as a base for soup recipes, or place it in a mug or thermos and sip it throughout the day.