This is a tradition borrowed from the Chinese Herbal Medicine tradition.  When the weather turns, and it the challenging season (ie flu season) this ‘fortified’ soup is made every couple of weeks for the whole family.  The herbs are cooked with meat or veggies for a few hours to make a wholesome broth.  Normally, I use chicken or turkey.  Any additional spices are welcomed.  Simply adding the herbs to a favourite recipe is fine, too.  There’s a lot of room for creativity.  Wow, medicine that becomes a meal!

Ingredients:  Astragalus, Codonopsis, Wolf Berry, Wild Yam, Red Date.

Directions:  Put herbs in a pot of water (6-8 cups) together with a few slices of fresh ginger, a few cloves of garlic and meat and/or vegetables of choice.  When all ingredients are tender, take out the woody herbs (Astragalus & Codonopsis).  Take the meat off the bone and add new veggies, if desired.  Spice as desired, as well.  Enjoy as a meal.

This is an immune strengthener combination.  It is best used when everyone is well.  If someone in the family is ill, the Astragalus should be removed (long thin slices of woody material).  You can buy the ingredients at a Chinese herb shop or grocery store, or by calling:

Elderberry Herbals at 705-775-0255.