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DIY Recipes to Strengthen Your Immune System

by Laura Beans

Miso Soup

Serves 6

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 large white onions, chopped

 4 cloves of garlic, pressed

1 thumb's worth of ginger cut into 4 chunks

8­-12 shitake mushrooms

2 carrots, chopped

Miso paste

In a large soup pot gently warm the olive oil on very low heat, then add chopped onions and ginger. Saute for 15 minutes, then add 3 of the 4 cloves of garlic, and continue cooking for 10 more minutes. Next, add the shitakes and carrots, and sautée for 3 more minutes. Add 12 cups of water. Raise heat, then simmer until the carrots are soft, 15­20 minutes. Let the soup cool a few moments and serve the broth into individual bowls. Add a large, heaping tablespoon of miso to each bowl of soup, mixing until dissolved.* Garnish each bowl with the remaining clove of pressed garlic so there is a bit of raw garlic in each serving for an extra potent antibiotic hit.

This is a great remedy as the days get cooler and during all the winter months. It helps to support a healthy digestive and immune system.

NOTE: Miso is a living food. To preserve its probiotic, healing qualities be sure to add it once the soup has been removed from the burner and has cooled slightly.

 

Thyme Decongesting Steam

Water

1 bunch of fresh thyme, chopped finely, stem and all

Boil 4 cups of water. Add water to a ceramic bowl, or some vessel that holds in heat. Add the thyme into the bowl and immediately cover it to hold in all the essential oils of the thyme. Find a cozy spot to sit. Get a full­size bathroom towel. Begin by draping it over your head and over the pot creating a tent. Next, remove the top from the vessel­­opening the lid slowly away from you to prevent a steam burn (if the steam feels too hot, give it a few minutes to cool). Breathe deeply and relax, inhaling the thyme steam for 10 minutes. Caution­­: keep eyes closed so the essential oil doesn't irritate them.

A faster option is to buy some thyme essential oil and drop one or two drops on the ground in your shower and turn on the hot water. As you shower, inhale the essential oil. Either of these options are a great way to keep your lungs healthy for the winter months.

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