Home Remedies to Heal the Body and Nourish the Soul

Chicken soup is the quintessential home remedy for colds as well as the soul. I have fond memories from my childhood when I was nurtured back to health after the flu or a cold with lots of love and a bowl of warm and delicious chicken soup.

Our body has an amazing ability to heal itself when it is supported by the right nutrients. There is a bounty of vitamins, minerals and natural chemicals in whole foods that do just that.  

Many of us are not aware we have a medicine cabinet in the kitchen pantry. I envision a time when the doctor will send us to the food market instead of the pharmacy to get our prescription! is to learn how to stock up your healthy pantry.

Below are some home remedies, including my TLC Chicken recipe, that can support the body’s own wondrous ability to repair and heal itself without side effects or leaving a hole in your pocket!

For Colds and Infections:

• Toast two slices of bread, add olive oil, sliced raw garlic and eat as a sandwich. 

• Sea salt is a strong natural antihistamine. After drinking a glass or two of water put a little bit of sea salt on the tongue. This provides relief from asthma. It is also useful in clearing lungs of mucus plugs and phlegm.

• Make a tea by lightly crushing five thyme fresh or dried leaves; place in a cup and fill with water cooled to just below boiling; cover and leave to infuse for five minutes; remove leaves and drink. May also be used as a gargle. Thyme has antiseptic properties.

To Soothe a Sore Throat

• Mix Honey and lemon juice. Take several tablespoons of this mixture several times a day. Let it sit in your throat a little while. This remedy will also help alleviate the tickle in your throat.

• To help relieve the pain, apply a warm heating pad or compress to your throat. You can also try a warm chamomile poultice: Mix 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers into 1 or 2 cups boiling water; steep for five minutes, then strain. Soak a clean cloth or towel in the tea, wring it out, and then apply to your throat. Remove the cloth when it becomes cold. Repeat as often as necessary.

Rosie's TLC Chicken Soup (Serves 4)

2 chicken breasts with the bone (preferably organic)

1 small onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 medium carrots, sliced     

2 celery stalks, chopped                                          

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 parsnip, peeled and cubed                                                          

¼ cup Cilantro, chopped

¼ cup Parsley, chopped                                          

2-3 springs of Thyme, chopped                                         

1 bay leaf                                                      

6 cups water

1/2 cup washed quinoa                                                      

Fresh ginger to taste, grated (optional)                                        

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of ½ lemon                                                                  

1 avocado (optional)                                                                       

Wash and salt chicken and set aside for around 15 minutes.

Chop onions and garlic and set aside for 5-10 minutes (To allow the healing compound, allicin, to develop. )

Add chicken, water, onions, garlic, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.

Turn to medium low heat and simmer for around 40 minutes.

Add the cilantro, thyme, bay leaves, grated fresh ginger, quinoa and potatoes.

Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and parsnip are tender.

Remove chicken, let it cool, then separate meat from the bone and shred to bite size. Add shredded chicken back to soup.

Check for seasoning and adjust as appropriate.

Serve with a slice of avocado and top with extra chopped cilantro.