Feel a cold coming on? You have two options in the middle of flu season. You can either commit yourself to become a couch potato while you moan and groan your way towards that second box of Kleenex, or you can head to the kitchen for a home remedy of chicken soups and tonics. Mustering up the strength for the latter may be tough, but once you do, you'll thank yourself (and so will your digestive health).
Videos by Wide Open Country
An easy to make, and easy to eat, soup is precisely what you need. Don't worry, we've taken all the guesswork out of cooking and compiled these simple soup recipes that will leave you with more time to rest. Full of all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to give the immune system a boost, these immunity-boosting soup recipes will soothe the pain and get you back on your feet and in tip-top shape.
While you're waiting on the simmering soup (some soups require a lengthy cooking time), mix yourself a healing tonic. Fixing a quick elixir is like loading up on cold medicine, only it tastes much better. From the anti-inflammatory powers of turmeric to the soothing nature of cinnamon, these simple tonics can do wonders for the body.
So put the Netflix on pause and get to the kitchen to restore your strength - there are too many health benefits to each of these recipes to ignore.
SOUPS
1. The Ultimate Immune-Boosting Soup
If you're feeling under the weather, The Ultimate Immune-Boosting Soup is just what the doctor ordered. Vitamin-packed kale, bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms along with the healing power of turmeric and garlic will have you feeling better in no time.
Don't forget to add in a bit of fresh ginger to add a kick.
Get the recipe here.
2. Feel Better Pho
There's just something about pho that has magical healing powers that combat a winter's cold. Chock-full of healthy goodness, Feel Better Pho can be ready in 15 minutes, allowing you to spend more time resting up.
Find the recipe here.
3. Japanese Clear Onion Soup
If you got a stomach bug, the last thing you probably want is food. Japanese Clear Onion Soup is the perfect remedy. It's good for you and gives the body the sustenance it needs while easing you back to life.
Find this delicious soup recipe here.
4. Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
You can't mess with a classic home remedy like mom's chicken noodle soup. Unfortunately, mom isn't always around to take care of us when we're sick. If that's the case for you, then this Quick and Easy Chicken Soup recipe is the comfort food you need for cold-fighting season. And if you're sick of celery in your soup there's plenty of celery substitutes for your soup-making needs.
Find the recipe here.
5. White Bean and Kale Soup
White Bean and Kale Soup is simple to make and will help you gain back your strength - keep it vegan and vegetarian friendly by using vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
Find the recipe here.
6. Simple Spiced Carrot Soup
Spices not only make food taste better, they also have potent health benefits the body is in desperate need of - especially when sick. That's why if have the sniffles, you need to make this yummy Simple Spiced Carrot Soup.
Find the recipe here.
7. Easy Tomato Basil Blender Soup
When you're sick, the last thing you want to do is get off the couch to make food. Luckily, this comforting Easy Tomato Basil Blender Soup practically does all the work for you. Toss the tomatoes and onions in the oven, then blend your ingredients for an easy, satisfying tomato soup.
Find the recipe here.
8. Spicy Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
Sometimes, the best way to get better is to sweat it out. This Spicy Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup is exactly what you need!
In less than 20 minutes, you will be perspiring your way to better health in the most delicious way.
Find the recipe here.
TONICS
9. Turmeric Pick-Me-Up
The anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric have been utilized for thousands of years when it comes to sickness. From fighting infections to soothing digestion, the Turmeric Pick-Me-Up is one tonic you won't want to skip.
Find the recipe here.
10. The Flu Buster Juice
Lemon, garlic, and ginger with a touch of cayenne heat is the ideal tonic to put your immune system back in check. If you're fresh out of cayenne, consider one of these cayenne pepper substitutes.
Get the recipe here.
11. Lemon Ginger Tea
Fresh ginger and lemon juice are two powerful ingredients, that when combined, make the ideal tonic to cure what ails you. If symptoms include sore throat, nausea, or cough, then try this simple Lemon Ginger Tea tonic.
Find the recipe here.
12. Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea
If a sore throat is getting the best of you, then you need Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea. Cinnamon helps soothe the throat, relieving you of the pain caused by inflammation.
Find the recipe here.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar Lemon Tonic
In case you are new to the wonders of apple cider vinegar, it is full of antioxidants that are crucial to a healthy immune system. At the first sign of a cold, mix this Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Tonic, and save the sick days for when you really need it.
Find the recipe here.
14. Orange Turmeric Immune Boosting Juice
When you're sick, it's time to guzzle vitamin C and beta carotene. Rather than just sticking with plain OJ, get the most out of your oranges with this Orange Turmeric Immune Boosting Juice.
Find the recipe here.
15. Cold Remedy Hot Toddy
Did you ever wonder why grandma's cough syrup always did the trick? It's because she slipped a little something into it. Sometimes green tea just doesn't cut it.
The classic home remedy for all adult ailments, the Hot Toddy is exactly what the doctor prescribed.
Get the recipe here.
READ MORE: 7 Best Cocktails to Combat the Common Cold
