Change of Seasons is Fast Approaching!

It's that time of year. Late August, early September, when the weather gets a bit cooler, back to school is upon us and the regular routine starts anew. And cold and flu season is naturally to follow. It's time to gather all the wonderful ingredients to boost your immune system so you can transition easily into Fall. A visit to your local Chinatown, or a well stocked health food store, will get you everything you need.

Change of Season "Soup"

Touted as your immune system tonic, change of season soup is a Chinese herbal blend that helps boost your immune system (in Chinese medicine it boosts your Wei Qi), resists cold/flus and balances your body. I find it useful to start working on your immune system when the weather varies  - hot days followed by colds ones and back again. It is often the trigger for many who are a bit stressed with a vulnerable immune system. You can drink it as is, or make it the base of a really great chicken soup!

http://plumdragonherbs.com/product/dang-shen-codonopsis-root-1-oz/

http://plumdragonherbs.com/product/huang-qi-astragalus-root-1-oz/

http://www.herbalshop.com/natural-healing/medicinal-herbs/dioscorea-shan-yao/

http://www.goldenneedleonline.com/Goji-Lycii-Berries-Certified-Organic.html

Ingredients
(please note the actions pertain to Chinese medicine perspective of our organs and their function)

Codonopsis root: tonify and strengthen Lung Qi, build blood and nourish body fluids, benefits spleen and lungs

Astragalus root: strengthen immune and boost protective defenses, strengthen Qi, tonify your lungs, nourish the spleen

Dioscorea (Chinese yam) root: tonify and balance liver, lungs and kidneys, tonify Qi and benefits the lungs

Chinese Lycii (Goji) berries: strengthen liver and kidneys

Equal parts of all 4 ingredients (roughly ¼ cup each) with a large pot of water (roughly 16 cups or 4L). Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 hours to decoct the herbs. Periodically top up with water should the liquid boil down. Strain the liquid to remove the herbs and allow the liquid to cool. Feel free to heat up a bit and drink it as a tea or broth, or use it as a base for soup. I would typically add onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and chicken (on the bone for delicious flavor, and later de-bone the chicken). Enjoy boosting your immune system by drinking a cup or two every day for 2 weeks when the seasons start changing in your area.