Chicken Soup

Grandmother Did Know Best

My Grandmother Betty, who was raised in Czechoslovakia did know best. She often served us wonderful chicken soup which her mother taught her to make. To my family it was simply another delicious meal from her kitchen. As I’ve learned how to better nourish my family, I’ve read many articles that validate what our ancestors must have known. Rich homemade chicken broth helps cure colds, and has a cleansing effect on the body. Research agrees that the soup helps break up congestion and eases the flow of nasal secretions. In addition, many say it also inhibits the white blood cells that trigger the inflammatory response (causing sore throats and the production of phlegm.) The stock from the chicken also contains minerals in a form the body can rapidly absorb. What’s interesting is that you can find products all over health food stores to help cure and eliminate joint pain and arthritis. These exact same ingredients are found in the broken down material from the chicken bones, cartilage, and even tendons. You can have all of this in a much more readily absorbable way simply by consuming real chicken soup. Although I’m not sure my Grandmother knew the extent of the gift she was giving us, it truly was a gift.

Chicken Soup Trivia

The broth contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals. The American researcher Francis Pottenger pointed out that gelatin is a hydrophilic colloid, which means that it attracts and holds liquids; it facilitates digestion by attracting digestive juices to food in the gut.

Chicken: "Chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, a substance released when you make the soup. This amino acid is similar to the drug acetylcysteine, which is prescribed by doctors to patients with bronchitis. It thins the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough out. And hot chicken vapors have been proven more effective than hot water vapors in clearing out the cold in your nose. Carrots: Carrots, are the best natural source of beta-carotene. The body takes that beta-carotene and converts it to vitamin A. Vitamin A helps prevent and fight off infections by enhancing the actions of white blood cells that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Onions: Onions, contain quercetin, a powerful anti-oxidant that is also a natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory.” (citation from sixwise.com)

For more information on the many benefits of broth, please refer to Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon and SpoonfulofComfort.com

Grandma Betty’s Old-Fashioned Chicken Soup

• 1 whole Organic Chicken
• 4 quarts cold filtered water (do not cover entire chicken, or it will be too watery)
• 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (helps to draw nutrients out of bones)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled, and chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 stewed tomatoes
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 1 bunch parsley (add at the end, not like picture! :)
• Fresh Thyme option (especially if a cough is present)

Place chicken or chicken in a large stainless steel pot with water, vinegar and all vegetables except parsley. Let stand 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bring to a boil, and remove scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 to 4 hours (on very very low heat)
Remove whole chicken or pieces with a slotted spoon. Let cool, and then add any chicken you’d like back to your soup. We use the remaining for chicken salad.

For Small Children

I’ve found that when my child is suffering from a cold or chest congestion, cool broth, then I simply administer it in a cup with a straw to ensure enough of the liquid is being digested.  This works wonders, and you’ll be able to see a difference within hours.