Huggins Homestead

Flu Season Is Here

Naturally boosting your immune system is the best thing you can do for your body!

Summer is ending, and consequently, the kids are back in school. Every year, we do the best we can to battle the dreaded flu and other viruses however, often the measures we take do not support our immune system directly. Vaccinations and general checkups can be a good thing, but are worthless if not combined with natural immunity boosters, such as the food we eat, supplements we take and our physical activity level. A vaccine will do little for you if you never exercise and eat nothing but processed food.

The Key To Boosting Immunity

Good health starts with a STRONG immune system! Subsequently, the supplements we take and the food we eat are the foundational components to immunity. For this reason, it is important to start eating right and naturally boosting your immune system.

Ground Zero For Germs

Generally, schools are “ground zero” for germs, viruses, and bacteria. Little hands wiping their runny noses and then touching everything around them, little mouths not covering up before they cough phylum all over their neighboring classmate, and little fingers finding their way into noses, ears and who knows what else!  Undoubtedly, a virus’ paradise!

As I write these words, it is only the first week of September and unfortunatly our house has already been tainted by the dreaded flu.

Although it seemed too early for the flu, this thought process could be the result of not having the flu around for the last two years!!

In order to avoid the piles of tissues, coughing and sneezing uncontrollably, freezing in a room that is 85 degrees under a pile of blankets, and having your body feel like it was just run over by a dump truck, you MUST start boosting the immune system!

Dr. Oz’s Immune System Booster

Previously, I was watching a Doctor Oz episode about beating the flu and he was raving about this Shiitake Mushroom Immunity Boosting Soup! Meanwhile, our family had our fair share of viruses and sickness that winter, and decided we should give it a try. Couldn’t hurt right?

Not only was it delicious but, as a result, we did not get sick for the rest of the winter! This soup popped into my husband’s head again, as we were discussing our dinner plans for a house full of sick kids.

So What’s In It?

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
  • 1 Jalapeno, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
  • 2 bunches Scallions, sliced
  • 1 pound Shiitake Mushrooms, stemmed & sliced into 1/4” strips
  • 2 1/2 quarts Chicken Stock
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 2 Lemons
  • 1 block Tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups Carrots, shredded
  • Pepper

Why Is This a Powerful Immune System Booster? Some Notables:

The Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms are incredibly powerful in stimulating the immune system. Researchers have found that the antiviral properties in the Shiitake mushroom INHIBIT the growth of the influenza virus! Similarly, they are LOADED with critical vitamins that help boost your immune system! They pack a serious punch!

Garlic

Garlic is THE immunity king! I put this stuff in everything! In addition to its powerful immune boosting skills, garlic tastes incredible! In any event, I cannot imagine the culinary experience without garlic!

Ginger

Ginger contains many antioxidants and has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it an incredible immunity support agent!

How To Make It

First, start by chopping, slicing and mincing up all of your vegetables! Meanwhile, heat a large stock pot on medium high heat with a little olive oil on the bottom.

Next, combine the Jalapeño, Garlic, Scallions and Ginger in the pot, sautéing for about one minute.(Feel free to leave some of the seeds of the Jalapeño if you like it spicy!).

Afterwards, mix in Mushrooms and let them cook until soft, about another two minutes then add Soy Sauce and Chicken Stock.

Add your fresh squeezed lemons.

Lastly, mix in your carrots and Tofu and heat until Tofu has softened.


(Note: I make my own chicken stock and it REALLY adds a lot more flavor to everything. Additionally, it cuts down on the amount of sodium and preservatives that I put in my body.)


Enjoy!

immunity boosting soup

Dr Oz: Ming Tsai Shiitake Hot and Sour Immune System Booster Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
  • 1 Jalapeno, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
  • 2 bunches Scallions, sliced
  • 1 pound Shiitake Mushrooms, stemmed & sliced into 1/4” strips
  • 2 1/2 quarts Chicken Stock
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 2 Lemons
  • 1 block Tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups Carrots, shredded
  • Pepper to taste

Directions

  1. First, heat a stockpot on medium high, coating the bottom with oil to get started.
  2. Next, combine Jalapeño, Garlic, Scallions and Ginger in the pot, sauteeing for about one minute.
  3. Then, mix in Mushrooms and let cook until soft, about another two minutes.
  4. Add Soy Sauce and Chicken Stock.
  5. Simmer and reduce for about five minutes.
  6. Add fresh squeezed juice from the lemons.
  7. Finally, mix in Carrots and Tofu, cooking until Tofu is heated.
  8. Garnish with Pepper and serve with Lemon Zest and any leftover Scallions.

Dr. Oz Shiitake Mushroom Immunity Soup

Huggins Homestead
A great tasting soup to help boost immunity, stay well, or get better faster!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese, Japanese
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Grapeseed oil
  • 1 Jalapeno Minced
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Minced
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Minced
  • 2 Scallions Chopped
  • 1 lb Shiitake Mushrooms Stemmed and Sliced
  • 2 1/2 Quarts Chicken Stock or Broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Lemons (juiced) and Zested
  • 1 lb Tofu Diced
  • 2 cups Shredded Carrots

Instructions
 

  •  Heat a stockpot on medium high, coating the bottom with oil to get started.
  • Combine Jalapeno, Garlic, Scallions and Ginger in the pot, sauteeing for about one minute
  • Mix in Mushrooms and let cook until soft, about another two minutes
  • Add Soy Sauce and Chicken Stock
  • Simmer and reduce for about five minutes.
  • Add fresh squeezed juice from the lemons.
  •  Finally, mix in Carrots and Tofu, cooking until Tofu is heated.
  • Garnish with Pepper and serve with Lemon Zest and any leftover Scallions
Keyword flu, immunity, natural immunity, shiitake mushrooms, soup
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1 Comment

  1. ilgelo

    October 5, 2015

    Odd Future kale chips meh cold-pressed fanny pack Blue Bottle.Shoreditch mumblecore plaid. XOXO you probably haven’t heard of them hella Portland

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