Mother Gaia's Healing Chicken Soup

I have been seeing a lot of patients with GI viral illnesses lately, so it seems a good time to share my recipe for Healing Chicken Soup.

In recent years, there have been some studies that have examined the properties of chicken soup as a healing modality for viral illnesses, and there is some science showing the effects of hot soup on white blood cell activity in the body, among other things.

My recipe makes use of body/mind medicine as well as herbal medicine.

The body/mind part of the recipe comes from preparing the soup with a healing, loving, and nurturing intention. Can you imagine how comforted you would feel if your loved one brewed up a big pot of soup just for you? Do not under-estimate the healing power of such a nurturing gesture!

The herbal medicine comes from the use of several herbs known for their antiseptic properties - lemon, oregano, onion and the queen of herbs - GARLIC!

Ingredient list:

• 3-4 pieces of chicken (with bone and skin) or a whole chicken


• 8 cloves fresh garlic (or more if you like...) chopped


• 1 medium onion chopped


• zest and juice of 2-3 lemons


• 3-4 TBS dried oregano


• Water


• 2-3 carrots chopped (may substitute parsnips, turnip or any other veg that you prefer)


• 2-3 ribs of celery chopped


• Other optional additions include rice or noodles

Put the chicken into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 1hour.

While the chicken is cooking, peel and chop the garlic and set aside. Letting the chopped garlic rest for 20-30 minutes before adding it, helps to bring out the potency of the anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects.



Remove chicken and let cool. When cool enough to handle, seperate meat from bone and skin and chop coarsely, and return to pot.



Add chopped onion, lemon zest, oregano, garlic and veggies, and rice or noodles if using and lower heat to simmer. Cook for another 30 minutes, and add lemon juice at the end.

It is now ready to serve!

The soup freezes well. I often make a double batch to put some up in the freezer for when I really need it!