AYURVEDIC RECIPES

Grandma's Chicken Soup

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"To get some oiliness from chicken fat, I presume that you use chicken with skin and then skim off the excess fat. Is..."
- Lisa Westerfield, Robbinsville, NJ full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review

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How to Make Grandma's Chicken Soup

SERVINGS: 4
PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 60 MINUTES
SKILL LEVEL: EASY

STYLE: WESTERN
PREPARATION: SOUP, BOILED
FOR OCCASION: CLEANSE, ON-THE-MEND

INGREDIENTS


SKILL LEVEL: EASY
1/2 c
1/2 c
8 c
4 whole
1 c
1 tsp
1/2 tsp
1/4 lbs

PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE

This recipe couldn't be more simple! Carrots, celery, onion, salt, and black pepper form the base stock for many vegetable soups in the west.

1. Slice the carrots, celery and onion.

2. Add together with remaining ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer for one hour. Serve hot!

Optional Additions for Added Healing: For a more Indian flavor add a spice paste of ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fennel sauteed with a bit of ghee. These spices (especially ginger) will help you fight the cold even faster.

How Does This Ayurvedic Recipe Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Salty, nurturing, warm broth soothes your belly on the worst of days. Grandma still knows best- Chicken Soup is her mysterious cure-all and its reputation persists today. The next time you're feeling under the weather, make a big pot of Grandma's Chicken Soup, and feel the healing qualities soothe your achy body.

Common Cold Cure

Grandma's Chicken Soup doesn't have any high tech chemicals, compounds, or derivatives that prevent the common cold. So how does it work? The answer is that chicken soup pulls less blood to the GI tract while providing balanced nutrition. The more blood that stays in circulation, the more blood is available to fight disease. A whopping 60% of metabolism gets consumed by digestion. Releasing the power of that 60% is the key to Grandma's magic and boosting immunity.

Carrots and rice digest in a snap. Black pepper stimulates circulation. Circulation is great for immunity because it stimulates a light sweat, thereby releasing the toxins that are giving you the blues. Nutrition in the form of broth is easy to assimilate and keeps the body hydrated.

Why Chicken?

Between nations or organisms, war is costly. Sustained periods of fighting bacterial invasion eventually depletes your strength. Meat closely resembles our bodily tissues and is the best way to replace depleted fuel and vitality-giving ojas. Chicken is preferred for those recovering from illness because it is easier to digest than heavy red meat. Additionally, the nourishing fats of dark chicken keep your digestive tract lubricated and flowing freely, aiding your body's ability to eliminate toxins that may have been (or may in the future!) make you sick.

The Vegetarian Choice

Vegetarians are recommended to use kitchari with root vegetables instead. Kitchari is Ayurveda's vegetarian version of chicken soup that has been used for thousands of years. Make your kitchari with extra broth when you're sick to receive many of the same benefits of chicken soup.

Prevention is Better than the Cure

Some of the best medicine for full-blown illness works wonders as preventative medicine. Why get sick if you don't have to? If you feel even a touch under the weather, gently nurturing yourself with this soup can save you from heading all the way down the pipeline to a common cold or winter flu. It's not easy to cook for yourself when you don't feel good, so keep chicken broth in the freezer. It's a great way to jump-start feeling great again. So get in the kitchen and prepare for winter!

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Is Grandma's Chicken Soup Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Grandma's Chicken Soup' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.
See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

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CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

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LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Pitta aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

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,
Crunchy

CRUNCHY

Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.

SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Bland

BLAND

Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.

SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS


Moves Energy:
Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

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HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Grandma's Chicken Soup
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Quenches Thirst

QUENCHES-THIRST

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.

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,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

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Relieves Burning

RELIEVES-BURNING

Herbs that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation, such as aloe vera.

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Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

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Strengthens Resolve

STRENGTHENS-RESOLVE

Increases determination and courage by reducing stress and building strength.

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,
Makes You Tired

MAKES-YOU-TIRED

Induces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep.

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Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

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,
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

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Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

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Flushes Sinuses

FLUSHES-SINUSES

An herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus.

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,
Soothes Throat

SOOTHES-THROAT

Soothes throat discomfort, including from a sore or ticklish throat.

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,
Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

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Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

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,
Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

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,
Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

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Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

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Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Nitric Oxide

NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

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,
Coumarin

COUMARIN

Moderately toxic, vascular tonic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory.

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, Carbohydrate, Vitamin K,
Saponins

SAPONINS

Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant).

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, Sodium, Soluble Fiber,
Aromatase Inhibitor

AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

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, Sulfated Polysaccharides, Sulphur, Vitamin A, Potassium, Polysaccharides, Folate, Insoluble Fiber, Beta Carotene

Foods with a Similar Nature to Grandma's Chicken Soup

Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Strengthens-resolve

LEARN MORE

Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Strengthens-resolve, Decongestant, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses

LEARN MORE

Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Strengthens-resolve, Decongestant, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses

LEARN MORE

Black Pepper

Black Pepper has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Blood-tonic, Decongestant, Flushes-sinuses, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Decongestant, Flushes-sinuses, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Daikon Radish

Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Cholagogue, Digestive, Decongestant, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Wasabi

Wasabi has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Vasodilator, Cholagogue, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Horseradish

Horseradish has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Vasodilator, Cholagogue

LEARN MORE

Basil

Basil has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Diuretic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive

LEARN MORE

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Diuretic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Soothes-throat, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive

LEARN MORE

Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Diuretic, Decongestant, Flushes-sinuses, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Grandma's Chicken Soup

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Blood-tonic, Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Trikatu

Trikatu has these Actions in Common

Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

Punarnava

Punarnava has these Actions in Common

Cholagogue, Digestive, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Blood-tonic, Cardiac-stimulant

LEARN MORE

Mustard Poultice

Mustard Poultice has these Actions in Common

Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Pippali

Pippali has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Vasodilator, Blood-tonic, Burns-toxins

LEARN MORE

Osha

Osha has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant

LEARN MORE

Mahasudarshan

Mahasudarshan has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Burns-toxins, Cholagogue, Decongestant, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Hot Shower

Hot Shower has these Actions in Common

Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Inhale Steam

Inhale Steam has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Soothes-throat, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Hot Bath

Hot Bath has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE


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About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Grandma's Chicken Soup'

Do you like 'grandma's chicken soup'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'grandma's chicken soup'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 6 ratings, 1248 likes
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What chicken parts are recommended? Bone in or bone out?
- Mike, Pittsburgh, PA , 12-17-11 (Reply)
I always cook with the bone for the added mineral content. A tbsp of vinegar will draw even more minerals out of the bones. Kapha and Kapha/Pitta should use the breast. Vata and Vata/Pitta may use the dark meat. Thanks for asking!
I was looking for an easy recipe tonight to use up my chicken, and yours fit the bill perfectly. The soup was delicious, too. This will become a regular staple at our house. Thank you!
- Anne, Beaverton, OR
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 05-07-13 (Reply)
To get some oiliness from chicken fat, I presume that you use chicken with skin and then skim off the excess fat. Is that the case?
- Lisa Westerfield, Robbinsville, NJ
full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review
, 10-12-14 (Reply)
I like to add 1/2 tsp. dried Thyme, a Bay Leaf, and 5 or 6 whole garlic cloves, that I've just chopped in half, without peeling. I've tried the ACV but I don't care for it. If you cook this in a slow cooker, on Low, you can fix it and forget it, and it will be ready for you at day end for a meal. And if you get distracted with other things, and leave it on a bit long; well then those bones are going to get nice and soft on their own.
- Faith, Oakland, CA
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, 10-20-14 (Reply)
Some of the ingredients are not suitable for kappa. How do I substitute that will still make it beneficial to fight off the cold or flu
- Fiona Pereira, Mississauga, ON , 01-11-17 (Reply)
To make the soup more suitable for Kapha, leave out the rice and carrot and instead add collard greens or kale.
- Kimberly Kubicke, Asbury park, NJ
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, 01-12-17 (Reply)

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