By now you may know that both women and men dealing with immunological fertility issues, a compromised immune system, or viral/bacterial infections benefit from making healthy changes to their diet. For those times when you aren’t feeling like a salad or a cold smoothie, or need to change your meal plan up a bit, enjoy an immune tonic soup.

Making soup is a simple, yet effective option for extra grounding, warmth and an immune system boost. It lends gentle support, and can be used as needed while supporting your fertility naturally, to give the body the boost it needs to return to optimal health and even in pregnancy.

We’ve been hearing a lot about broths (like bone broths) for healing in mainstream media. Is there any truth to the hype? Yes there is! Healthy broths have been used for centuries to nourish the body during seasons of the year where viral infections run rampant. That said, I personally don’t like to waste any of my ingredients (like herbs and mushrooms) by straining anything out leaving a clear broth and a full compost bin or garbage can. Instead of a true broth, I recommend making an Immune Tonic Soup, made as hearty or light as you like.

A soup filled with immune-boosting herbs and foods is an excellent “go to” approach if you’ve been dealing with exhaustion, high levels of stress, immune breakdown (illness, viral infections) or for those who want to support the body in keeping infection away (say when preparing for or after a medical procedure like a D&C). It’s easy to prepare, digest and assimilate – all important for people who are recovering from illness or whose systems have been weakened. Make an Immune Tonic Soup any time you need extra healing support! I prefer using a bit of miso paste or vegetable stock, rather than bones for preparation. It’s easier to prepare, and the healing focus is plant based.

Here’s one of my favorite recipes for boosting healthy immune system function, or an immune-related fertility issue. For the most benefits, take this soup 1-2 times a week while following a Fertility Diet and holistic immune balancing program.

Immune Tonic Soup

Makes: 4 large servings (about 1 quart- 32 oz)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups water
• 4 tsp. organic red miso paste (or 4 cups low-sodium organic vegetable stock- skip the water if you choose this option)
• 3 organic shiitake mushrooms, sliced (organic fresh if you can get them, or organic dried and rehydrated)
• 3 small pieces of astragalus root (it looks like a tongue depressor)
• 3 tbsp. dried nettle leaf
• 2 tsp. dried dulse flakes (or seaweed of your choice to taste)
• Pepper and liquid aminos to taste, if desired*

Directions: Lightly saute the garlic and onions in a bit of olive oil. Add the water, miso paste, shiitake mushrooms, astragalus and nettles. Bring to a low simmer for 20 minutes. Add the dulse. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove Astragalus root. Season with a little pepper and liquid aminos if desired. *If you use miso and seaweed, extra salt isn’t necessary. Enjoy!

Final thoughts…
Some people like the taste of an herbal soup like this right away, but if you find you aren’t sure that you do, give it a little time or make adjustments to this recipe. You can add spices like ginger, turmeric or hot pepper if you like more flavor. If you want something heartier, include spinach, or celery and carrots. Immune tonic soups are incredibly versatile and can be customized to well work for anyone.

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She’s a published author, Certified Herbalist, and health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies from the East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.