Traditional recipes for chicken soup are a true super food for the body, mind and spirit. Cooks from around the world have long recognized the healing properties of chicken soup for upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. There are recipes for chicken soup in almost every country including Mexico, Greece, China, Thailand, Germany, France and Turkey.
Jewish cooks have traditionally cooked this soup for holidays and weekly Sabbath celebrations. Chicken soup is often referred to as Jewish penicillin for its curative values. What is it about chicken soup that creates healing in the body? What are the essential steps of making a homemade chicken broth which ensures optimal nutrient densityy?
How chicken soup heals the gut
The gelatin and collagen created in homemade, long simmering chicken broth is extremely healing for the intestinal track. It helps to heal the mucosal lining of the gut and is extremely gentle and soothing to the body when one has serious or minor stomach ailments. Chicken broth is highly recommended in several healing protocols for digestive issues. Jordan Rubin and integrative gastroenterologist Brasco recommend using chicken broth to help heal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and other gut issues. Elaine Gottchall’s well known Breaking the Vicious Cycle outlines the Specific Carbohydrate diet to heal serious intestinal diseases. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet places a strong emphasis on chicken broth for its restorative properties.
Medicinal uses for gelatin rich broth through the ages
Chicken soup is well known for its healing properties for upper respiratory illnesses. The warm liquid is hydrating and helps to clear nasal passages. Its contents are anti-inflammatory.
The gelatin rich soup broth was known to heal skin and joint disorders, asthma, digestive and heart ailments throughout the centuries. 12th century Egyptian, Jewish physician Maimonides recommended chicken soup for its healing properties, along with 10th century Persian Muslim physician Avicenna.
Modern research
Chicken soup has been researched for it anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to lower blood pressure. Research studies have shown that the collagen in chicken soup helps to lower blood pressure. Research has demonstrated that chicken soup can inhibit neutraphil migration, reducing the symptoms of upper respiratory infections.
The secret is in the broth
It is important that gelatin is formed in the chicken broth by long cooking times with all parts of the chicken, especially the fatty parts including the skin and legs. Chicken feet have traditionally been used to help create a gelatin in the broth. By adding vinegar at the beginning of cooking, additional minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, are pulled out of the meat bones into the broth.
My easy recipe for chicken soup
Ingredients: one pastured, organic whole chicken, cut up into pieces, 2-4 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar, 6-12 carrots, 2-4 yellow onions or leeks, 4-6 celeries, and/or 1-4 parsnips, ½ to 1 bunch of parsley, sea salt, black pepper, and filtered water.
Directions: Take one pastured chicken including the neck and place in filtered cold water, covering the chicken. Add raw apple cider vinegar and heat to low boil for 30-60 minutes. During boiling, the scum that rises should be skimmed off. Add washed and cut vegetables at this time and lower heat. The added vegetables can vary according to taste and what is available. I usually use leeks/onions and carrots, as a minimum. Soup should cook on low heat for several hours (6-12 hours). The longer the heating time, the more nutrient dense the soup will be and the more collagen will form. It is important to check every couple of hours to ensure not too much water has evaporated. Add more water if needed to cover chicken. Towards end of cooking time, add ½ to full bunch of washed parsley for several minutes for added nutrients. The soup can be drained through a cheese cloth placed in a colander, on top of another soup pot. Vegetables and chicken pieces can be added back into soup as desired. Sea salt and black pepper can now be added to taste. Matzoh balls, a traditional Jewish kneidlach or soup dumpling, can be made and added at this time if desired. Soup should be served hot.
Leftover soup should be placed in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning the soup should appear thick and jello like. This is evidence that the soup developed the proper gelatin needed for important nutrient and healing power.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/01/20/chicken-soup-healing_n_4631243.html
http://nourishedkitchen.com/the-chicken-soup-cure/
http://thenewmedicine.org/timeline/persian_medicine
https://thecoastnews.com/2014/03/the-healing-powers-of-bone-broth-at-balanced-and-bright/
http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/why-broth-is-beautiful
http://theprimalparent.com/2012/03/20/how-to-make-collagen-bone-broth/
Rubin, Jordan; Basco, Joseph.(2003) Restore Your Digestive Health. Kensington Publishing Corp. NY,NY.
Gottschall, Elaine. (2007) Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet. The Kirkton Press: Canada.
Fallon, Sally.(2001) Nourishing Traditions. New Trends Publishing, Washington, DC.
