I absolutely hate being sick. You could take the best care of your body, but every once in awhile something will sneak up on you! This is my first time being sick since Lucy was born and it is definitely a lot more difficult! I knew that I needed to get over this cold FAST to get back to my optimal energy level so that I could give her my best! I still tried to keep her as engaged as possible throughout my sickness because she shouldn't have to suffer just because I am, especially since the weather has been absolutely gorgeous! Here she is enjoying the hammock and her new pool!
Okay, back to the healing! There's two things I really like to do when I'm sick (besides sleep) - diffuse essential oils and eat soup. I diffuse essential oils when I'm healthy too, but the steam does wonders when you're sick (at least for me!). I chose to diffuse doTERRA thyme essential oil because of its antibacterial properties. Thyme has been used in herbal medicine for centuries with its main chemical compound being thymol, which is where the antimicrobial attributes come from. There are many other herbs that have been used in medicine and essential oils that you can use when you're sick. Feel free to contact me with any questions about which essential oils might be best for you! (You can purchase essential oils here!)
I also love eating soup whether I'm sick or not but when I am sick, I try to make something that is healing. As Hippocrates once said, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." For this Turmeric Ginger Chickpea Soup, I tried to include as many anti-inflammatory, immune boosting elements as possible so it really is full of antioxidant, cold-fighting goodness!
• Thyme is a natural antibacterial to help fight a sore throat.
• Turmeric is a great antioxidant and with anti-inflammatory properties. It's also a good source of iron.
• Ginger is another powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food!
• Garlic is an immune system booster!
• Spinach is loaded with Vitamin A which supports a healthy immune system and reduces inflammation.
• Onions, also anti-inflammatory (do you see a pattern here?)
• Chickpeas because they're full of essential vitamins & minerals and they're super filling.
• Fresh ground black pepper to help the absorption of curcumin from the turmeric. This is important, don't skip this!
I hope you find this soup to be as delicious and rejuvinating as I did! Check out the recipe below to start healing!
Turmeric Ginger Chickpea Soup ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Ingredients:
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tbs fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 tsp turmeric
ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs of thyme, leaves only
8 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
1 cup dry whole grain/wheat pasta
1 15.5 oz can garbanzo beans (no sat added)
2 cups baby spinach
1 tbs fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat large pot over medium heat. Add a bit of vegetable broth to cover the bottom of the pan.
2. Add onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, pepper, bay leaves, and thyme. Cook a few minutes until soft. You can add more vegetable broth or water as needed to prevent sticking to the pain.
3. Add vegetable broth, turn heat to high, and bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add pasta and chickpeas.
5. Cook 8-10 minutes or until pasta is soft.
6. Stir in spinach and cook additional minute or two until wilted.
7. Serve in a large bowl garnished with parsley and enjoy the flavor and all the health benefits of this healing soup!