Cold fighting broth

I have to start this article with a disclaimer: what I’m about to tell you does not cure colds. I can’t even say for sure that it really helps prevent them. But there are some indications that certain foods help reduce or prevent cold symptoms, so maybe it does help. All I know is that somebody told me about this many years ago, and whether it works or not, it’s comforting and tasty.

Cold fighting broth recipe

As this was explained to me, the trick is to make a bowl of this as soon as you think you may be coming down with a cold. To be on the safe side, you can even just throw it together when you’ve been around someone who has a cold. The recipe is very simple:

Ingredients

• 1 can Chicken broth (or water with chicken bullion)
• Powdered garlic
• Powdered onion
• Cayenne pepper sauce (Tobasco or any similar product)

NOTE: sure, you can use fresh garlic and onion. I have, but it doesn’t seem to work any better than the powdered. I actually prefer the taste of the powdered, because in such a simple broth, fresh onion and garlic are overwhelming. But it’s a matter of taste.

Instructions

Warm up the broth in a saucepan on medium heat. Add powdered garlic and onion to taste. Add cayenne sauce to taste – a little goes a long way, so stir it up and taste it before adding more.

Garlic and onion both have antiviral properties to boost your immune system. Steam seems to help by lubricating your sinuses so you can flush out nasty viruses. Cayenne pepper is very soothing for sore or scratchy throats, plus it opens up your sinuses and adds a wonderful flavor.