Garlic Soup
For Viral infections of all sorts: COVID, RSV, Flu, & Colds:
Garlic is a natural anti-viral (it also can thin the blood). Other anti-virals include oregano, thyme, and salt. Anti-inflammatories include: Cayenne pepper, coconut oil, ginger, and curcumin. A Spanish tradition states that if you have a cold, eat hot (spicy) things. The following is an Italian remedy of Grandma Leone’s of Calatafimi, Italy. I sometimes add things for taste and extra effect, depending on what I have on hand and how I’m feeling. Remember to always listen to your own body and adjust amounts to your tolerance and taste. Don’t eat or drink something that tastes awful to you just because “it’s good for you”. Everyone has their own needs and what’s good for one is not necessarily good for another. If you are taking and other medications, please, always check with your primary care physician or naturopath for contra indications to new regimes.
Garlic Soup
2 cups spring or filtered water
6 cloves fresh garlic sliced, diced, or minced (jarred pre-cut garlic is not as effective)
¼-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (you may substitute cayenne pepper, if using powder start with less: a
sprinkle to ¼ teaspoon)
½ teaspoon Celtic or pink salt (these salts contain more beneficial trace minerals than lab produced
sodium chloride. Celtic salt is harvested from the sea and contains the most minerals, pink salt is
harvested from the Himalayan mountains and also contains minerals)
Boil all ingredients, simmer 15 minutes, till garlic is soft. You may blend all ingredients together, but be
aware that this will produce a stronger flavor.
Depending on my mood and the effect I want, I’ve added ground dried thyme, lavender, or oregano.
Wherever and whenever possible grow your own herbs!
Thyme: I’ve grown thyme in Long Island’s poor, sandy soil as well as in the valley of the Ramapo mountains. It’s tolerant of hot, dry summers and dark, cold winters. Its leaves are dark green in Winter, has purple flowers in Spring, bright green in Summer, and Fall is my favorite time to harvest. It spreads nicely if you let it. Just cut, wash, dry, and crumble. I keep mine for two years, unless I use it up faster.
Oregano: Another easy herb to grow. Starting from established plants works best. Full sun, not too wet.
Cut often to allow bushing. Flowers are nice for summer teas.
