People laugh at me when I tell them this soup cures the flu, then they try it, and they aren't laughing anymore. Follow these directions and you will see that it will shorten your illness and help your symptoms.
Because of the garlic and onion in this recipe, it's best to use it when you don't have to be around other people, as it will seep out of your pores and your breath.
You will drink nothing but this soup for an entire day. Strain the liquid as you go, leaving the rest in the broth. The soup will get stronger as you get to the bottom, but that's what makes it work. Be sure to stir the soup well before straining to drink. Drink it as hot as you can stand it. Eat the vegetables with the last two cups. DO NOT MICROWAVE IT, because that kills the medicinal properties.
You will need 64 ozs. (1/2 gallon) of regular chicken broth. Canned is fine, but of course, fresh is better. If you are watching your sodium, you can use the low sodium, but the salt actually helps this work better. Season with salt to taste.
Fresh, crushed garlic is best, but I've used the kind you buy in jars, and it worked well. Add 1 tsp. of crushed/chopped garlic per cup of broth (8 tsp. per 1/2 gallon). This may seem like a lot, but garlic is the main virus fighter in this recipe.
Onions and celery must be fresh..no frozen or dried. Chop up two small onions and 4 stalks of celery for 1/2 gallon of chicken broth.
Pepper is an essential ingredient. Cayenne is preferable, but if you can't handle it, black pepper is fine. Add enough to make it spicy, but not unbearably hot. Since different people have different tolerances, the amount will vary. Keep in mind that the pepper gets hotter as it cooks, so you may want to wait until closer to the end of cooking time to add it.
Bring the ingredients to a boil, then turn down to medium heat and cook for 30 minutes. Turn to simmer, cover and let cook for another hour before eating. Keep on simmer as you drink it, adding a little water to replace evaporated liquid as needed.
I am not a medical professional, and do not promise this will work for everyone. It works for me, and it has worked for many others.
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