I originally made this immune-boosting soup when my family came down with the flu. My goal was to load up a soup with all the immune-supportive, anti-viral, gut-supportive* foods I could. The result was delicious, comforting and relatively easy to throw together—exactly what I was looking for while down and out. I’ve made it a few times since, and will continue to keep it on heavy rotation for the “cold and flu season”.

Herbalist and Lyme expert Stephen Buhner recommends using astragalus root to optimize immune function. He recommends taking 1,000mg every day, and up to 3000mg during Lyme season. I take encapsulated herb or tincture.

Since my daughter is only 5, I work astragalus powder into her foods. like this cold and creamy milkshake. For other ways I bolster my family’s immune system, check out all the resources mentioned in Episode 62 of The Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast.

Moms are always writing me to ask for holistic home remedies, so I figured I would share the hot beverage we’ve been sippin’ in my household. This immune boosting hot chocolate recipe includes the immune supportive herb astragalus, the medicinal mushroom reishi, plus the fat soluble vitamins A, D and E which are necessary for natural cold and flu prevention. Even better—it's super rich and delicious—a treat your whole family will love!

Elderberry syrup is an effective botanical for preventing - and shortening the duration of—the common cold and flu. This antioxidant-packed berry contains vitamin C, A and minerals.

To support the immune system, take elderberry syrup regularly throughout the fall and winter months. It is safe for the whole family - including kiddos and pregnant or nursing mamas. If you do get a cold or the flu, you can ramp up the dose (see below) to shorten the duration of your illness.