Mama Su’s Cold & Flu Remedy: Sweating It Out the Traditional Way
When the cold and flu season arrives, we often find ourselves searching for natural remedies to ease symptoms and support our immune systems. For generations, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has offered time-tested solutions to help the body fight off pathogens. As I began my journey into TCM, I had the honor of working closely with Susan Housand, LAc, Dipl OM, MSTCM—affectionately known to me as Mama Su. She was not just my acupuncturist—she was also a mentor, and friend. For years, I turned to her for guidance on everything from women’s health to wellness. But when it came to fighting off colds and flu, her approach was always the same: sweat it out.
I’ll never forget the times I came to her with the early signs of a cold—sore throat, body aches, fatigue—and how she would offer her signature remedy. No pills, no complicated concoctions—just a simple, powerful soup and some key practices to help my body expel the pathogen and restore balance. Her advice was steeped in the principles of TCM, where the body is seen as a delicate balance of forces. When one of these forces is disturbed, like when cold pathogens enter, the goal is to restore balance and expel the illness from the body.
At The Violette House, we love embracing traditional remedies like this one, which focus on strengthening the body’s ability to eliminate pathogens and restore balance. Let’s dive into Mama Su’s classic cold and flu remedy and explore the healing benefits of ginger, green onion, and bone broth — all part of an ancient practice that works to sweat out illness and rejuvenate the body.
The Power of Sweating It Out
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, when a cold or flu enters the body, it’s considered an invasion that disrupts the body’s natural harmony. The key to treating these ailments is to release the pathogen from the body as quickly as possible, and the best way to do this is by promoting sweating. When you sweat, you open the pores and allow the body to release the pathogen, preventing it from settling deeper in the body. This approach helps to keep the illness from progressing further, especially if it’s caught early.
To initiate this process, the body needs to be heated up, and that’s where hot baths and showers come into play. The idea is to raise your body temperature to the point where your pores open and you start to sweat. A really hot bath or shower can help to stimulate this process. Once you’ve soaked and sweat it out, the key is to keep the heat in. Bundle up in warm clothing and a blanket to keep the heat circulating and your body sweating. This trapped warmth helps the body continue expelling the cold and keeps your immune system working at its best.
The real secret to this process, as taught to me by Mama Su, is to create an environment where you are promoting the release of the pathogen from the exterior of the body. The goal is to expel the illness in a natural way—letting your body fight off the cold while you rest and support it with natural remedies.
The Remedy: Mama Su’s Ginger, Green Onion, & Bone Broth Soup
One of the most effective ways to stimulate sweating and promote healing during a cold is with a hot, warming broth. Mama Su’s go-to remedy is a soup made from ginger, green onion, and bone broth. This simple, yet powerful, concoction works in multiple ways to support the body’s recovery process:
Ginger: Known for its warming properties, ginger stimulates circulation and promotes sweating. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight off infections.
Green Onion: Green onions, or scallions, are often used in TCM for their ability to induce sweating and release external pathogens. They also support the immune system and help relieve congestion.
Bone Broth: Rich in nutrients, minerals, and collagen, bone broth supports the body’s overall healing, soothes the digestive system, and hydrates the body, which is essential when fighting off an illness.
Why It Works: The combination of these elements is designed to support the body’s natural healing processes. The warming properties of the ginger and green onions stimulate the body to expel the pathogen, while the nourishing bone broth supports energy and the immune system. This is why Mama Su always recommended this particular remedy—it’s about not only fighting off the illness but also supporting the body’s ability to heal quickly.
The Sweating Process: Hot Bath, Hot Soup & Bundling up
Mama Su’s remedy goes beyond just making a soup; it’s about creating the perfect environment for your body to heal. Here’s how to get the most out of this therapeutic process:
Take a Hot Bath or Shower: Start by taking a really hot bath or shower to raise your body temperature. The heat will open your pores, making it easier for your body to sweat out the pathogen. If you have access to essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint, adding a few drops to the bath can further help clear your sinuses and open up your airways.
Sip the Hot Ginger and Green Onion Soup: While in the bath or after your shower, sip the hot ginger and green onion soup slowly. This will not only warm you up but also help your body expel the pathogen. The warmth of the soup encourages sweating and supports digestion, making it the perfect pairing for your bath.
Bundle Up and Sweat It Out: Once you’re finished with your bath, bundle up in warm, comfortable clothing, including blankets, and continue to sweat. Stay cozy and allow your body to naturally sweat out the illness. It’s best to rest while your body works hard to fight off the cold or flu. If you can, take a nap — letting your body relax and rejuvenate during this process.
Recipe: Mama Su’s Cold & Flu Soup
Here’s a simple and soothing recipe for Mama Su’s famous ginger, green onion, and bone broth soup:
Ingredients:
4 cups bone broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
2-3 inches of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
3-4 stalks green onions, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional for extra immune support)
1 tbsp coconut aminos (optional for flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
1-2 tsp sesame oil (optional for flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the broth: In a medium-sized pot, bring the bone broth to a boil.
Add the ginger and garlic: Once the broth is boiling, add the ginger slices and minced garlic (if using). Let them simmer in the broth for 5-10 minutes to extract their beneficial properties.
Add the green onions: After the broth has simmered for a few minutes, add the chopped green onions and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes. The green onions should be soft and flavorful.
Season the soup: Add coconut aminos for a savory umami flavor, and season with salt and pepper to taste. A drizzle of sesame oil adds richness to the soup (optional).
Sip and enjoy: Serve the soup hot. Drink slowly, allowing the warmth to spread through your body.
This soup is perfect for a cold winter evening or when you’re feeling under the weather. Mama Su recommends drinking it multiple times a day, especially when you're starting to feel the first signs of a cold. It’s a simple yet potent way to promote healing and fight off pathogens.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of TCM’s holistic approach to healing. It’s not just about treating symptoms—it’s about treating the root cause and supporting the body in restoring balance. The practice of sweating out a cold is just one example of how TCM addresses illness in a way that encourages the body’s natural defenses to work their magic.
If you're dealing with a cold or flu and looking for a natural, effective way to feel better, I highly recommend giving Mama Su’s remedy a try. It’s a time-tested tradition that’s been passed down through generations of TCM practitioners, and I can personally attest to its effectiveness. If you’re in Groton, MA, and seeking support through acupuncture or Chinese medicine, feel free to visit The Violette House, where we integrate the wisdom of TCM to help you restore balance and health naturally.