Immune Boosting Soup

With the cooler temperatures approaching and cold and flu season upon us, why not warm up and stay healthy with this great immune boosting soup!  Here is the recipe:

1 astragalus root strip (available at most Chinese supermarkets)
1 burdock root
1/2 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp sage
6 cups of vegetables cut into bit sized pieces (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, green peppers, parsley, potatoes, squash, string beans, zucchini)
1 cup of cooked barley

1)  In a glass or stainless steel pot, simmer the astragalus and burdock in the water with the thyme and sage for about 20-30 minutes.  Strain out the herbs and use the water as a broth for the soup.
2)  Add the vegetables and barley to the broth and cook.  Allow to simmer slowly for 1 hour.
3)  Serve warm.  The soup can be strained and served as a broth or served with all of the vegetables.  Make 6 servings.