Yintang

Anxiety during pregnancy

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

Pregnant & overwhelmed?

You are not alone, with an estimated 1 in 5 women reporting anxiety symptoms throughout their pregnancy & anxiety prevalence peaking during third trimester, anxiety is more common than we think. Expecting mother have also had to face many changes and restrictions to their care delivered during Covid-19 and these unique times have added to the prevalence of perinatal anxiety.

Now, one well known therapy that can assist with anxiety and slow down the parasympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) and silence those bust thoughts is acupuncture. Acupuncture that is considered safe to use in pregnancy, although there can be risks involved, such as localised redness at the needle insertion point. Most women find acupuncture gentle, although some are more sensitive than others, as the needles used are very fine. But acupuncture and can provide support for perinatal anxiety and permission to stop and rest when life can be overwhelming…

If you want to test & see if this is the right therapy for you try massaging this point directly between your eyebrows for 3 minutes and see if this acupuncture point helps.

Yintang

Hope this helps!  Remember, you got this, mamma.

painful periods

Is Your Period Pain Normal?

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by
Painful periods        painful periods

Many women experience some kind of pain with their periods, but period pain (or dysmenorhea) is definitely not normal in Chinese medicine. Statistics vary widely around the world but show that a significant number of women suffer from regular pain with their periods. It is so common that many women assume painful periods are normal because their friends have it too. Period pain is something that a lot of women just put up and manage with painkillers, heat packs or other medications every month.

Even when period pain is affecting their quality of life, many women do not seek help from a doctor or other health professional.

Pain is your body’s way of letting you know that there is a problem, it is a symptom of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. While medication may be helpful for temporary pain relief, it does not address the underlying issues causing the period pain.

Types of period pain

Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, can be caused by many factors. Clinically it is classified as either primary or secondary depending on whether or not there are structural abnormalities in the pelvis. Primary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain with no identified organic cause. It can vary from mild to severe and affects as many as 50% of girls and women, often beginning soon after a girl starts having periods. In many cases periods become less painful as time goes on, and this kind of dysmenorrhea may improve after giving birth. Secondary dysmenorrhea has a known cause such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids. It tends to begin later in life than primary dysmenorrhea and often becomes worse over time.

Chinese medicine and period pain

Chinese medicine has a long history of treating gynaecological conditions including period pain. There are many Chinese medicine texts, some written as far back as 1000BC, containing detailed analysis and understanding of the menstrual cycle with recommendations for self-care and specific Chinese herbal medicine formulas to address symptoms such as pain.

What does a normal healthy period look like?

According to Chinese medicine a normal healthy period is regular (ideally around 28 days each cycle). There should be minimal or no discomfort, and definitely no pain. The flow of blood should be smooth (not interrupted), bright red in colour, and free of clots. It should be not too heavy or too light. The blood should not be too thick or too watery, and the entire period should last between 4-6 days.

In Chinese medicine, period pain is seen as abnormal and a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body which is blocking the smooth flow of menstrual blood. This blockage can be caused by many factors and an experienced practitioner will know whether your period pain is due to Qi (energy), blood, cold or dampness blocking the flow in your body, or whether the flow is obstructed because your Qi, Blood, Liver or Kidney energy is depleted. Often there is a combination of underlying patterns that need to be untangled and addressed. Each of these dynamics require a different approach. An experienced Chinese medicine practitioner will be able to assess what is out of balance and use acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine to assist in supporting your body towards a pain free and healthy menstrual cycle.

If you would like support for your painful periods with Traditional Chinese Medicine please book an appointment with Tanya Newton at Flow Chinese Medicine.

Working from home

Working from home doesn’t have to feel like working from home

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Working from home

Ergonomics

Are you feeling those niggles in the neck or back more since working from home? Let’s examine how our working environment at home may be contributing to this. Many of us have had to set up an ad hoc home office using the kitchen or dining table and chairs designed for eating a meal rather than extended periods of working and having to focus on a screen. Technology means we often find ourselves looking down to our devices, leading to neck and back strain. If you are using a laptop for work try elevating your laptop on a couple of thick cooking books and seperate your keyboard by a bluetooth keyboard. The top of the screen should be just above eye height. Consider amalgamating your phone apps such as What’s App onto your computer desktop to limit phone use.

 

To Sit or Stand

In the near future I will explore this topic comprehensively in another blog. The basic idea is to incorporate regular movement. Regardless of ideal ergonomic working conditions, long periods of sitting or standing can be detrimental to your health and wellbeing. What is apparent is the concept of interrupting sedentary positions by regularly changing positions. Have a look at solutions such as the sit stand platforms by Varidesk which turns your existing desk or kitchen bench top into a variable position desk with a click of a button 

 

Try what works for your specific situation. Aim to sit or stand many times throughout your day, for example, take phone calls standing. There is a saying that “your best posture is your next posture’. So a seat with a back or without isn’t that important as much as regularly changing positions. However, if your situation requires you to sit more than you stand, then a chair that supports your back is recommended.

 

Breaks

Schedule regular minibreaks and a lunch break. Allow for some time in your working day to be exposed to the outside sun. This will help improve your sleep and potentially offset some of the blue light exposure at night. Offer your eyes a broader canvas than just what is an arm’s length away.

 

Exercise

Working from home offers opportunities for brief moments of exercise. For example while on hold on a call, do 20 squats. Between completion of tasks, bookend it with 20 downward dogs to cobra on the floor. The evidence is very clear when it comes to the detrimental effects of lack of regular exercise on our body and mind.


Blue light                                                                                                                              

There is emerging but conflicting evidence on the effects of the artificial light from screens negatively affecting our sleep due to inhibiting melatonin, the hormone that regulates our circadian rhythms. The take home message here is to have daily exposure to outside daylight and limit screen exposure for at least 1 hour before your head hits the pillow.

 

Medical Cannabis

Cannabis and Medicine

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Why would I think of using Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis, or CBD oil, is not a first line treatment. As per the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners guidelines, “medicinal cannabis products should only be considered when all first line, conventional options have been tried.”

So, if you have a medical condition of more than 3 months duration and conventional medications have not proved effective for you or the side effects have outweighed the benefits or you wish to stop using ‘community acquired’ cannabis. Then it may be worth having a detailed discussion of the potential benefits and downside of medicinal cannabis with one of our doctors.

Who prescribes Cannabis at the Wholistic Medical Centre?

Cannabis (CBD) can only be prescribed by a Doctor through an individual application on your behalf to the Therapeutic Goods Authority – Special Access Scheme TGA SAS.

At the Wholistic Medical Centre, Dr Nick Bassal is registered with the Therapeutic Goods Authority – Special Access Scheme (TGA SAS) to prescribe Cannabis.

The Wholistic Medical Centre Difference

We differ from other clinics who prescribe cannabis, at the Wholistic Medical Centre we will consult with you from a holistic perspective. Cannabis is not just another drug, herb or magic bullet, we view it as an adjunct to holistic health care. So, where appropriate we can also discuss nutritional medicine, exercise, sleep and psychological support. It may also be useful to incorporate Chinese herbs relevant to your condition to improve outcomes. The above adjuncts will potentially have the effect of improving health outcomes, reducing the dose of cannabis you need and hence reduce the monthly cost and any potential side effects.

The Consultation Processes

For the initial appointment (which can be in person or via video) you will need to have relevant information such as medical history, letters from your GP or specialists. If Cannabis is indicated, the Wholistic Medical Centre doctor will make a formal online application to the TGA on your behalf. Note that your name is not revealed. We only need your initials and date of birth.

You will be notified once we receive the approval from the TGA.  You will be asked to make an appointment to discuss the specific medication and starting dose and things to look for. Your doctor will write a prescription and send/give that to you, along with the approval documentation. We will also endeavour to find a specific pharmacy near you that will provide you with the medication.

Follow up appointments are advised initially fortnightly to establish the correct dose and then monthly for the first 6 months to monitor progress and thereafter every 3-6 months as advised to obtain repeat scripts.

If you would like to discuss further, please make an appointment. Call 02 9211 3811 or make an online booking via our website.

What is the cost involved?

The fees below apply to Medical Cannabis consultations with  Dr Nicholas Bassal:

Initial consultation- You will not be out of pocket any more than $199 with Dr Nicholas Bassal. This is for the initial phone or video consultation (this includes the time taken for the Doctor to complete the TGA SAS application on your behalf).

The fee may be different if the consultation is in person, or on video, who you see and how long the consultation is, this is due to different Medicare item numbers that are charged. However, your out of pocket cost will remain at a maximum of $199.

Follow up consultations : $99 (out of pocket)

If you wish to gain from mindfulness-based psychotherapy, in addition to the cannabis, to assist in your holistic treatment, then a follow up consultation will be required with Dr Nicholas Bassal.

As Cannabis has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for millennia, usually in conjunction with other herbs, TCM practitioners already know which Chinese herbs to use to boost the benefit of cannabis. Each case however needs to be individualised according to their TCM presentation. If that is of interest to you, then make a consultation with Tanya Newton our highly experienced TCM herbal practitioner.

In the unlikely event that your application is declined, unfortunately the initial consultation fee is not refundable

The cost of the medical Cannabis appropriate for you varies depending on the exact product recommended (CBD:THC ratio, supply company and pharmacy). The cost can vary between approximately $200-$400 monthly.

Note- Currently cannabis products are not on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), so there is no government subsidy. So, all the costs of the cannabis products as supplied by the pharmacy are privately paid for.

If you want to find out if cannabis might help you. Please call 02 9211 3811 for an appointment.

The Ancient History of Cannabis in Medicine

Cannabis is a form of herbal medicine and has been used for over 5,000 years in many parts of the world. The medical benefits of cannabis were documented by Emperor Shen-Nung in China in 2737BC. Cannabis has been considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and its use has been continually documented in Chinese medicine for ~1800 years. In the modern era the seeds, known in TCM as huomaren 火麻仁, are listed in the Chinese Medicine Pharmacopeia.

Read more on Cannabis in Chinese Medicine

The Ebers Papyrus (c. 1550 BCE) from Ancient Egypt describes medical cannabis.

Surviving texts from ancient India confirm that cannabis’ psychoactive properties were recognized, and doctors used it for treating a variety of illnesses and ailments, including insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, and pain, including during childbirth.

The Ancient Greeks used cannabis to dress wounds and sores on their horses, and in humans.

In the medieval Islamic world, Arabic physicians made use of cannabis for its diuretic, antiemetic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties from the 8th to 18th centuries.

Modern History of Cannabis

An Irish physician, William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, is credited with introducing cannabis to Western medicine. O’Shaughnessy discovered cannabis in the 1830s while living abroad in India, where he conducted numerous experiments investigating the drug’s medical utility (noting in particular its analgesic and anticonvulsant effects). He returned to England with a supply of cannabis in 1842, (Queen Victoria even used it for period pain) gradually its use spread through Europe and the United States. Cannabis was entered into the United States Pharmacopeia in 1850 and used legally until US prohibition in 1937

Cannabis began to attract renewed interest as medicine in the 1970s and 1980s, in particular due to its use by cancer and AIDS patients who reported relief the effects of chemotherapy and wasting syndrome. In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to legalize medical cannabis in defiance of federal law. In 2001, Canada became the first country to adopt a system regulating the medical use of cannabis.

Our Body’s Own Cannabis

In 1992 it was discovered that our body produces its own cannabis like neurotransmitters and has receptors for them. (similar to the discovery of our natural endorphins). So, it was named the endo cannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS modulates different body systems to help achieve homeostasis. It is involved in many functions including inflammation, pain, sleep, appetite, digestion, metabolism, cardiovascular function, bone development, reproduction, immune function, mood, memory and cognitive processes.

The Endo-Cannabinoid System (ECS)

We have two natural endocannabinoids – anandamide (from the Sanskrit word, “ananda” meaning bliss; similar structure to THC) and 2- AG (similar structure to CBD) and it was also discovered that there were two types of cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2.

Most of the receptors are CB1 receptors and located in the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain (cognitive functions, memory) – e.g. hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, cerebral cortex. And peripheral nervous system (PNS) all the nerves connected to our muscles and organs.

CB2 receptors are in the immune system and gut (immune function, pain and inflammation).

CBD and THC are chemically similar to our own naturally produced cannabinoids- hence they can interact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Chemistry of Cannabis

CBD oil

Many people are familiar with two of the well-known chemicals found in medicinal cannabis- CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol).

Cannabinoids can be classified into three categories:

  •      Endocannabinoids– natural produced in the body
  •       Phyto cannabinoids– from plants
  •       Synthetic cannabinoids– pharmaceutical products

The cannabis plant has over 500 chemicals which can be grouped as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.  There are approx. 140 cannabinoids of which CBD and THC are the most well-known and researched. However, the terpenes and flavonoids have their own beneficial actions and also work synergistically with the cannabinoids- this is known as the entourage effect. Which is why we prefer whole plant extract.  The main variety of the cannabis plant is Cannabis sativa. Hemp is a strain of Cannabis sativa and has been bred to have lower concentrations of THC and higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which decreases or eliminates its psychoactive effects.  Hemp has been used for centuries for its fibre for making cloth, paper and ropes. Marijuana the other strain of Cannabis sativa which has been bred to have higher concentrations of THC and is the strain commonly used recreationally.

Medicinal uses of CBD and THC

CBD – this is the non-psychoactive component that has many beneficial properties including:

  •      anti-inflammatory
  •       anti-epileptic
  •       anxiolytic
  •       analgesic
  •       anti-emetic
  •       anti-psychotic

CBD is thought to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down anandamide (one of the two natural cannabinoids in the body) and stimulates the production of 2-AG (the second naturally occurring cannabinoid).

THC – produces the psychoactive effects (“high”) that cannabis is known for. However, it also has many other benefits including:

  •      analgesic
  •       anti-spasmodic
  •       improving appetite
  •       anti-inflammatory
  •       anti-emetic
  •       anti-spasticity

THC binds to CB1 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system whereas CBD binds very weakly to CB1. It has been found that when THC is combined with CBD, this helps to reduce the THC’s psychoactive side effects. Phyto cannabinoids can also bind to other receptor sites apart from CBD 1 and 2. e.g. CBD is an agonist (enhancer) for the serotonin receptor.

CBD and THC can be used alone on in various formulations depending on individual circumstances and medical conditions.

In Australia in November 2016, THC became a Schedule 8 classification (controlled drugs – like morphine) and CBD became a Schedule 4 classification (prescription only medicine – like antibiotics, strong painkillers) by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).

Which medical conditions is Medical Cannabis (CBD) useful for?

  • Chronic non cancer pain (CNCP)
  • Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
  • Cancer pain
  • Epilepsy
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Autism
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraine
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Chronic insomnia
  • PTSD
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Sleep disturbance associated with Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Who cannot use Cannabis (CBD)?

CBM is generally contraindicated in:

  •      Unstable cardiopulmonary disease
  •       Cardiovascular risk factors
  •      Pregnancy and breast feeding.
  •       Active mood disorder, a history of psychotic disorder, schizophrenia.
  •       Hypersensitivity to cannabis products

Caution is required in:

  •       Patients < 25 years old. Cannabis can be used with careful monitoring in children/young adults with certain conditions like epilepsy (e.g. Dravet syndrome- drug resistant epilepsy) or autism.
  •       Kidney/liver impairment
  •       History of substance abuse
  •       Previous or family history of mental illness e.g. schizophrenia.
  •       Patients with risk of fall e.g. frail elderly patients.

Drug interactions – caution if taking these medications

  •       Blood thinning agents e.g. warfarin.
  •       Drugs/herbs that are also metabolised by CP450.
  •       Sedatives and analgesics- alcohol, benzodiazepines, anti-depressants, anti-epileptics

What are the side effects of Cannabis?

The most common side effects are dry mouth, dizziness, disorientation, confusion, drowsiness, fatigue and anxiety.

Less commonly, people may also experience increased heart rate, impaired reaction times, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and depression.

These effects are dose related and completely reversable.

That’s why we use the principle of “start low and go slow”.  Each patient will be started at an low dose, with any dose changes done gradually and closely monitored especially in the initial phase. Once on a stable dose, the frequency of follow up visits can be less frequent. The aim is to be on a dose that provides maximum benefit with minimal side effects. Each patient will be different.

Forms of Medical Cannabis

The oil is the most commonly used method for administering medical cannabis. The whole plant extract is mixed with a food grade oil (e.g. olive, canola). A dropper is used to place the oil under the tongue, it is absorbed within a minute.

Taste is generally not an issue. Capsules containing the oil are also available.

There are other methods like using a vaporiser or inhalation and creams/patches, but these are not currently approved in Australia.

Absorption of Cannabis

When taken as an oil (most common form of medical cannabis) under the tongue, and not swallowed, Cannabis is absorbed directly into the blood stream and has medium bioavailability. The effects can be felt in 30min to 90min and last about 4-8 hrs.

When Cannabis (CBD) is ingested, (added to food) it goes through the digestive tract, has lower bioavailability and is slower to act. Effects can be felt in 30min to 2 hours and last 3-6 hours.

By contrast smoking ‘community acquired’ cannabis (not recommended) provides high bioavailability and acts within a few minutes with a duration of 3 to 4 hours. The dose delivered by smoking is highly variable depending on the strain, potency of the plant, how it has been grown and dried. Generally smoking can deliver a dose of about 250mg to 1000mg of THC this of course hinges on initial quantity and how many people are sharing.

Can I drive?

CBD is less likely to impair driving than THC; however, there can still be very small amounts of THC in a CBD only product. So, until Mobile Drug Testing legislation allows for minimal levels of medicinal THC (like alcohol), it is not advised to drive even though your driving may not impaired.

 

If you want to find out if cannabis might help you, please call 02 9211 3811 for an appointment with

Dr Nicholas Bassal

 

FERTILITY MASSAGE – WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

If you have been trying to conceive you will know how much it takes its toll on you, both emotionally and physically.

You may have been trying naturally to conceive or gone through the channels of IVF. Either way, the longer this cycle of trying goes on, the more your mind can panic emotionally sending you into overwhelm and distress.

When trying to conceive, the physical body and hormones are tested, examined, poked and prodded, your BMI, weight and age is recorded and your physical body is relied on to get you pregnant. However very little is paid to the emotional side of your journey and this can be the biggest key to falling pregnant. The pressure and expectations to conceive can be cripplingly stressful and this is where fertility massage and be of great assistance.

Fertility Massage Therapy

Fertility Massage Therapy is a deep, yet gentle and non-invasive therapy that works by bringing the organs within the abdominal area back into alignment, releasing pressure and strengthening the surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Some of the benefits of fertility massage

  • Fertility Massage Therapy aims to re-position your internal abdominal organs, including the uterus, as the positioning of your uterus helps optimise your chances for fertilisation and implantation.
  • Improves organ function by releasing physical & emotional congestion from the abdomen.
  • Improves circulatory, lymphatic & nervous systems by encouraging more blood flow to reproductive & pelvic organs by resolving any congestion & misalignment to these organs.
  • Helps to tone & strengthen the uterus & surrounding ligaments to optimise fertilisation & implantation.
  • Breaks down scar tissue or adhesions surrounding reproductive, digestive & pelvic organs which improves organ function & health.
  • Helps to subdue parasympathetic nervous system & induce rest & relaxation….which is always welcome.

WHEN TO HAVE FERTILITY MASSAGE

If you are trying to concieve naturally…

….the ideal time to have fertility massage is the end of menses to ovulation. This is commonly from day 7 to day 14 of your cycle.

If you are undergoing fertility assistance…

….with IUI the ideal time for fertility massage is from menses to ovulation & insemination.

…. with IVF then the ideal time for fertility massage is from suppression of your cycle to embryo transfer is recommended, as long as no tenderness is felt.

Our Fertility Massage Therapist

Kyla Mayer is our skilled and experienced fertility massage therapist. Kyla has a special interest in pregnancy & remedial massage, lactation support, pregnancy, women’s health, fertility, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine and you can read more about her here.

To book an appointment with her you can call (02) 9211 3811 or book online here.

We are pleased to introduce you to Simone Jeffries who joined our team at the Wholistic Medical Centre in March 2020.

/in , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Simone is a naturopath who has a special interest in digestive disorders and women’s health. Simone combines functional testing, herbal medicine and nutritional recommendations to support improvements in a wide range of health conditions. She is also a certified wellness coach and loves to inspire her clients to be the healthiest version of themselves.

Many women in their 40s and 50s chose Simone as their naturopath because she has focussed on building proficiency in supporting women with menopause and digestive conditions.

As a mother of 3 grown up children, Simone also enjoys working with children and teenagers. She has experience working with common childhood illnesses, ADHD and skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Simone also loves to educate teenage girls about their menstrual cycle and teach them how to manage PMS, PCOS, anxiety and digestive problems using nutrition and stress management techniques.

As a lifelong herb gardener and foodie, Simone brings her passion for herbs and vegetables into the clinic and loves to inspire people to maintain a healthy balance by understanding how to use food as medicine.

To read more about Simone and the conditions she works with, click here.

We holistically look after mother and baby at WHolistic Medical Centre

After the Birth. What now? Tips to help you through the Golden Month.

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The Golden Month after your baby is born

Many women feel exhausted & overwhelmed after the birth of their baby and their recovery is overshadowed by the desire to ‘bounce back’. In modern society women are praised and admired for how quickly they are up and at ‘em and looking great post the birth of their baby. This modern day phenomenon is contrary to many traditional cultures where it is common place for the new mother to do nothing more than rest, feed and bond with her baby. In traditional Chinese medicine this is known as the Golden Month and new mothers are given special care, food and support until they feel recovered. This month is seen as providing valuable health benefits and allowing a new mother to adjust to her new role regardless if this is her first or third child. As every child, pregnancy & childbirth will be different, the needs of every new mother will differ. This is a time to recuperate and it is important to promote a mothers physical & emotional wellbeing. This is an opportunity to address any health needs that the mother may experience in the recovery from childbirth and start the journey to motherhood supported and confident.

What assists a new mother in her recovery in the postpartum period can be simplified in four basic tips:

Rest

Every new mother is told to sleep when your baby sleeps. This is essential for recovery as newborn babies will breastfeed at all different hours and sleep when you don’t think they should. Lie down for a day sleep with your baby as this will not only encourage bonding but will provide you with some valuable rest.

Nutritious food

New mothers need good nutrition. A combination of carbohydrates, protein & good fats to encourage a good milk supply & provide the needed nutritional needs that are amplified while breastfeeding and recovering from childbirth.

Hydration

New mothers need at least 10 -12 glasses of water each day to satisfy their fluid requirements in the postpartum period. This is to promote lactation as well as assist the heart and kidneys to flush all that extra fluid and interstitial fluid that accumulates in the final weeks of the pregnancy.

Reach out to your tribe & accept help

It is so important to create a supportive circle of people. They can assist in providing nutritious meals during this time that can be easily frozen and eaten anytime, especially when cooking cannot be managed. This is essential for your physical and emotional recovery. Reach out to your mothers group & local breastfeeding support groups in your local early childhood centres as this can be a great source of support & connection with other local mothers. Remember you are not alone and don’t hesitate to ask for and access the help you need.

RECIPE FOR NONNA’S CHICKEN SOUP

This brings such memories from watching my grandmother skim the pot of her chicken broth & one that will bring you nourishment, warmth, health & happiness.

 

BRODO DI POLLO – ITALIAN CHICKEN SOUP

For stock and soup:

  • 1 whole chicken

For stock:

  • 2 carrots, peeled and halved
  • 3 celery stalks, rinsed and trimmed with leaves removed, then quartered
  • 1 fennel bulb, stalks removed, then quartered
  • 1 garlic bulb, halved widthways
  • Rind from a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese *
  • 2 bay leaves, fresh or dried
  • 1 handful continental parsley and stalks
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns

For soup:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium brown onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 1/3 cup dried risoni pasta
  • Salt and Pepper to taste (to serve)
  • 1 handful fresh continental parsley (to serve)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (to serve)

STOCK
Place chicken and vegetables in a large stockpot over medium heat. Top with cold water till just covered (don’t add too much water or the stock will be weak in flavour). Add remaining stock ingredients and let it slowly come to the boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour, partially covered. While simmering, skim the surface of the liquid once or twice to remove any impurities that rise to the surface. Top with more water if required to keep the chicken just submerged.

Remove the chicken to a cutting board and allow to cool for a few minutes. When it has cooled, discard the skin and bones and shred the meat with a fork. Set aside in a covered container.

Strain the stock through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove the vegetables and aromatics and set aside. Then, wash and dry your stockpot.

SOUP
Heat olive oil in the stock pot over medium high heat, then add the onion, garlic, carrot and celery and sauté till the onion is translucent but before the mirepoix browns. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the stock to the pot with the shredded chicken and the risoni. Simmer until the risoni is cooked (about 11 minutes, but follow the timing on the pasta packet).

Remove from heat, season to taste with salt and pepper and stir through the cheese and finely chopped parsley then divide between four bowls.

*I keep the rind from finished Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese segments in the freezer for whenever I need to add flavour to simmering soups.

https://chewtown.com/2014/07/brodo-di-pollo/