At a time when modern medicine is advancing by the minute, it’s refreshing—and often enlightening—to look back to where it all began. One ancient name continues to echo through the halls of healing: Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine.” Among his many contributions to holistic wellness, Hippocrates Soup has resurfaced as a staple in natural health circles.
But where did this soup come from, and how did it come to bear the name of such an iconic physician?
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Hippocrates Soup, its historical roots, why it was revived in modern natural healing, how to make it at home, and how you can benefit from this deceptively simple, profoundly nourishing dish. Ready to be soup cool?
Who Was Hippocrates?
We’ve all heard the saying “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” This quote is often attributed to Hippocrates of Kos, a Greek physician born around 460 BC.
Hippocrates – Portrait Rendering
Hippocrates, often referred to as the “Father of Western Medicine,” was a prominent Greek physician who lived around 460 BC. Hippocrates believed in the body’s intrinsic ability to heal itself given the right conditions. He emphasized the importance of diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors in maintaining health and preventing disease. His teachings laid the foundation for modern medical ethics (like the Hippocratic Oath still taken by doctors today).
While there’s no evidence that he personally penned the now-famous soup recipe, the dish that bears his name aligns beautifully with his philosophy of food as healing (Healing Food! That’s cool!). The Hippocrates Soup is attributed to him because it aligns with his holistic approach to health, focusing on natural, wholesome ingredients that support the body’s healing processes. The simplicity and nutritional value of the soup reflect his belief that food should be a primary tool in treating illness. The soup is thought to detoxify the body and boost the immune system, consistent with Hippocratic principles of promoting overall well-being and balance within the body.
The recipe, as it is known today, may not directly trace back to Hippocrates himself but rather embodies the spirit of his teachings. It has been handed down and adapted through generations, often used in alternative and complementary medicine to support health, particularly in contexts such as cancer therapy, where nutrition plays a crucial role in patient care.
How Did the “Hippocrates Soup” Came to Be?
Though the soup is ancient in inspiration, it was actually revived in the 20th century by Dr. Max Gerson, the creator of the Gerson Therapy—a natural treatment system used to help the body heal itself through diet, detoxification, and juicing.
Gerson introduced Hippocrates Soup as a central healing food in his therapy, using it to detoxify the liver and nourish the body with essential vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber content, and enzymes. Over time, the soup became synonymous with gentle, cellular-level healing, especially in cases of chronic illness.
So, while Hippocrates himself may not have created this exact soup, the naming honors his legacy of using food as medicine—and that’s a tradition we can all appreciate.
Hippocrates Soup – Modern Creation – Ancient Inspiration
What’s the Hippocrates Soup?
Hippocrates Soup is a low-sodium, slow-cooked vegetable broth that emphasizes simple, healing ingredients. It’s specifically designed to:
- Support liver function
- Reduce inflammation
- Provide bioavailable minerals and enzymes
- Aid digestion
The key is in its gentle preparation—everything is simmered slowly, through a slow cooking process, with skins intact, to extract maximum nutrients without irritation to the gut.
Note: This is why some people use slow cookers when preparing this healing vegetable mix.
Hippocrates Soup – View
Original Recipe for the Hippocrates Soup
This recipe is based on the one used in the Gerson Therapy protocol, designed to support detoxification and healing.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 medium celeriac (or celery root) or 3-4 stalks of celery
- 1 medium parsley root (or extra parsley if unavailable)
- 2 medium leeks (cut lengthwise, wash thoroughly)
- 1 small onion
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium tomato
- 1 medium potato (unpeeled)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Filtered water (enough to just cover the vegetables)
- Optional: 1 small zucchini or green bean handful
Note: Do not add sat, spices, or oil. This soup is meant to be as pure as possible.
Instructions – 🍲 Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Method
- Prepare vegetables: Wash thoroughly and chop into medium chunks. Leave skins on where applicable.
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Pour in filtered water until the veggies are just covered.
- Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing.
- Cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 15 minutes.
- Let it natural release for at least 15–20 minutes, then carefully open the lid.
- Optional: For a creamy soup, blend using an immersion blender or high-speed blender.
- Serve warm. Store leftovers in glass containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Instructions – 🐢 Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) Method
- Wash and chop all vegetables roughly.
- Place all ingredients in your slow cooker.
- Add enough filtered water to just cover the vegetables.
- Set to Low and cook for 6–8 hours, or on High for 4–5 hours.
- Strain and discard veggies for a clear broth—or blend everything for a hearty, healing soup.
- Enjoy warm. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight glass containers.
Instructions – 🍲 Large Pot Method
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly, keeping skins on where possible (especially potato, tomato, and celery root).
- Chop roughly into medium chunks (not too small).
- Place all ingredients in a large pot and add filtered water to cover.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low simmer for about 2.5 hours.
- Strain and discard the vegetables if you’re using it as a broth—or blend everything together for a creamy, nourishing soup.
- Consume warm. Best enjoyed fresh, but it keeps for 2–3 days in the fridge.
🍽 Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use organic vegetables if possible.
- Sip slowly as part of a morning routine or light dinner.
- Avoid reheating in the microwave — gently warm on the stove to preserve nutrients.
🛍 Amazon Products That Make It Easier to Make the Hippocrates Soup
Want to make your own Hippocrates Soup at home? Here are a few tools and items that will help!
Product | Why It Helps | Link |
|---|---|---|
Ideal for slow-simmering large batches | ||
Clean skins without peeling | ||
Boost flavor while keeping it raw-friendly | ||
Safe storage for multiple servings |
Books That Cover the Hippocrates Soup and Gerson Therapy
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If you’d like to dive deeper into the healing philosophy behind Hippocrates Soup, these books are worth exploring:
- Healing the Gerson Way: Defeating Cancer and Other Chronic Diseases by Charlotte Gerson A practical and inspiring guide to the Gerson Therapy, including recipes and case studies.
- A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases by Dr. Max Gerson The foundational text of the Gerson Method. Includes the original Hippocrates Soup recipe.
- Gerson Therapy Handbook A more digestible version of the full Gerson Protocol, often used by caregivers and practitioners.
External Links for Deeper Learning
Here are some trusted sources to explore more about Hippocrates Soup and its healing tradition:
Why It’s Still Relevant Today
In a world dominated by ultra-processed convenience food, there’s something radically healing about slowing down to make something simple, warm, and nutrient-dense.
Hippocrates Soup invites us to pause—to nourish our bodies with ingredients our ancestors recognized and to embrace the wisdom of natural healing.
Whether you’re recovering from illness, seeking a gentle detox, or just wanting to reset your body and mind, this soup is a timeless ally.
📚 References
- Gerson, Charlotte. Healing the Gerson Way. Gerson Health Media, 2007.
- Gerson, Max. A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases. Gerson Institute, 2001.
- Gerson Institute – gerson.org
- Britannica. “Hippocrates”
Additional Resources
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