Soup to ward off the "evils"

I have such severe hay fever at the moment.  I just want a bowl of soup and my bed -
something old-fashioned and robust...

Like this Beef and Barley Soup, I think I will make this today

2L beef stock
400g beef shin (or half only and rest lean beef)
2 onions chopped
2 sticks of celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1-2 cans chopped tomatoes
2 sprigs of thyme
1 cup barley
salt, pepper and a little garlic

Simmer for one hour.  Remove meat and discard bones, chop up and add back.
Enjoy!