Herbal bone broth recipe is a nourishing and simple way to boost your health. This nutrient-dense broth, made from simmering animal bones, medicinal herbs, and vegetables, is packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support your gut, joints, and immune system. 

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Whether you’re new to making bone broth or looking to add an extra layer of flavor and benefits, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy a healing, homemade broth in your daily routine.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a nutrient-dense food made by simmering animal bones like beef bones, chicken bones, or even pork bones in water. This traditional food has been used for centuries in healing and traditional medicine to support the body’s health. When simmered slowly, it extracts valuable amino acids, collagen, and minerals from the roasted bones.

Adding medicinal herbs like astragalus root and nettle leaf can turn it into a super-nourishing and healing broth that helps support your immune response and nervous system.

Why Make It Yourself?

Making homemade broth is the best way to ensure you're getting the highest quality. You have complete control over the ingredients, like using organic bones from a local butcher and adding in fresh culinary herbs or medicinal herbs for extra healing benefits.

Store-bought broths often lack the nutritional benefits and mineral content you get when you make it yourself. Plus, when you add aromatic herbs like bay leaves or fresh ginger, you're creating a collagen-rich liquid that not only tastes amazing but also supports your joints, energy levels, and digestion. People have found this herbal-infused broth to be a great way to stay healthy, especially during the winter months.

Health Benefits of This Herbal Bone Broth Recipe 

1. Boosts Gut Health and Digestion

Herbal bone broth is a great way to support your gut health. The collagen and gelatin from simmering animal bones, like beef bones or chicken feet, help repair the gut lining, improving digestion and nutrient absorption. The added medicinal herbs, such as astragalus root and burdock root, further aid digestion and help balance the digestive system, especially for people with issues like leaky gut.

2. Supports Joint and Bone Health

Bone broth is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for strong joints and bones. These minerals are extracted from the bones during the long cooking process. The collagen from marrow bones also helps with joint pain, making herbal bone broth a great addition for anyone looking to improve their bone and joint health.

3. Enhances Skin, Hair, and Nails

Collagen in the broth improves skin elasticity, making your skin look healthier and more youthful. It also strengthens your hair and nails, helping them grow stronger and thicker. Fresh herbs, like nettle leaf, in the broth provide extra nutrients that support healthy hair and glowing skin.

4. Strengthens the Immune System

Herbal bone broth is full of immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and astragalus root. These herbs, along with amino acids and minerals from the bones, work together to strengthen your immune system, helping your body fight off illnesses. This is especially helpful during the winter months or when you're feeling run down.

5. Increases Energy and Overall Wellness

Herbal-infused bone broth gives your body a powerful nutrient boost, supporting your energy levels and overall health. The combination of amino acids, collagen, minerals, and medicinal herbs provides lasting energy throughout the day. It’s a great way to nourish your body with the minerals and nutrients it needs for optimal function.

Key Ingredients of This Herbal Bone Broth Recipe

Most of these ingredients are optional, so feel free to use what you have on hand. The great thing about making bone broth is that it’s flexible—just toss in what you have to create a nourishing and flavorful broth.

Bones and Whole Chicken

Using a whole chicken with bones, skin, and connective tissue is one of the best ways to create a rich, nutrient-dense broth. The bones provide collagen, which supports joint and skin health, while the connective tissue and skin give the broth a gelatinous texture that’s packed with amino acids for gut healing.

Veggies and Scraps

Adding vegetable scraps like onions, carrots, and even zucchini is a great way to boost the vitamin and mineral content of your broth. These veggies add depth of flavor and provide important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s an easy way to use up leftovers from your kitchen, too.

Garlic and Ginger

Garlic and ginger are powerhouse ingredients that offer immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Garlic helps fight off illness and improves digestion, while ginger soothes the digestive system and reduces inflammation. These two ingredients are great additions if you want a broth that supports your immune system and overall health.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially medicinal varieties like shiitake or reishi, add amazing immune-boosting properties to your broth. They are rich in antioxidants and help strengthen your body’s defense system, making your broth even more beneficial. You can use regular mushrooms or opt for medicinal ones for an extra health kick.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is key for helping extract minerals from the bones, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also supports digestion and adds a subtle tang to the broth. Just a tablespoon or two is enough to get the job done.

Herbs and Spices

Adding herbs and spices to your broth can turn it into an even more powerful healing tool:

• Cayenne adds a bit of heat and helps boost circulation.
• Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Black peppercorns work well with turmeric to enhance absorption and add a mild spice.
• Mineral salts like sea salt add essential minerals and flavor.
• Fenugreek seeds aid digestion and balance blood sugar.
• Nettle is packed with vitamins and minerals, supporting both immune and bone health.
• Thyme supports the immune system and promotes respiratory health.
  Rosemary is full of antioxidants and improves circulation and digestion.
  Bay leaves enhance the flavor and help reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
  Sage has antimicrobial properties and helps soothe digestive issues and sore throats.
  Cinnamon sticks provide a warm, sweet flavor while balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
  Cloves offer strong antimicrobial benefits and boost the immune system.
  Star anise adds a sweet, licorice flavor and supports healthy digestion.
  

These herbs are a great addition to boost the broth’s healing properties, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

Ghee or Butter

Ghee, a type of clarified butter, is a great way to add healthy fats to your broth. These fats help your body absorb the nutrients from the broth more effectively and also nourish the gut lining. If you don’t have ghee, olive oil works too.

Each of these ingredients brings its own set of health benefits, making your homemade broth a powerful and nourishing addition to your meals. Mix and match based on what you have, and enjoy the endless health benefits!

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken with bones, skin, and connective tissue
• 2-3 carrots (optional: veggie scraps like zucchini, onion peels)
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or mineral salt)
• 1-2 shiitake mushrooms or other medicinal mushrooms (optional)
• Enough cold water to cover ingredients
• 1-2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil (for added healthy fats)

Optional Herbs and Spices:

• Dried Rosemary or Thyme
• 1-2 Tbsp dried or fresh nettle 
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Cayenne pepper
• Star anise
• Cinnamon stick
• Fenugreek seeds

Simmer the Whole Chicken with Bones

• Place the whole chicken, veggies, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
• Add enough cold water to fully cover all the ingredients.
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer for 6-8 hours, allowing the nutrients and flavor to start extracting from the bones and herbs.

Debone the Chicken

• After 6-8 hours, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool to room temperature.
• Once cooled, debone the chicken and set the meat aside for later use (like soups, stews, or meals).
• Keep the bones, skin, and scraps for the next step.

Return the Bones and Scraps

• Place the chicken bones, skin, and any remaining scraps back into the pot.
• Add more water if needed to ensure everything is fully submerged.

Simmer for Another 12-24 Hours

• Continue simmering the broth on low heat for an additional 12-24 hours. This slow and steady simmer helps extract maximum nutrients like amino acids, collagen, and minerals from the bones.
• Keeping the broth at a low simmer ensures the broth remains clear and retains all its nutritional benefits.

Strain the Broth

• Once the simmering is complete, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove bones, herbs, and veggie scraps.
• Pour the strained broth into mason jars or large bowls for storage.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for long-term use. This nutrient-dense broth can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for soups and stews.

Herbal Bone Broth Recipe

Herbal bone broth recipe is a nourishing and simple way to boost your health. This nutrient-dense broth, made from simmering animal bones, medicinal herbs, and vegetables, is packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support your gut, joints, and immune system.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Soup

Servings 15 cups

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot, with lid Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Preferred

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken with bones skin, and connective tissue
• 2-3 carrots optional: veggie scraps like zucchini, onion peels
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or mineral salts
• 1-2 shiitake mushrooms or other medicinal mushrooms optional
• Enough cold water to cover ingredients
• 1-2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil for added healthy fats

Optional Herbs and Spices:

• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
• 1-2 Tbsp dried or fresh nettle
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Cayenne pepper
• Star anise
• Cinnamon stick
• Fenugreek seeds

Instructions

 

• Place the whole chicken, veggies, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
• Add enough cold water to fully cover all the ingredients.
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer for 6-8 hours, allowing the nutrients and flavor to start extracting from the bones and herbs.
• After 6-8 hours, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool to room temperature.
• Once cooled, debone the chicken and set the meat aside for later use (like soups, stews, or meals).
• Keep the bones, skin, and scraps for the next step.
• Place the chicken bones, skin, and any remaining scraps back into the pot.
• Add more water if needed to ensure everything is fully submerged.
• Continue simmering the broth on low heat for an additional 12-24 hours. This slow and steady simmer helps extract maximum nutrients like amino acids, collagen, and minerals from the bones.
• Keeping the broth at a low simmer ensures the broth remains clear and retains all its nutritional benefits.
• Once the simmering is complete, strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove bones, herbs, and veggie scraps.
• Pour the strained broth into mason jars or large bowls for storage.

Video

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for long-term use. This nutrient-dense broth can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for soups and stews.

Keyword Bone Broth, Herbal Broth

How to Store and Use Your Broth

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Storing Your Broth

• Refrigeration: Once your broth has cooled, store it in airtight containers like mason jars in the refrigerator. It will last 5-7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, pour the broth into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze it. Frozen broth can last up to 6 months.
• Fat Layer: When chilled, you may notice a layer of fat rising to the surface. You can skim it off for a leaner broth, or stir it back in for added flavor and healthy fats.

Ideas for Using Your Bone Broth

• Drink it straight: Enjoy a warm cup of broth as a healing, nutrient-rich beverage.
• Soups and stews: Use it as a base for your favorite soups or stews to add flavor and nutrients.
• Enhance recipes: Add it to gravies, sauces, or marinades for a rich, savory boost.
• Cook grains: Use bone broth in place of water or stock when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains for extra flavor and health benefits.

FAQs: Nourishing Herbal Bone Broth Recipe

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Final Thoughts and Tips for Success

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Customize Your Broth

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to make your broth uniquely flavorful and beneficial. Adding ingredients like rosemary, thyme, or medicinal mushrooms can enhance both taste and health benefits. For a richer, deeper flavor, try roasting the bones in the oven before simmering them. This step caramelizes the bones and adds more depth to your broth.

Make It a Part of Your Routine

Bone broth is an easy and effective way to boost your health when consumed regularly. It’s packed with nutrients that support your gut, joints, and immune system. Making a large batch at once allows you to store it in the fridge or freezer for later, so you always have some on hand for soups, stews, or even as a warm, nourishing drink. By making it part of your routine, you’ll enjoy the many health benefits it offers year-round.

Conclusion

Making a nourishing herbal bone broth at home is a simple and powerful way to boost your health. With its rich blend of amino acids, collagen, and medicinal herbs, this homemade broth supports digestion, joint health, and the immune system. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite herbs and vegetables to make it uniquely yours.

I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the benefits for yourself. Once you do, don’t forget to share your experience! Leave a comment with your favorite add-ins or let us know how you use bone broth in your daily routine. Your tips might inspire others!