3 healing bone broth recipes

Bone broth is all the trend, but has been a folk remedy and traditional medicine for thousands of years.

Bone broth has been shown to help with

• digestive problems

• a weak immune system

• arthritis

• anxiety.

Its immune-boosting properties make it the perfect food to fend off a cold and for recovering from an illness or childbirth.

What makes bone broth so nutritious

Bone broths are not only a delicious base for soups, but they are also a nutrient-rich and easily digested medicine for everyday health. Bones from different animals will have different flavors. The most traditional stock of choice comes from cows, whose bones supply large amounts of the following nutrients:

Vital minerals

Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and other trace minerals

Glycine

30% of the protein content in bone broth includes the amino acid glycine which has been shown to

• decrease oxidative stress

• help in detoxification by encouraging the production of glutathione

• reduce inflammation from certain toxic bacteria

• protect the stomach from gastric ulcers

• encourage the production of stomach acid

Gelatin & collagen

The bones and cartilage you use to cook the broth will be transformed into gelatin. Gelatin helps the layer of mucous lining the intestinal wall and is hydrophilic, by pulling fluids into the digestive tract.

Low collagen has been associated with conditions such as IBS (inflammatory bowel syndrome), whereas increased collagen is usually associated with better skin health.

The ideal bone broth becomes almost stiff and jelly-like after it cools down.

Health benefits of bone broth for Chinese medicine

• To strengthen immunity or during recovery of an illness or surgery

• To strengthen the bones and support joints and tendons

• Best postpartum recovery tonics.

Bones to supplement original essence

Bones are some of the deepest tissues of our body. Bone marrow is stored inside of our bones. This is also where our Jing 精 essence (read) lives. Jing is one of the most fundamental substances for our constitution, healthy aging and reproduction.

Drinking Bone Broth regularly helps your body build a healthy and vital constitution while repairing cellular damage.

Basic Bone Broth Recipe

• Bones-from chicken, turkey, fish, beef, pork, lamb. You can use raw bones, cooked bones, with or without skin and meat from a previous meal.

**Use organic, grass-fed meat and bones

• Cold Water (enough to cover the bones)

• A splash or two of Vinegar or Lemon juice. (Adding an acidic substance helps draw out the nutrients from the bones)

• Optional: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Pressure Cooker Method: Make sure the pressure cooker is only 2/3 full, so there is plenty of room for the steam to create the pressure necessary to cook the broth. Secure the lid on the cooker then bring to a boil, turn down the heat and allow the broth to cook. The time depends on the size of the bones. For example, chicken bones should take about 40 minutes but for beef bones, we usually allow 70 minutes.

Slow Cooker Method: Put all the ingredients in a slow cooker, cover and cook on low. Chicken bones should take 8 – 10 hours and we leave beef bones in the cooker for about 24 hours.

You can add any tonic of your choice, adaptogenic herbs, medicinal mushrooms, or even just beautiful turmeric and ginger! You can't go wrong!

Immunity bone broth with Ginseng

The value of ginseng and Silkie chicken are evident in Chinese medicine, as ginseng & silkie chicken soup is often served to special people at special occasions: the elderly with weakened health, a pregnant woman, a postpartum mother serving her confinement, a hard-working student studying for a big exam, or a patient recovering from a surgery.

Benefits of Ginseng (Ren Shen, 人参）

• Boost energy

• Improve brain function and memory

• Strengthen immune system

• Replenish Qi and blood deficiency

• Strengthen physical weakness, due to prolonged illness, injury and exhaustion

• Calm the mind, nerve system, and anxiety

• Regulate blood sugar

• Support heart health

Ingredients

• 1 silkie chicken (substitute with white chicken if silkie is not available)

• 2 medium ginseng roots (they taste pretty bitter)

• 2 inch ginger, sliced

• 20 jujubes

• 2 tbsp goji berries

• 1 tsp sea salt or to taste

• 1/2 cup cooking rice wine

• water

Hearty winter oxtail bone broth

Coupled with the use of goji berries and codonopsis root, this Chinese herbal healing oxtail soup focuses on toning and strengthening Qi. Whether you are in a process of healing or just looking for a cozy and nourishing meal, it's a perfect recipe for the whole family in cold weather.

Benefits of codonopsis root (Dang Shen)

Codonopsis is an adaptogenic herb which means that it has been shown to help the body adapt to and defend against the effects of environmental stress. Codonopsis is utilized as a gentle way to promote digestion, strengthen immunity, and to relieve symptoms of stress, illness, and fatigue.

Ingredients

• 1 pound oxtail pre-cut into pieces

• 3 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

• 2 inch ginger

• 2 Codonopsis root (aka. Dang Shen) cut into 1-inch pieces

• 3 tbsp goji berries

• 3 potatoes

• 1-2 tomatoes

• 150 g enoki or oyster mushrooms

• 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste

• 1/4 cup cooking rice wine

• 2 liter filtered water plus more for blanching and rinsing

And you, what's your favorite bonebroth?