top of page
Search

Healing Foods: Bone Broth

Updated: May 27

Every New Year, instead of making a resolution, I choose a word to guide my focus for the year. This year, that word is "nourish."


One of the ways I’m bringing nourish to life is through the foods I eat — specifically, those that provide deep, foundational healing. At the top of that list? Bone broth. I use it almost daily and love keeping a fresh supply in my pantry or freezer. In fact, as I write this, there’s a warm batch cooling on the counter. It’s so satisfying to know I can create this delicious and nutrient-rich food myself — with ease and very little cost.


🌿 Why Bone Broth?

Before I dive into the “how,” let’s take a moment to explore the why — or if you’re ready to get to cooking, feel free to skip to the recipe.


Bone broth differs from stock in that it’s simmered for a much longer time — often 12 to 48 hours. This extended cooking process breaks down bones and connective tissues, releasing minerals, amino acids, and collagen, which are the keys to its healing power.

a large ladle scooping steaming broth from a copper soup pot

Benefits of bone broth include:

  • Supports gut health and digestion

  • Nourishes joints, bones, and muscles

  • Promotes skin elasticity and hydration

  • Enhances sleep and mental clarity (thanks to glycine)

  • Strengthens the immune system

Bone broth is truly a healing elixir — rich in ancient wisdom and modern science.


☕ How I Enjoy Bone Broth

There are so many ways to incorporate bone broth into your diet. My favorite? Sipping it from a mug instead of coffee or tea, especially on chilly mornings or when I feel a cold coming on.


Other delicious ideas:

  • Use as a base for soups and stews

  • Cook grains like rice or quinoa in broth instead of water

  • Sauté veggies for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition


Don’t want to make your own? There are some great store-bought options — I love Kettle & Fire’s Turmeric Chicken Bone Broth, which I order from Thrive Market when it’s on sale.



🥣 How to Make Bone Broth at Home

You can use any bones — chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish — and even mix them. Here's my method, which is less “exact science” and more “intuitive cooking.” If you’re someone who prefers precise measurements, there are many detailed recipes online. But here’s my nourishing, no-fuss approach.


carrots, parsnips, celery and onions on a wooden counter

🌱 Ingredients

  • Bones:

    • Saved from roasted chicken, beef ribs, turkey necks, etc.

    • Chicken feet are a great source of collagen

    • Save skin, pan juices, and even gizzards and organs if you’re using poultry

    Veggie Scraps (fresh or frozen):

    • Carrots

    • Celery

    • Onions

    • Garlic

    • Mushrooms

    • Bay leaves

    • Sweet potatoes

    • (Optional: Tomatoes, peppers — if you're not allergic like me!)


Other additions:

  • A splash of apple cider vinegar (helps draw nutrients from the bones)

  • Kombu seaweed (adds iodine and umami)

  • Sea salt (to taste)

💡 Tip: I keep veggie and bone scraps in freezer bags and collect them over time to reduce waste and cost.


🔥 The Method

  1. Thaw frozen scraps (if using) in the fridge overnight.

  2. Add bones and veggies to a large crockpot or stock pot.

  3. Add vinegar, kombu, salt, and enough hot water to fully cover everything.

  4. Simmer on low for 6–48 hours, checking water levels occasionally and adding more as needed.

  5. Once done, strain through a fine mesh sieve and discard the solids.


onions and garlic cloves, a bowl of chicken bones, and broth being strained into a glass bowl on a wooden table

🧊 Storing Bone Broth

A full 8-quart pot yields about 9 pints or 4 quarts of broth. You can:

  • Freeze in jars or silicone trays

  • Store in the fridge for up to 5 days

  • Pressure can for shelf stability (see USDA or Ball guidelines)

🧂 I don’t season my broth with spices during cooking. Spices can become bitter after long simmering. Instead, I season when I sip it — my go-to combo is sea salt, garlic powder, turmeric, and ginger. It’s so warming and deeply restorative.



canned chicken broth in glass Ball jars with ring lids on a blue and white kitchen towel.

💫 Nourish Your Body, Honor Your Roots

Making bone broth feels like a slow, sacred act of care — for your body, your ancestors, and the earth. It turns leftovers and scraps into a deeply nourishing gift.

If you’ve never made bone broth before, I encourage you to give it a try. And if it’s already part of your routine — how do you like to use it? I’d love to hear in the comments or on social media.

💬 What healing foods are nourishing you right now?

—

With love and warmth,

Highland Healing Arts






 
 
 

Commentaires

bottom of page