Bone Broth: Small Ritual, Big Benefits
When digestion feels delicate, your joints are creaky, or your skin’s looking a little worn down, it can start to feel like your body is running low on reserves. That’s usually when I return to bone broth. Not the boxed kind, but the version that simmers slowly on the stove, letting it draw out what your body actually needs.
Bone broth has been around for generations for a reason. It’s a quiet source of support for the parts of you that don’t bounce back quite as quickly - your gut lining, connective tissue, and the structures that get depleted under stress.
It’s made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue for hours, often with vegetables, herbs, and a splash of vinegar. The result is a nutrient-rich broth full of amino acids and minerals that help your body restore itself from the inside out.
Here are a few reasons I always keep a batch nearby:
1) Gentle Gut Support
The gelatin and amino acids in bone broth can help soothe and strengthen the lining of the digestive tract. If your digestion has felt off or you’ve noticed skin irritation, irregular elimination, or trouble absorbing nutrients, this is one of the most approachable places to start.
2) Healthier Skin, Hair, and Joints
Collagen and amino acids like glycine and proline support the structure and elasticity of skin, hair, and connective tissue. Many people notice their skin feels softer and their joints move more easily after adding broth regularly.
3) A Boost for Immunity and Recovery
The minerals and amino acids in bone broth help regulate immune function and reduce inflammation. A warm cup can be especially soothing when you feel run down or during the colder months.
4) Natural Hydration and Balance
Bone broth provides electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, helping you stay hydrated while giving your body steady energy.
If you’d like to try making your own, it’s easier than it sounds.
Basic Bone Broth Recipe
2–3 lbs organic chicken or grass-fed beef bones
1 onion (quartered), 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to help extract minerals)
Sea salt and herbs like bay leaf, thyme, or parsley
Water to cover
Simmer gently:
8–12 hours for chicken
12–24 hours for beef
Strain and store in glass jars. Use it as a base for soups and stews, cook grains in it, or sip it warm between meals, especially on days when digestion feels unsettled or your appetite is off.
If it gels in the fridge, that’s a good sign. It means it’s rich in collagen and has the density your body can actually use.
This is simple, steady nourishment. No overthinking required - just a pot, some time, and ingredients your body already knows how to use.
Do you make your own bone broth, or have you been meaning to try?