Intro: TCM Herbal Bone Broth

Don't throw away those Thanksgiving turkey bones! In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), bone broth is not just a food but also a medicinal tonic that can be customized with herbs to address specific health concerns. Bone broth tastes best made with bones that have been roasted, which you've already done with your Thanksgiving turkey, and you can get even more nourishment by using them in a healing herbal bone broth.

Herbal bone broth soups are a key part of a traditional Chinese medicine healing diet, and are a nourishing and restorative food that can benefit several aspects of health. It helps to strengthen the Kidneys, tonify the Spleen, nourish the Blood, and promote overall vitality and recovery.

It is especially useful for those who are recovering from illness or feel fatigued, weak, or cold. We also highly recommend herbal foot baths for those with these symptoms—included in our Black Friday sale!

Benefits of Bone Broth

1. Tonifying the Kidneys and Strengthening Jing

• In TCM, the Kidneys are considered the foundation of vitality and longevity, responsible for storing Jing, the body's vital life force. Bone broth is believed to help nourish and strengthen the Kidneys, supporting the Jing.
• Bone broth is often recommended for those with Kidney deficiency, which can manifest as symptoms like fatigue, low energy, back pain, dry mouth, and possibly tinnitus and/or weak bones.
• If this sounds like you, you may want to consider an herbal formula specifically designed for Kidney Yin deficiency: Liu Wei Di Huang.

2. Nourishing the Blood

• Bone broth is also highly regarded for its ability to nourish the Blood, which is essential for overall health in TCM. Blood deficiency can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, irregular or painful periods, dry skin, pale complexion, and fatigue.
• If this sounds like you, you may want to consider an herbal formula specifically designed to nourish the Blood: Baifeng Wan.

3. Strengthening the Spleen and Stomach

• The Spleen is responsible for transforming food and fluids into Qi and Blood. When the Spleen is weak, it can lead to digestive issues, such as poor appetite, bloating, or loose stools. Bone broth, when made with slow-cooked bones and herbs, is recommended as a way to warm and tonify the Spleen in TCM, as its rich nutrients are easy to digest and can strengthen the digestive system.
• If this sounds like you, you may want to consider an herbal formula specifically designed for Spleen Qi deficiency combined with Dampness, where the Spleen’s inability to transform and transport fluids leads to excessive Dampness in the body. Symptoms include digestive issues, fatigue, loose stools, and a feeling of heaviness: Shen Ling Bai Zhu.
• You can also consider an herbal formula for when Spleen Qi deficiency has led to Qi sinking (where the body’s Qi is weak and not sufficiently holding up internal organs, resulting in chronic fatigue or pelvic organ prolapse). It tonifies both Spleen Qi and Qi in the middle burner, helping to support energy levels and digestive function: Bu Zhong Yi Qi.

There are many ways that bone broths can be customized in Chinese medicine to address specific health concerns. The recipe below, which I showed in the video, is Qi and Blood-moving, and can help with mobility and menstrual issues. 

Recipe

Ingredients: