When it comes to cooking, few things beat a perfectly crafted, healing broth. It’s not just about taste and coziness; it’s a treasure trove of nutrients that work wonders for our bodies. From strengthening our bones and muscles to giving our skin a radiant glow, soup is the ultimate comfort food that also doubles as medicine.
“Imagine having little jars or bags filled with all the goodies you need to turn any soup into a nourishing elixir.”
A few years ago, my husband started cooking more and since soup is my love language he started making more soups. It kind of went like this… he would get it all started and then call me in and ask me to put in the seasonings. Hey Kami, “Come add the spices you want in this soup!”
I mean, that is sweet…but, what if I am not home? Actually, the truth is, I have a big judgement that by a certain point in life you need to be able to put together a good soup.
I knew he wasn’t going to start reading cookbooks, so I had the idea of making up little batches of spice packets that he could add on his own. So I could spice up the soup without having to be there.
Imagine having little jars or bags filled with all the goodies you need to turn any soup into a nourishing elixir. Anyone in your family can easily spice up the broth or soup the way you want it.
Why Make Your Own?
When we’re looking for something quick, it can be tempting to just open up a can of soup. I have organic canned soup in the pantry, but even though it is organic, the problem is the sodium! Way too much salt! So even the organic canned soups are not that good. Taking the little extra time to make your own broth and thus soup, you’re not just taking charge of what goes into your food—you’re opening up a whole world of culinary and medicinal possibilities. Don’t just make soup or broth, make MEDICINAL soup or broth. As I am always talking about, how can you make your meals, medicinal meals?
What I love most about making my own healing broth from scratch is the freedom to customize it exactly how I want and need. You can add all sorts of herbs, spices, and good-for-you ingredients to your soup base, each one picked for its unique benefits.
With every batch of herbal broth, you’re not just supporting your health; you’re making a strong brew that strengthens, refreshes, and heals from the inside out. It’s a tradition passed down through the ages, broth and soup are timeless healing food.
“With every batch of herbal broth, you’re not just supporting your health; you’re making a strong brew that strengthens, refreshes, and heals from the inside out.”
Prep Tip: Think about prepping key ingredients in advance. Try making ten packets or jars stuffed with different herbs and spices. This not only saves time but also lets other folks in your house cook up healthy meals without any fuss. I started doing this to make cooking simpler for my family, and it works like a charm. With these packets or jars of spices at the ready, there’s no need to supervise every soup-making session. (Whew!)
When I created this recipe, I aimed to include ingredients that not only taste delicious but also bring their own unique benefits to the dish. These components enhance flavor and add nutritional value:
Dried Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Famous for their immune-enhancing properties, shiitake mushrooms are like nature’s own defense team against getting sick. These mushrooms not only amp up the flavor in your meals but also give your health a nice little boost.
Astragalus (Astragalus spp.)
Astragalus supports the immune system with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding astragalus to your diet may help improve cardiovascular health, enhance vitality, and increase resistance to infections.
Jujube Dates
Jujube dates are bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re great for helping you sleep better and giving you a natural energy kick. Plus, they’ve been tied to better heart health and a stronger immune system, so adding them to your diet is a smart move.
Star Anise (Illicium verum)
Star anise is known for being antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which may help the immune system fight infections. Its aromatic, flavorful profile makes it a popular choice in both culinary and health-promoting purposes.
Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
These fragrant leaves are not just a staple in the kitchen; they’re also celebrated for being anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and supportive of the immune system.
Easy Healing Broth Starter Kits
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sun-dried shiitake or maitake mushrooms
- 2 astragalus sticks
- 2 jujube dates
- 2" piece of kombu seaweed
- 2 tbsp dried orange peel (or 1 dehydrated citrus round)
- 2 star anise pods
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Combine all of these ingredients in a little jar or bag to have handy for your next soup-making adventure.
Notes
Embrace the Healing Broth
As you try out this herbal broth recipe, remember to savor the process. Experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to create a brew that’s uniquely yours. And don’t forget to share the love—whether it’s by gifting jars to friends and family or by inviting loved ones to join you in the kitchen.
Gather your ingredients, prep your packets, and let’s make healing broth! Cheers to good health and delicious medicinal soups!
