What's the deal with broths that heal

The word 'broth' in my mind as a child conjured the images of a magician or a witch with a large cauldron spewing some mystic spells as they throw in the most dreadful ingredients in the likes of frog's tongue and lizards' tails.

But unlike what I may have read and seen as a child the word 'broth' in the dictionary of a mother is pure gold. A beautiful simmering hot liquid filled with goodness of many vitamins and minerals with potency to cure the many colds and coughs that bring us distress every now and again.

Meat and Fish stocks can provide building blocks for the walls of the gut and soothe any inflammation in the gut lining. They have been known for centuries as aids in digestion and healing remedy for problems in the digestive tract.

Bone broth or a pot of gold

Buying bone broth of the shelf

In my journey of seeking health and wellness I have discovered that there are no short cuts. Store bought, processed and packaged goods can never replace the benefits of real ingredients made freshly in your home. No matter what it may be the store-bought items will always need to accommodate for their long shelf life and unexpected storage situations, ease of transport among others.

So I encourage all moms out there to throw in some chicken (or fish or lamb) into water and garlic and salt and let it boil on a slow fire for a good 2-3 hours. The result that comes out is a collagen and vitamin rich broth which is healthful and healing for you and your family.

Goodness in a cup

My experience

I have been making a simple chicken bone broth with garlic as a go to for the last almost 3 years. My child recognizes how it makes him better and is always willing to have it ; many times asking for it himself. Not only does it help in cases of cold and flu but we also handled some other things like a inflamed joint with the help of bone broth ( not suggesting doing away with medication ofcourse) .

I personally feel it can work like an amazing ally to any medication protocol your kid might be following. It is rich with multiple minerals and vitamins and is incredibly soothing for your gut. What's not to like?

Bone broth and vegetarians?

Having grown up in a largely vegetarian family and never having heard of a bone broth before, I have to honest that the idea of cooking meat along with bones in water was far from appetizing for my taste. My child however, guarded from the hell we went through in the kitchen ;) absolutely loves it.

I have been daring myself to drink some given it is such a rich store house of collagen but that is a story for another day. Till that day a nice vegetable broth with a liberal dose of ginger and garlic is my go-to for my health.