Homemade Bone Broth Recipe: Nourish Your Joints, Gut, and Skin

Bone broth is more than just a base for soups — it’s a nutritional powerhouse that supports your joints, immune system, gut health, skin, and metabolism. While store-bought bone broths are convenient, many contain additives, excess sodium, or artificial ingredients. Making your own at home ensures you get the full benefits of this nutrient-rich elixir.

Why Bone Broth Is So Beneficial

Bone broth is loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and silicon, plus collagen, glucosamine, and gelatin. These nutrients are essential for:

Healthy joints – collagen and glucosamine support cartilage and connective tissue.
Gut health – gelatin helps soothe the digestive tract and supports nutrient absorption.
Skin, hair, and nails – collagen promotes elasticity and hydration.
Overall immunity – minerals and amino acids strengthen immune function.

As Dr. Josh Axe explains:
"Bone broth is easily digested and soothing to the digestive system, unlike many other foods, which can be difficult to fully break down. After all, a food is really only useful if we have the means of absorbing its nutrients."

Ingredients

16–20 cups filtered water
4 pounds chicken or beef bones (organic or free-range; optional: chicken feet, gizzards, or roasted bones for extra flavor)
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 yellow onion, quartered
2 carrots, cut into large pieces
2 celery stalks, cut or left whole
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tsp Himalayan pink salt
1 tsp black pepper (optional: smoked peppercorns for added flavor)
1 large sprig rosemary or your favorite fresh herbs

Instructions

Prepare Bones: Add water and apple cider vinegar to your slow cooker or stockpot. Add bones and let sit for 20 minutes. This helps draw nutrients from the bones. Skim off any foam that rises.
Add Veggies & Seasoning: Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Turn slow cooker to low.
Slow Cook: Cook for 14–24 hours. Check periodically and skim any additional foam. The longer it simmers, the richer the broth.
Strain: Remove bones, vegetables, and any solids, leaving a clear, golden broth.
Store: Transfer to mason jars. Refrigerate up to 5–7 days or freeze for up to one month.

Tips for Maximum Benefits

Roast the bones first for a deeper, richer flavor.
Use a mix of bones (marrow, knuckle, and meaty bones) for a nutrient-packed broth.
Add herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, or turmeric for variety and extra health benefits.
Sip daily — a cup of warm bone broth is a simple way to support joint and gut health.

Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought

Making your own bone broth guarantees purity, optimal nutrient content, and flavor control. You avoid excess sodium, preservatives, and hidden additives that are common in commercial broths. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — use it in soups, stews, sauces, or enjoy it straight for a comforting, nourishing drink.

Ways to Use Your Homemade Bone Broth

Bone broth is incredibly versatile, and making a big batch means you can use it in a variety of ways beyond just sipping. Here are a few ideas:

1. Sip it as a daily health boost
Enjoy a warm cup of bone broth in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Its rich nutrients, collagen, and amino acids make it a soothing and restorative beverage for your joints, gut, and skin.

2. Use it to sauté vegetables
Instead of using oil or butter, try sautéing your favorite vegetables in bone broth. This adds flavor and nutrients while keeping your dishes lighter and packed with protein and minerals.

3. Make soups and stews
Bone broth is the perfect base for soups, stews, and chili. Swap it in for water or store-bought stock to boost flavor and nutritional content. It works well with vegetables, meats, grains, or legumes for a hearty, nourishing meal.

4. Enhance sauces and grains
Use bone broth instead of water when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains. You can also reduce it into sauces or gravies to add richness without relying on heavy cream or butter.

5. Freeze for later use
Pour your broth into ice cube trays or small containers for easy portioned use. This is perfect for adding a splash of flavor and nutrients to recipes anytime.

SUMMING IT ALL UP

Bone broth is a simple yet powerful addition to a health-conscious lifestyle. With minimal effort and a few quality ingredients, you can create a nutrient-rich foundation for your meals that supports your joints, gut, skin, and overall well-being. Make it a weekly ritual — your body will thank you!

Recipe Inspiration: