My Gut Healing Journey with Bone Broth
Why Gut Healing Bone Broth Became a Kitchen Staple?
I still remember the first time I made gut healing bone broth. It was a cold Appalachian winter, and I was feeling run down, my digestion sluggish, my energy low. A friend handed me a steaming jar of homemade broth and said, “Drink this every morning for a week.” I was skeptical—but desperate. Within days, I felt stronger, lighter, more grounded.
From then on, bone broth became a ritual in my Asheville kitchen. It reminds me of my grandmother Mabel, who always believed in cooking to heal. She never called it “collagen-rich” or “gut-supportive,” but her broths had a depth and richness I now know came from slow simmered bones, marrow, and minerals.
These days, my gut healing bone broth isn’t just food—it’s part of my wellness toolkit. I drink it when I’m sick, use it as a base for stews, and gift it to friends recovering from colds or stress. What makes it “gut healing” isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the intention, the slowness, the love steeped into each cup.
The Science Behind Why It Heals the Gut
At its core, gut healing bone broth is rich in gelatin, glutamine, and collagen—all essential for repairing the gut lining. When you sip it warm, especially on an empty stomach, you’re giving your digestive tract a break and infusing it with healing compounds.
Studies show that glycine and proline, abundant in slow-cooked bones, help seal “leaky gut” and reduce inflammation. The minerals pulled from marrow and joints—magnesium, calcium, potassium—support nutrient absorption and overall gut flora balance.
This is why many people with IBS, autoimmune conditions, or post-antibiotic fatigue turn to gut healing bone broth. It’s food-as-medicine, and it works. For more gut-supporting dishes, you might also enjoy fermented carrot sticks or soothing elderberry syrup tonic.
How to Make Gut Healing Bone Broth at Home?
Choosing the Best Bones for Gut Healing Bone Broth
When it comes to making truly nourishing gut healing bone broth, the bones you choose are everything. You want nutrient-dense, collagen-rich bones that deliver the very properties your gut needs to repair and thrive. Not just any broth will do. For your gut healing bone broth, start with bones that are either grass-fed, pasture-raised, or organically sourced. Why? Because your gut deserves clean, hormone-free nutrition.
If you’re making beef broth, go with a mix of marrow bones, knuckle bones, and oxtail. These bones are high in gelatin, which turns into gut-healing collagen when simmered low and slow. Knuckle bones especially are rich in connective tissue, which supports your intestinal lining. Marrow bones give the broth a rich, full body and deliver fat-soluble nutrients essential for gut function.
For a lighter and equally effective gut healing bone broth, use a whole chicken carcass along with feet, necks, and backs. Chicken feet might seem odd at first, but they’re a powerhouse of gelatin and collagen. If you’re looking for maximum gut support, this is where it’s at.
Before you begin simmering, roast your bones at 400°F ( 204°C) for about 40 minutes. This step enhances flavor and helps break down the collagen and minerals in the bones more effectively—key for crafting the most potent gut healing bone broth.
Simmering the Perfect Gut Healing Bone Broth
Now comes the transformation. Place your roasted bones into a large pot, Dutch oven, or slow cooker. Cover them with filtered water—not tap water—to avoid adding chlorine or fluoride, which can disrupt your microbiome. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to draw out calcium, magnesium, and collagen from the bones. This acidic environment enhances the gut-healing properties of your broth.
Now add your gut-soothing aromatics:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger (soothes the digestive tract)
- 1 tsp turmeric (fights gut inflammation)
- 2 bay leaves
- Sea salt to taste

Bring your gut healing bone broth to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Don’t rush the process—let it simmer gently for 12 to 24 hours. The long cooking time is what breaks down the collagen, amino acids, and minerals that make this broth healing for your gut.
During simmering, your kitchen will smell like comfort. Like medicine in a pot. And once it cools and gels in the fridge? That jiggly texture is a good sign—it means your gut healing bone broth is rich in the gelatin your body needs.

After straining, pour into glass jars. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. I often freeze mine in silicone trays to keep single servings ready to go.
I’ve used this gut healing bone broth for everything—from sipping warm in the morning to making gut-friendly stews, soups, and even cooking rice.
Storing & Using Gut Healing Bone Broth Daily
Best Practices for Storing Your Gut Healing Bone Broth
After simmering your broth to golden perfection, the next step is making sure you store it in a way that keeps it both safe and nourishing. Once strained, I pour mine into wide-mouth glass jars for the fridge (where it lasts about 5–7 days) and freeze the rest in silicone trays or wide containers for easy thawing.
A tip from Grandma Mabel I still use: always label your jars with the date and type—especially if you make both chicken and beef broths. The jellied texture you see after chilling? That’s a great sign. It means your broth is packed with gut-healing gelatin.
When reheating, avoid microwaving. Instead, warm it gently on the stovetop to preserve its nutrients. I also like to freeze small cubes to toss into quick sautés or sauces. Need more help on storage?
Daily Rituals to Make Bone Broth Part of Your Life
Sipping gut healing bone broth doesn’t have to be a production. In my house, it’s the first thing I drink on chilly mornings—warmed up with a pinch of sea salt and fresh parsley. It’s soothing, grounding, and gets my digestion humming.
I also use it to cook my rice or quinoa instead of water for an added nutrition boost. On busy days, I’ll blend a mug of hot broth with a scoop of miso paste, turmeric, and a splash of coconut milk for an instant gut-loving tonic.

If I’m feeling under the weather or coming off antibiotics, I double my intake—one mug morning and night. Pair it with honey-sweetened turmeric tea for a full-body reset.
Gut healing bone broth isn’t just food—it’s self-care in a cup. And it’s one of the most nourishing habits you can build into your everyday life.
Customizing Your Gut Healing Bone Broth
Variations for Immune, Skin, and Digestive Support
One of the things I love most about gut healing bone broth is how adaptable it is. If you’re focused on immunity, toss in shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and astragalus root during the simmer. For skin health, add seaweed like kombu or a splash of lemon juice after cooking to boost mineral absorption.
Sensitive stomach? Stick with chicken bones, carrots, and a bit of fennel. For deeper gut repair—especially post-antibiotic or during autoimmune flares—I include burdock root and ginger. These help soothe inflammation and encourage healthy gut flora.
Feeling adventurous? Add reishi, turmeric, or even nettle. These herbs layer in flavor and bring additional healing benefits. You can find more inspiration in my facebook page.
FAQs About Gut Healing Bone Broth
1. Can I drink bone broth every day?
Absolutely. Many people sip one cup daily for digestive support. Just listen to your body.
2. What’s the best time to drink bone broth?
Morning on an empty stomach is ideal for gut lining repair. I also like a mug before bed for deep sleep.
3. Is it okay for people with histamine issues?
Long-simmered broths can be high in histamines. Try shorter cook times (4–6 hours) and use fresh ingredients.
4. Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Pressure cooking is a great option. Use the “Soup/Broth” setting and cook for 2 hours. It’s faster and still rich.
Remember, this isn’t just about sipping broth. It’s about restoring trust in your gut and building rituals of nourishment. When you stir your pot, you’re stirring something ancient, something whole.
The Conclusion
There’s something ancient and instinctive about sipping a warm mug of gut healing bone broth. It nourishes more than just your belly—it calms your nervous system, strengthens your immunity, and reminds you that healing doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re managing leaky gut, recovering from illness, or simply seeking a grounding daily ritual, this broth is your ally. You don’t need fancy supplements or strict protocols—just good bones, time, and intention. Trust me, once you’ve made your own, store-bought will never taste the same.

Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Roast bones for 30–40 minutes until browned.
- Transfer roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker.
- Add vinegar, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, bay leaves, and any optional herbs.
- Cover with filtered water and let stand 30 minutes before heating.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Skim off foam or impurities in the first hour.
- Simmer uncovered or loosely covered for 12–24 hours. (12 for chicken, 24 for beef.)
- Remove from heat, cool slightly, and strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Pour into jars and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat as needed. Sip warm or use as base for soups, stews, or grains.