Bone Broth ~ it's so much more than a trendy food ~ its FULL of healing goodness. Have you ever heard of it? Have you made it? SAVE THOSE TURKEY BONES!!! I make it often for my family and there are many variations, 'cause that's me. Rarely make a recipe the same way, but see it as more of a guideline!
Today I want to share another version: Medicinal Mushrooms Healing Broth
I first learned of this particular 'brew', from dear friend and herbalist Kate Gilday, who lives in the Adirondacks, New York state. Kate has been a great inspiration for me, over many years of study. She operates Woodland Essence Kate and her company collect many of the mushrooms from 'her' forest and otherwise use only top quality medicinal mushrooms from trusted local suppliers.
My dear friends, Matthias + Andrea Reisen grow many of these powerful plant allies at their very delightful
Healing Spirits Herb Farm
Bone Broth is a wonderful uplifting, supporting food, best enjoyed often. As 'they say'... Let's kick it up a notch… Add medicinal mushrooms, collected ethically from the forest.. and you have just that.. A super nutritious, nourishing, immune-enhancing broth which herbalists suggest for people post chemotherapy and other cancer treatments or folks who are very debilitated due to ongoing chronic illness. My family and I enjoy this broth with medicinal mushrooms weekly and I believe it's another route to supporting immune system health! One doesn't need to NEED this broth to enjoy and benefit from it.
Here's how to make Medicinal Mushrooms Healing Broth:
Note: Before we get started. I make my own healing bone broth in a large stainless steel stock pot or in a large crock pot. This particular recipe requires steeping the bones and mushroom mix for 3 days. When I use this stove-top method, I simmer all day and turn off for a few hours overnight and then simmer some more! When I can, I make use of my large crock pot and allow to sit on the counter atop a thick board, for the 56-72 hours required.
Ok. Let's get started.
To make this wonderful Medicinal Mushrooms Healing Broth:
Broth with Medicinal Mushrooms (two ways)
Ingredients
- Bones from free-range turkey or chicken or wild venison
- Apple cider vinegar just a splash ~ or lemon juice if you prefer
- Pure water
- Mushroom mixture**
- Onions garlic, carrots, celery ~ all organic
- Optional: dash of good quality Tamari low sodium if possible or Sea Salt
- : To 'up' the protein -->Gelatin from pasture-raised animals^^
Instructions
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Crock Pot Method: (aka Slow Cooker)
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Put the bones and in the crockpot and cover with water.
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Turn on to high for an hour, then turn down to low.
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Add the mushroom mixture**
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Stir.
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Add water when needed. The liquid should always cover the bones/mushrooms
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Simmer for minimum 56 hours.
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Add the onions and other flavour enhancing organic veggies.
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After 72 hours, strain.
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Reserve liquid. Allow to cool.
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Pour into ice cube trays.
Stove top Method
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Put the bones into a large stock pot and cover with good quality water.
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Bring to a quick boil and then turn the heat down.
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Add the medicinal mushrooms**
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Stir.
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Allow to simmer for minimum of 56 hours.
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Add more water as needed.
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(When I am making this brew, I shut off stove for a few hours while sleeping…
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… and then get up early to add more water and continue simmering!)
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Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic
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Simmer for another 20-24 hours.
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Allow to cool a bit and then strain.
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Reserve the liquid.
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Pour into ice-cube trays and freeze.
Recipe Notes
After frozen, turn out ice cubes into small freezer bags with labels, or store in glass containers
Every crockpot is different, so adjust heat setting as necessary while the stock cooks. A gentle simmer is okay, but definitely avoid a 'rolling boil'.
**This blend of mushrooms and roots is based on a traditional Chinese Fu Zheng formula and is designed to support, enliven and strengthen the immune system.
^^ Gelatin from pasture-raised beef. Purchase online from Vital Proteins:
Vital Proteins Collagen Protein, Pasture-Raised Beef Gelatin, 32 oz. (2 lb)
You can search for and find excellent quality medicinal mushrooms and make your own blend, of course. I am sharing this particular combination, as both Kate and myself, and literally hundreds of other herbal practitioners, use this specific formula. (I am not involved with Kate's company.
I do believe in her products so am sharing this info, hoping you will find it helpful)
The 12 oz package contains 3 types of medicinal mushrooms
plus 4 powerful herbal allies.
Activity of mushrooms and herbs in this formula:
Red Reishi (Ganoderma tsugae or luciidum)
Cardiotonic, immunosupportive, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, adaptogen, antibacterial,
anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol.
Adenosine, found in Reishi inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombocyte formation, increasing blood flow through vasodilation.
Shitake (Lentinula edodes)
Immune modulation, tumor inhibition, adaptogen, anti-viral, hepatoprotective,
lowers serum cholesterol and blood pressure, soothes bronchial inflammation,
Cancer preventative.
shiitake mushrooms being cultivated the traditional organic way
Turkey Tails (Corioulus versicolor)
Immunostimulant--> stimuates T-cell and macrophage activity, and induces interferon release,
anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antbiotic activity. Used in hepatitis treatment.
plus
Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceous)
Adaptogen, tonifies lungs, blood tonic, adrenocortical restorative, immune enhancer, liver restorative/protective, anti-tumor, hypotensive, energy tonic, regulates fluid metabolism.
Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)
Support for digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular and immune systems. “quiets the soul”, respiratory restorative, hypotensive, anti-tumor, liver restorative, radiation protective, treats fatigue, nutritive blood builder.
Atractylodes (Atractylodes)
General energy tonic, benefits digestion and regulates fluid metabolism, Liver restorative, immunostimulant -->enhances phagocytic function, enhances white blood cell production and lymphocyte transformation and increases serum IgG.
Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
Promotes detoxification, removes lymph congestion, reduces infection and inflammation, regulates immunity and reduces allergy response, benefits skin.
Of course, there are other options for good places to order great quality medicinal mushrooms.
You can research yourself and make up your own combination.
I have also purchased from the following:
Willow Harvest Organics in N.Y. state
Healing Spirits Herb Farm and Education Center
(two of my best friends in the world, Matthias and Andrea Reisen)
I've also had the pleasure to work with the folks at FourSigmatic ~~~ Here is their info and 'shroom shop!
There are many resources:
Herbalist Christopher Hobbs, wrote the first medicinal mushrooms book I read years ago. It's a good place to start! Medicinal Mushrooms
Paul Stamets ~ probably one of the all-time experts re medicinal mushrooms has a company:
Fungi Perfecti offers books, growing kits and mushroom products.
~~ Paul has written numerous books and delves deep 'all things mycelium'
Robert Rogers from northern Alberta, Canada is well known for his book:
The Fungal Pharmacy: The Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms and Lichens of North America
Here's hoping for radiant, shining health in the year to come and beyond. I am so grateful to be able to share ideas to boost us and help us in our healing journey.
Green blessings, Carol xo
TWO pins for you --
Carol L
Just wondering about your thoughts on using an Instant Pot to make the bone broth. I have heard that the stainless steel is not good for things that are acidic, like the ACV. But IP now makes a CERAMIC insert....so....your take on this?
Thanks for the idea of adding in the mushrooms to make it even healthier!!!
Carol Little
Hello again Carol! I have made all my broths in both the stainless steel + the ceramic bowl.
I don't proclaim to be an IP expert but I see no issue with either -- and have used both.
You are most welcome for the mushrooms idea.. We share!! Let me know how it goes!
Katie Beck
Thank you for the great information. I have never used medicinal mushrooms, and this is a great way to try out.
Carol Little
You are most welcome. Please do check out some of the sources I shared.. for high quality 'shrooms!!
Becky
Does this hold up to freezing? I'd like to make several servings to have on hand for the up coming winter months. Thanks
Carol Little
Oh yes Becky. That's the point. I'd better go check the recipe.. It's all about making and then freezing into ice cubes and labeling in a zip lock or two .. and then making 1 ice cube each day into a cup of 'soup'. Definitely freeze them..It makes a lot..
Hope
I'm a big fan of medicinal mushrooms - this is a great way to get them into the diet while reaping the benefits of a nutritious broth. Thanks for such an informative post!
Carol Little
You are most welcome!!
Lindsey Dietz
Wow, you've taught me so much about mushrooms! They're little powerhouses, aren't they?? ;)
ChihYu Smith
I love mushrooms not i know they have healing effect, too. How cool!
Anya
Making healing broth is an easy way to get the benefits of the medicinal properties from mushrooms. I'll have to give this a try.
STACEY CRAWFORD
I love this! A long time ago I used to drink this ferment mushroom tea I would get at the health food store but sadly they stopped making it. Maybe this could be a good replacement for that. :)
Joni Gomes
Wow so much to learn about mushrooms! I have never seed/heard of a couple of these. I am definitely going to try this out!
Kathryn
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This recipe looks really nutritious. Are there specific mushrooms that are more beneficial for those with autoimmune disease?
jennifer
This is so interesting! I've had shiitake mushrooms and the turkey tail, but never those red ones. There's a new market not to far away that I think might have them -- gonna check it out so I can make this brilliant broth.
Jean
I'm always amazed by the healing power of mushroom! I will definitely have to try out this broth, especially as the weather gets cooler.
Carol Little
I love the idea of having a cup a day of this powerful broth. I have made this many times and my entire family drinks it when I have it on hand.. prevention is also a good thing!!
Carol Little
I know. It is truly amazing. Hope you enjoy.
Vanessa Price
This sounds amazing! I'm going to make it ASAP. I love anything that boosts immunity.
Carol Little
I hear you. We can do with all the help we can get!
Catherine Baez Sholl
Thank you for the great information on medicinal mushrooms. I'll be sharing this recipe with my mom who's going through chemo right now. Thanks!
Carol Little
Sending healing thoughts to you both and please know that Kate collects these from the forest which surrounds her home and lovingly dries them and creates this mixture.. Matthias + Andrea.. same.. These people create healing medicines with these powerful healers.. they are also healers.. Please write with any questions. Carol xo
Monique
What a super informative post, thanks Carol! I'm really interested in learning more about medicinal mushrooms and this is an easy way to use them.
Melissa @Realnutritiousliving
Wow- this will keep anyone healthy all winter long! Thank you Carol!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
This is lovely Carol. I'm not familiar with many medicinal mushrooms, but I do love shiitakes for that purpose.
Beth Learn
Hm, I guess I need to be simmering longer! Mushroom hunting is a favorite pastime of mine here in Oregon, and I love this concept of 'upping' the ante in bone broth! Turkey tails grow wild here! Broth and collagen are also really good for your core and issues like diastasis!
Laura
Is that your own mushroom blend you make and sell yourself Carol?
Carol Little
Hi there Laura! I have made versions of it but normally purchase from Matt + Andrea @ Healing Spirits Herb Farm or Kate Gilday (info in the post itself)
Megan Stevens
Oh wow, what a fun and delicious recipe, and healthful!
linda spiker
Love that you can make it in a crock pot!