Nourish Your Body with Traditional Chinese Medicine Beef Bone Broth

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), food is viewed as more than just sustenance—it’s medicine. A carefully crafted broth can provide powerful healing properties, helping balance the body’s Qi, nourish the blood, and support vital organs. One such tonic is Beef Bone Broth, revered for its ability to promote vitality, improve digestion, and strengthen the bones and kidneys. 

Today, I'll be sharing a TCM-inspired beef bone broth recipe that incorporates not just nourishing ingredients, but also a selection of Chinese herbs specifically chosen for their health benefits.

The Benefits of Beef Bone Broth in TCM

Bone broth is widely recognized in many cultures for its nutritional value, but in TCM, it’s considered particularly valuable for strengthening the kidneys, which are seen as the foundation of vitality. The kidneys govern our energy reserves, reproductive health, and even our bones. By nourishing the kidneys, beef bone broth can help improve overall stamina and vitality, especially for those recovering from illness or experiencing fatigue. This recipe also helps nourish the blood—a concept in TCM that refers to the body’s circulatory system and the ability to maintain strong immunity, clear thinking, and even radiant skin.

The Ingredients: A Fusion of Nourishing Food and Herbs

While a basic beef bone broth is already highly beneficial, adding TCM herbs enhances its healing power. Here's a breakdown of the main ingredients and their roles in TCM:

Core Ingredients:

- Beef Bones (marrow, knuckle, or shank): Rich in collagen and minerals, these bones are believed to help nourish the blood, fortify the kidneys, and strengthen the bones.

- Ginger: This warming herb is excellent for improving circulation and aiding digestion, which makes it a key component in many TCM recipes.

- Green Onion: Supports spleen health and helps the body eliminate dampness, a concept in TCM that refers to excess fluid retention.

Key TCM Herbs:

- Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis):

Known as the “female ginseng,” Dang Gui is famous for its blood-nourishing properties and is often used to regulate menstruation and support circulation.

- Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi):

These vibrant red berries are packed with antioxidants and help nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and boost overall vitality.

- Astragalus (Huang Qi):

One of TCM’s most revered herbs, Astragalus strengthens the body’s defensive Qi (Wei Qi), which helps the immune system resist illness.

- Chinese Red Dates (Hong Zao/Jujube):

Used to tonify Qi and nourish the blood, red dates are a go-to in TCM for boosting energy and calming the mind.

- Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel):

Promotes digestion, regulates Qi, and helps dispel phlegm—making it an excellent addition for balancing rich or heavy foods.

- Shan Yao (Chinese Yam):

Strengthens the spleen and kidneys, aids digestion, and nourishes Yin energy, supporting a balanced body.

TCM Beef Bone Broth Recipe

Here’s how you can make your own nourishing beef bone broth infused with TCM herbs:

Ingredients:

- 2 lbs (1 kg) of beef bones (marrow, knuckle, or shank)

- 3-4 liters of water (enough to cover the bones)

- 3-4 slices of fresh ginger

- 2 stalks of green onion (cut in half)

TCM Herbs:

- 10 grams of Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)

- 20 grams of Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)

- 15 grams of Astragalus (Huang Qi)

- 6-8 Chinese Red Dates (Hong Zao/Jujube)

- 5 grams of Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel)

- 20 grams of Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bones:

Begin by blanching the beef bones. Place them in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil for about 5-10 minutes. This step helps remove impurities. Once boiled, discard the water, rinse the bones, and set aside.

2. Simmer the Broth:

In a clean pot, add the blanched bones, water, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities during the first hour.

3. Add Herbs:

After simmering for about an hour, add the TCM herbs (Dang Gui, Goji Berries, Astragalus, Red Dates, Chen Pi, and Shan Yao). Let the broth simmer gently for 4-6 hours to extract all the nutrients and benefits from the bones and herbs.

If you have a slow cooker it’s best to simmer on low for 24-48 hours.

4. Strain and Serve:

Once the broth has simmered for several hours, strain the liquid into a clean pot. Season with sea salt to taste, and enjoy a warm, nourishing cup of this restorative broth.

How to Use Your Beef Bone Broth

You can sip on this broth as a warm, comforting drink, or use it as a base for soups and stews. In TCM, it’s recommended to drink 1 cup of bone broth daily to help maintain health and vitality, especially during the colder months when the body can benefit from the warming, nourishing properties.

Therapeutic Actions in TCM

- Nourishes the blood: Thanks to ingredients like Dang Gui and beef bones, this broth is particularly effective at supporting blood production and circulation.

- Strengthens Qi: Astragalus and Goji Berries fortify the body’s energy and strengthen the immune system.

- Supports digestion: Ginger and Chen Pi aid in regulating digestion, making this broth gentle on the stomach.

- Boosts kidney health: Beef bones and Shan Yao are essential in TCM for enhancing kidney function, which is the foundation of vitality.

This TCM-inspired beef bone broth is more than just a recipe—it’s a tonic for nourishing your entire body. By incorporating TCM principles, this broth provides a gentle, healing way to promote long-term health, balance, and vitality. Whether you’re recovering from illness, dealing with fatigue, or simply want to boost your wellness routine, this broth can be a soothing and powerful addition to your diet.

Have you tried making TCM bone broth before? Let me know your experience in the comments below!