12 Herbs To Make Herbal Broth For You & Your Dog

Have you been wondering about some simple ways to help you and your dogs health this winter season? We all know broth is warming, dense with vitamins and minerals and is known to keep us healthy throughout the cold months. Yet, did you know there are a handful of medicinal herbs that can be added to the broth for extra benefits?

Whether you decide to make chicken, beef or vegetable bone broth, adding these herbs will boost your immunity along with a long list of other benefits that we'll get into. When making medicinal broth, it is important to use roots, barks or mushrooms during the long decoction process. These parts of the plants are thicker, stronger and harder to break down. During the hours of simmering the water and heat will be able to break down the roots, bark and mushrooms, releasing its medicinal value. If you want to add in any herbs that are leaves or flower, it is advised to do it at the end. Soak the leaves and flower in when you turn off the crock pot like you would a normal cup of tea. Too much heat can destroy the medicinal properties of more delicate plant material.

Some easy ways to use the broth:

• Pour broth over their kibble

• Mix broth in with their homemade food

• Make them frozen broth ice cube treats

• Pour some broth into a small amount of water for them to drink

• Pour it over any raw food you feed them

• Use broth as the liquid in any dog treat for an extra delicious taste and nutrient content

Lets get into it..

Medicinal Mushrooms

Both dogs and people will benefit from a variety of medicinal mushroom. There are three main mushrooms we are going to talk about that have a wide range of beneficial effects on the body. They are, Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms. These three are all anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor and potent antioxidants. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein. One of their largest benefits is that they are also deep immunity builders. Described more in-depth on our blog post "How To Support Your 3 Stages Of Immunity". These amazing fungi also benefit and cleanse the liver, kidneys and heart. They each have their own specific added benefits that we'll go over now.

Reishi is known as the "Herb Of Immortality". It is a deep immunity builder and helps with chronic digestive problems and general weakness.

Maitake is known as "Chicken Of The Woods" and the "Dancing Mushroom" because it is layered and looks like butterflies performing a dance. It supports immunity, weight control, healthy digestion and regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.

Shiitake is known as the "Elixer Of Life". They benefit our health by stimulating white bloods cells, improve circulation and soothe inflammation.

Astragalus

Astragalus is also a deep immunity builder. Commonly used with medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Maitake or Shiitake for long term health and vitality. Astragalus is also a great herb to include into you or your dogs diet when recovering from surgery.

Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle supports and detoxes the liver. Our liver processes everything that enters our body. By supporting the livers natural function we are giving ourselves a helping hand in releasing what our bodies physically don't need.

Burdock Root

Burdock Root also is used as a detoxifying herb and helps the liver process toxins as well as cleanses the blood. This in turn will benefit skin issues like psoriasis, rashes, ect. Burdock Root also supports the hips and joints while providing some relief from arthritic pain.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a more well known spice that has an incredible array of medicinal benefits. Turmeric has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. This root also benefits cognitive and kidney function while balancing blood sugar levels.

Ginger

Ginger is another anti-inflammatory root that is assimilated well when used with Turmeric. It has great benefit to the digestive system and provides gastrointestinal relief.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are known as a "superfood" which ultimately means it is nutritionally dense. They also are packed with anti-oxidants and amino acids for cellular health and regeneration. Goji berries are extremely beneficial because they help prevent the growth of cancerous cells. They also reduce cholesterol levels and blood glucose levels in dogs with diabetes.

Ginseng

Ginseng works as an immunity booster that is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This root helps dogs and people from getting sick and is known in Chinese culture to keep both species young and playful.

Fo-ti or He Shou Wu

Fo-ti is a Chinese herb that is known to help keep the brain healthy. Dementia is a common ailment for dogs and people alike in older age. He Shou Wu is used to help treat and prevent dementia in dogs and humans alike. Some other benefits from Fo-ti is that it helps decrease pain and soreness in joints and other inflamed areas. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Poria

Poria is another Chinese herb that has a range of medicinal benefits to dogs and humans. This herb has been used traditionally to cleanse out important organs like the heart, spleen and kidneys which helps them function well. Poria has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects and helps to boost our immunity.

Some other herbs that are beneficial to add but more towards the end would be sage, thyme, oregano. These culinary spices are not as dense which makes it not necessary to simmer them for hours but only about an hour at the end.

Sage has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while helping to improve brain function.

Thyme is anti-microbial and is an anti-oxidant.

Oregano has anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

Make one big pot of whichever combination you prefer. Keep it in the fridge to be able to warm up at a later date.

The best part about these options is that they are safe and healthy for both you, your kids and your pups! Your whole family will be thriving by adding high dense nutrition to everyones diet along with herbs and mushrooms that strengthen immunity and support detoxification.

Always remember! Onions are toxic to dogs and garlic is controversial. It is recommended to LEAVE THESE OUT when you know you'll be feeding this broth to your pup!

Stay healthy, have fun and continue on your adventures this winter season!