How long should herbal bone broth simmer?

Chicken bones usually do well with 4 to 6 hours, while beef bones benefit from 8 to 12 hours of gentle simmering for a fuller flavour.

Which herbs work best in bone broth?

Parsley, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper are classic choices that add warmth, aroma, and depth.

Can this broth be used as a soup base?

Yes, absolutely. It works beautifully as a base for vegetable soup, chicken soup, noodle bowls, or slow-cooked stews.

What’s the best way to store homemade broth?

Cool it completely, then refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for longer keeping and easy use later.

Herbal Bone Broth Recipe

This content is for general wellness information only and is not intended as medical advice.

A comforting broth that earns its place in the kitchen

A good broth brings depth, warmth, and gentle nourishment to everyday cooking. This herbal bone broth recipe layers classic marrow-rich bones with fragrant herbs and warming spices for a savoury base that feels both grounded and generous.

Slow simmering is one of the simplest ways to build flavour, and it turns a few humble ingredients into something beautifully versatile. In South African kitchens, that means a broth you can sip on its own, ladle over rice, or use as the base for a cosy soup recipe when the weather asks for something hearty.

Why herbs and spices make this broth special

Bone broth is already treasured for its rich, full-bodied taste, but the addition of herbs and spices takes it to another level. Warming ingredients like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, bay leaf, and cinnamon bring aroma and character, while classic herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary add freshness and a savoury lift.

If you’re looking for bone broth herbs South Africa home cooks can find easily, the good news is that most are already in the spice drawer or nearby fresh produce aisle. This keeps the recipe practical, affordable, and easy to repeat.

A few flavour notes

Ginger adds gentle warmth and brightness.

Garlic gives the broth a rich, rounded savoury base.

Turmeric contributes colour and earthy depth.

Black pepper helps the spices feel balanced and full.

Bay leaves and thyme keep the flavour classic and aromatic.

Parsley adds a fresh finish at the end.

Herbal bone broth recipe

This nourishing broth recipe is simple, flexible, and forgiving. Use chicken frames, beef marrow bones, or a mix, depending on what’s available.

Ingredients

1.5 to 2 kg bones, preferably a mix of marrow, knuckle, or chicken bones

2 onions, quartered

2 carrots, roughly chopped

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

1 large knob fresh ginger, sliced

6 garlic cloves, lightly smashed

2 bay leaves

1 cinnamon stick

1 tsp black peppercorns

1 tsp turmeric powder, or 2 cm fresh turmeric, sliced

2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 tsp dried thyme

1 small sprig rosemary, optional

1 bunch parsley, stems included

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

2.5 to 3 litres water, enough to cover

Sea salt, to taste

Optional: a few cloves for a sweeter winter note

Method

1. **Prepare the bones.** If using beef bones, roast them at 200°C for about 30 minutes for a deeper flavour. Chicken bones can be used straight away.

2. **Add everything to a large pot.** Place the bones, vegetables, ginger, garlic, herbs, spices, and vinegar into a stockpot.

3. **Cover with water.** Add enough cold water to fully cover the ingredients.

4. **Bring up slowly.** Set over medium heat and allow the pot to come to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top in the first 20 to 30 minutes.

5. **Simmer low and slow.** Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and cook for 8 to 12 hours for beef bones, or 4 to 6 hours for chicken bones.

6. **Add parsley at the end.** Stir it in during the last 20 minutes for a fresh, green note.

7. **Strain carefully.** Pour the broth through a fine sieve into a large bowl or pot.

8. **Season and store.** Add sea salt to taste, then cool before refrigerating or freezing.

How to make it a true warming soup recipe

A broth on its own is lovely, but it also becomes a full meal with very little effort. That is what makes it such a practical warming soup recipe for busy weeks, slow weekends, and batch cooking days.

Easy ways to serve it

Sip it warm in a mug with a squeeze of lemon.

Pour it over cooked rice, vermicelli, or noodles.

Add shredded chicken, leftover roast vegetables, or chopped greens.

Stir in mushrooms and spring onions for a simple bowlful.

Use it as the base for lentil, vegetable, or pumpkin soup.

If the flavour feels too light after straining, let it reduce a little longer with the lid off. If it feels too concentrated, add a splash of water until it tastes just right.

Choosing the best bones and herbs

Good broth starts with good ingredients, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Ask your butcher for soup bones, marrow bones, or chicken carcasses, and you’ll usually be halfway there.

For herbs, keep things seasonal and practical. Fresh thyme, parsley, rosemary, and bay leaves are excellent staples, while ginger, garlic, turmeric, and cinnamon bring that cosy, warming edge that works so well in cooler weather.

Helpful shopping tips

Buy extra bones and freeze them in portions.

Keep dried bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns in the cupboard year-round.

Use parsley stalks rather than tossing them away.

Add a slice of fresh lemon just before serving for brightness.

Make it part of an easy wellness routine

Broths fit beautifully into everyday wellness because they are simple, grounding, and easy to keep on hand. A mug of broth can be a gentle afternoon ritual, while a big pot can support easy lunches throughout the week.

For those who like to build a broader routine around nourishment, pairing kitchen habits with supportive products can feel very natural. At Medicine Like Food, options like Vitamin C Herbal 60 capsules, Zinc Herbal 60 capsules, and Propolis 50ml are often chosen by people who value a well-rounded approach to seasonal support and daily vitality.

That said, food remains the star here. A slow-simmered broth is one of those small kitchen habits that can make everyday meals feel more cared for.

Storage, freezing, and batch cooking

Broth keeps well, which makes it a lovely Sunday prep task. Once cooled, refrigerate it for up to 4 days, or freeze in jars, silicone moulds, or ice cube trays for easy portions.

A few batch-cooking ideas:

Freeze in 250 ml portions for quick mugs of broth.

Freeze larger containers for soup nights.

Reduce a batch until richer, then use as a cooking base.

Keep some unseasoned so it can flex between recipes.

If you enjoy simple kitchen staples that do a lot of work in the background, this is one of the easiest to keep returning to.

A homemade broth doesn’t need fanfare to be useful. It just needs good bones, fragrant herbs, a patient simmer, and a place in your weekly rhythm. Explore more comforting food ideas on the Medicine Like Food blog for recipes that keep things warm, simple, and nourishing.

Find more nourishing ideas on our [Recipes page](/blog?category=recipes) — simple, wholesome creations for everyday wellness.