Nourishing Winter Herbal Broth

keeping the ember of vitality kindled within us through winter months

Ganoderma oregonense, found in the west slopes of the Cascade range in Oregon.

Busy, busy, busy are these shortening days and long nights as we descend further into the darkness and towards the depths of winter. If only we could enjoy the beneficial aspects of modernity and yet, be as our ancestors were: inside, a lot less busy, tending fires, mending, weaving, creating, storytelling and being with those we love and are close to.

Alas, modernity in all its conveniences has still made us busier than ever. The holiday season can be exhausting, mentally, emotionally and taxing for the body as we push through days when we should probably be getting more rest. Colds, flu and gunky illnesses become more common, and if you’re not getting enough sleep (hello insomniacs, hello motherhood) — our precious immune system can become compromised, making us prone to picking up colds and such like.

After back-to-back illnesses, Covid and then a random gunky head cold — I knew it was time to bust out the seasonal herbal sipping broth.

I know, broth, right? Not a tea, not a decoction. I put these herbs, roots and mushrooms in my instapot and make a dense rich herbal broth. I use it to sip hot, I’ll dilute it to drink cold, or add it to soups, stews, or as added broth when cooking up greens on the stove.

The cool thing about making an herbal broth? You can make it to suit your needs, tastes, and desires!

I’ll give you my current recipe, and then some ideas for different brews and broths — highlighting some great adaptogenic herbs, warming spices and herbs and nutritive plants for this winter season.

My current blend I am putting into the instapot: