Winter Nourishment: A Chinese Medicine–Inspired Bone Broth for Balance and Vitality

As autumn’s golden leaves start to fall (and the rain jackets come out for their eight-month shift on the west coast), our bodies and minds are invited to slow down and turn inward. In Chinese medicine, fall belongs to the metal element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine—organs that teach us the art of letting go.

Just like the trees, we’re meant to shed what no longer serves us—whether that’s an old habit, a pattern of overcommitting, or the extra iced oat lattes we clung to all summer. Letting go isn’t about loss; it’s about making space for something better—like rest, stillness, and the return of soup season.

As we move into winter, the season of the water element, nature asks us to hibernate a little—protecting our energy, slowing down, and nourishing our Kidneys, which are basically the body’s battery pack. Think of it as your internal phone charger: ignore it for too long and eventually you’ll find yourself running on 1%.

One of the most comforting (and ridiculously simple) ways to honour this seasonal shift is by brewing up some bone broth. When simmered with Chinese herbs, it becomes more than food—it keeps your inner fire burning even when the world outside feels cold and grey.

---

🥣 Chinese Medicine–Inspired Bone Broth

This recipe starts with a simple, flavourful base, and then you can add herbs to suit your level of kitchen confidence (or curiosity).

Easy to pack bone broth!

For the Broth Base

• 2–3 lbs beef, chicken, or pork bones (preferably with some marrow)

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps draw minerals from the bones)

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 2 carrots, roughly chopped

• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

• 6–8 garlic cloves, smashed

• 2–3 slices fresh ginger – warming, aids digestion, and kicks any lurking chill to the curb

• 1–2 bay leaves

• 12–14 cups water

Chinese Herbs (optional but magical)

You can find these at local Chinese herbal shops in Victoria, or even at Fairway Market or H Mart:

• 2–3 pieces Huang Qi (Astragalus root) – immune support, builds qi

• 4–5 slices Dang Shen (Codonopsis) – strengthens digestion and energy

• 6–8 Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) – nourishes blood, supports the eyes, and adds a gentle sweetness

• 2–3 slices Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) – supports blood and circulation (optional for a deeper herbal flavour)

• 1 small piece Chen Pi (aged tangerine peel) – aids digestion, moves qi, and reduces phlegm

Tip: If you’re new to herbs, start simple—try ginger, goji berries, and astragalus root for a gentle, balanced brew.

Instructions

1. Roast the bones: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. This adds a rich, caramelized depth — and makes your kitchen smell like cozy winter comfort.

2. Rinse your herbs: Give them a quick rinse under cool water to remove any dust, and set aside.

3. Build your broth: Add the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker. Toss in the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Add water and herbs: Pour in enough water to cover (about 12–14 cups) and add your Chinese herbs.

5. Simmer low and slow: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 8–24 hours. If using a slow cooker, set to low and let it go overnight. Skim off any foam that forms.

6. Strain and store: Remove the bones and herbs, strain through a fine mesh sieve, and let it cool. Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for future use.

How to Enjoy

Sip a warm cup as a daily tonic, use it as a base for soups or grains, or just pour it into your favourite mug and feel smug about your life choices. Each sip nourishes your Kidney and Lung qi, supports your immune system, and helps you stay grounded and glowy all winter long.

Warm up with a mug of bone broth

Final Thought

As you sip your bone broth this season, take a moment to reflect: what can you let go of to make space for rest and renewal? Whether it’s old patterns, overcommitment, or just your fourth streaming subscription, letting go — like the trees — makes room for new growth when spring returns.

Think of acupuncture as the bone broth for your energy. Both nourish deeply, support your body’s foundation, and help you move through the season with warmth and resilience.

Book your fall treatment at Goji Wellness and give your body the same care you put into your broth — slow, intentional, and deeply restorative.

Book Now