Herbal Mushroom Broth Tonic Recipe
This recipe is a foundation, not a rulebook. Use the vegetables, culinary herbs and mushrooms that make sense for your kitchen, season and pantry.
For me, a pot of broth is one of the simplest ways to turn a pile of roots, mushrooms, vegetables and aromatics into something deeply nourishing and useful. I make big batches, freeze or preserve what I will not use right away, and reach for it whenever a meal needs more depth.
Herbal Mushroom Broth
Ingredients
- 1–2 cups assorted culinary mushrooms such as shiitake and maitake; if using reishi or other medicinal mushrooms, make sure you know the species and that the preparation is appropriate for you
- 1/2 cup sliced astragalus root, optional
- 1 bunch celery, chopped
- 6–10 carrots, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion or several shallots, sliced
- 1 head garlic
- 11 cups water, plus more as needed
- 1 bunch parsley
- 3–5 sprigs sage or about 1/2 cup dried sage
- 2 pieces fresh turmeric root, sliced
- 2 pieces fresh ginger root, sliced
- Orange peel or zest
- Lemon peel, zest or slices
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional seasonal additions can include nettles, burdock, cilantro or other correctly identified edible herbs you already know and use.
Directions
Combine everything in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 2–3 hours. Add a little additional water if needed as it cooks.
Strain through a fine strainer. For an extra-clear broth, strain again through cheesecloth. Taste and season once strained.
Storage
For freezing, leave generous headspace in your container so the broth has room to expand. Refrigerate what you will use soon and freeze the rest. If you choose to can broth for shelf storage, follow a current, tested pressure-canning method from a trusted food-safety source rather than improvising a canning process.
This is a culinary and educational recipe, not medical advice. Herbs and mushrooms can have individual precautions and interactions. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a health condition, or preparing herbs for a child, check the specific ingredients with a qualified professional.
Grace + Gratitude,
Elise Dixie Jane