Unless you’ve been living in a media vortex or have no friends, you’ve probably been hearing the raves about bone broth. The claims of its magical powers range from solving impossible math equations to growing entire new limbs. Probably it cures cancer too but, according to my Facebook feed, weed still has the monopoly on that.
What people don’t commonly know about bone broth is that is can actually save your relationship. We provide you with this case study:
“My leg is broken,” says my now precariously-teetering-on-the-edge-of-relationship boyfriend over the phone. I’m sitting in my office buried under a pile of charts as high as my chin while making a list of places to look for boxes and making a mental note to not forget to pick my kid up from karate. We are moving in a week, and my house looks like an explosion of bubble wrap and the cardboard slum sprawl of homeless elves. My to-do list is longer than a line of Trump protesters. In short, I do not have time for this.
“I thought you were going to pick up the moving trailer today,” I say, because apparently I also don’t have time for sympathy. “I went skiing first.”
Now in a normal relationship, that statement right there might have made heads roll, but we’re outdoorsy people. There is always time and justification for another ski/ride/run/climb. Though the parties involved would appreciate it if said priority shifters would not break their shit when skirting responsibilities. The reality is that we people who like to play hard are going to break ourselves. Thus, knowing how you can heal as quickly and thoroughly as possible should be as important as knowing your wilderness first aid.
In a perfect world of broken bones, we’re looking at a 6-week recovery. But if you don’t take care of yourself (see: using broken thing too much, pretending it isn’t broken, trying to cook your girlfriend dinner from a bar stool because you feel guilty), the healing process is delayed. And if you’re really rough (cocktails and ice cream), you can even interrupt the process or cause further damage.
The secret to quick recovery at our house – and we’re used to needing to recover from things – is bone broth. We also stop drinking alcohol and eating any sugars to aid in the reduction of inflammation. What’s so great about bone broth? It’s loaded with chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and a variety of amino acids that aid in joint lubrication and reduction of inflammation. It is rich in calcium and other minerals needed to rebuild and maintain tissue health. In addition, it is known to support the growth of specific immune cells.
Any time your person gets hurt out there being awesome, you simply begin administering a cup or so of bone broth daily. Because the more quickly they recover, the more quickly they can be back outside playing with you. Or at least unpacking boxes.
How to Make Your Own Bone Broth
Bone broth is a term typically used to refer to broth made from bones and joints of animals (sometimes called bone stock). The bones (a beef knuckle joint, chicken carcass, etc.) are cooked at low temperature with a dash of apple cider vinegar to leech the minerals and tissue components into the broth. Before you get grossed out, it just tastes like a cup of broth. Add salt and spices to make it delightful. We infuse ours with sage and thyme or add lime and chili afterward for a little kick.
How to make your broth: Roast a chicken. Eat it. Put the bones in a big pot and cover them with water. Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and some salt. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 24 hours. Strain out the stuff. Pour the broth in jars. Viola! Your own incredible broth is ready just like that! //
