Recipes - Pets and People

Here is a delicious warming and nourishing bone broth to help get you through the long winter months! Perfect for our canine companions as well!

Winter Wellness Herbal Bone Broth

A deeply nourishing base for soups, sipping, and winter rituals.

Ingredients:

Bone base:

• 1–2kg organic beef, lamb, or chicken bones (marrow, knuckle, neck, wings, or feet are great)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)

• Water to cover (approx. 3–4L)

Vegetables (roughly chopped):

• 2 carrots

• 2 celery stalks

• 1 onion

• 3 garlic cloves

Herbs & spices:

• 2 slices fresh ginger

• 1 tsp whole peppercorns

• 1–2 bay leaves

• 1–2 tsp sea salt (optional)

Optional nourishing additions:

• Blend of medicinal mushrooms

• 2 tbsp dried nettle leaf (iron, minerals)

• 1 tbsp astragalus root (immune support)

• 1 tsp turmeric or a few slices of fresh

• A sprig of rosemary or thyme

Instructions:

1. Roast bones (optional but flavourful):
   Place bones in a roasting pan at 180°C (350°F) for 30–40 minutes until browned.

2. Combine all ingredients in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Cover with cold water and bring to a gentle boil.

3. Skim the foam off the top, then reduce heat to a very low simmer.

4. Simmer low and slow for:

   • Chicken: 12–24 hours

   • Beef/Lamb: 24–48 hours
     (Or 8 hours in a pressure cooker if you're short on time.)

5. Strain well. Discard solids or compost them. Store broth in glass jars in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

How to Use:

• Sip warm with a pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon

• Use as a base for soups, stews, and risottos

• Freeze into ice cube trays for quick use in meals

• Blend with a spoon of miso paste for a probiotic-rich winter elixir

Herbal Add-Ons by Need:

• For immune health: astragalus, garlic, thyme, reishi

• For gut repair: slippery elm (added after cooking), chamomile tea added at serving

• For energy & blood building: nettle, parsley, dandelion root

To read our blog on Winter Wellness with Herbs, Nutrition and Rituals pop over here!

Here is a super simple immune supportive tea blend that you can blend in bulk and keep on hand throughout Winter! Enjoy!

Winter Wellness Tea Blend

Herbal Tea for Immune Support & Warmth

• 2 parts Elderberry

• 1 part Ginger root

• 1 part Licorice root

• 1 part Thyme

• ½ part Cinnamon chips
  Infuse 1–2 tsp per cup, steep 10–15 minutes, strain, and sip throughout the day.

Optional: add a spoon of raw honey and a squeeze of lemon for extra support.

Pop over here to read our blog on Winter Wellness with Herbs, Nutrition and Rituals

DIY Winter Immune Elixir

A soothing, immune-supportive syrup to keep on hand during the colder months

Purpose:
To support the immune system at the first signs of illness, calm inflammation, and ease symptoms like sore throats and swollen glands. This blend brings together warming, antimicrobial, and immune-stimulating herbs—perfect for the whole family (with a few tweaks for kids and pets).

Ingredients:

• 30g dried Echinacea root (or 45g fresh if available)
• 20g dried Elderberries
• 10g dried Ginger root (sliced or chopped)
• 1 stick of Cinnamon
• Zest of ½ a lemon (organic if possible)
• 500ml water
• 200ml raw honey (or glycerine for alcohol-free or pet-friendly versions)
• Optional: splash of brandy (as a preservative and warming tonic)

Method:

1. Add the Echinacea, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon zest to a small saucepan with the water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently (covered) for 30–40 minutes until reduced by about half.
3. Strain the liquid while warm using a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth.
4. While still warm—but not hot—stir in the honey (or glycerine).
5. If using brandy, add 1–2 tablespoons to help preserve.
6. Bottle in a sterilised jar or amber glass bottle and store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks.

Dosage (Adults):

• 1 teaspoon 2–3 times a day at the first signs of illness
• Can also be used daily for a few days following exposure to bugs (e.g. after travel or being around unwell people)

For children: halve the dose.

Ritual Tip:
Take this elixir with intention—pause, breathe in the warmth, and imagine your immune system awakening with the strength of the purple coneflower. A gentle way to honour the shift of season and the body’s wisdom.

Read the blog on Echinacea here

Hawthorn Heart Elixir Recipe

A sweet, strong tonic for emotional and physical heart support.

Ingredients:

• 1 part dried Hawthorn berries

• 1 part dried Hawthorn leaves and flowers (if available)

• ½ part dried Rose petals (for added heart-opening energy and floral notes)

• ½ part Cinnamon chips or 1–2 small sticks (warming, circulatory)

• Raw local honey to taste

• Brandy or vodka (at least 40% alcohol)

Optional Additions:

• A pinch of dried Motherwort (for deep emotional support)

• A splash of Vanilla extract (for sweetness and soul warmth)

• A few dried Hibiscus petals (for a tart tang and added colour)

Instructions:

1. Fill a jar about halfway with your dried herbs (berries, leaves/flowers, rose, cinnamon). You can adjust ratios to your liking—this is folk herbalism, not pharmacy!

2. Cover the herbs with equal parts brandy and raw honey. (If you prefer a sweeter elixir, use more honey. For a sharper tincture-like feel, use more alcohol.)

3. Stir well, lid tightly, and label with the date and ingredients.

4. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days and whispering a little love into the jar if you’re that kind of herbalist.

5. When ready, strain through muslin or cheesecloth and bottle your elixir in amber glass.

How to Use:

• Take 1 dropperful (about 1ml) 1–3 times daily during times of stress, emotional healing, or cardiovascular support.

• Add to tea, under the tongue, or even in warm water with lemon as a morning ritual.

Read the blog on Hawthorn here