The end of the year brings a lot of fun—and, with it, a lot of rich, indulgent foods. While feasting on cookies, charcuterie, and cheese at parties is definitely delightful in the moment, all that overeating can certainly put our bodies to the test.
After sustained periods of indulging, the liver is the first to suffer. When overburdened with carbohydrates, alcohol, and fats, it struggles to keep up. The consequences? Digestion becomes sluggish, and toxins accumulate. The stomach feels bloated and unsettled, while the skin appears puffy, dull, or broken out.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should skip merrymaking altogether. ’Tis the season, after all! Instead, the better option is to balance it out with foods that aid digestion, soothe inflammation, and keep everything else running on track. One way to do just that? Drinking a detox broth.
What is detox broth?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), broths and teas have been used for thousands of years to strengthen organs, support digestion, and nourish Qi—a.k.a. the body’s vital force. “A well-kept secret of Chinese Medicine, detox broth is the essential health ritual for every season. Rich in virtues, these broths promise to do wonders for your body,” explains Bridgitte Dempsey Klein, founder of the French health brand Yanne Wellness.
Best of all, detox broth is easy to incorporate into your routine. Functional nutritionist and therapist Bridgette Becker of the California detox center We Care Spa puts it this way: “As a practitioner, I celebrate the ambition of drinking a detox broth several times per week or even daily. Your detox organs and pathways tend to be overburdened with the demands and stressors of daily life, and a good detox broth offers an accessible way to keep these systems running a bit better.”
Detox broth ingredients
But what exactly makes a “good” detox broth? Well, for one, it should focus on ingredients that are known for supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and flushing the system. Think: Ginger, turmeric, lemon, fennel, garlic, and more.
“A good detox broth will have a blend of potent herbs, plants rich in minerals and antioxidants, and herbs that support all your detox organs and pathways and tend your digestive and gut health,” Becker explains. “The body is looking for food as medicine in a dish that is more gentle on the digestive system.” Below, the nutritionist outlines the exact ingredients she recommends for a good detox broth.
