How to Cook Tonic Herbs for Broth & Tea

Inspired by the tradition of Emperor’s Medicine

Cooking with tonic herbs is one of the oldest and most revered practices in Chinese medicine. These herbs are often called “Emperor’s Medicine” because they were traditionally taken daily in small amounts—not only to treat illness but to build health, resilience, and longevity. Preparing a daily cup of herbal broth is a modern way to engage in this same ritual of self-care. It’s a simple practice that brings energy, balance, and vitality.

How to Use Our Herbal Packets

Our Tonic Herbs for Broth & Tea are designed to be cooked with bones, broth, or water. Whether you’re making a nourishing bone broth, a vegetarian veggie broth, or a simple herbal tea, the preparation is flexible.

Instant Pot (Preferred Method)

1. Place the contents of the herbal packet into the Instant Pot.

2. Add your choice of bones (chicken, beef, pork, or fish).

   • Vegetarian option: use only the herbs, or combine them with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, fennel, or mushrooms.

3. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar (any kind; apple cider vinegar works well).

4. Fill to the Instant Pot’s fill line with water.

5. Cook on high pressure for 2 hours.

6. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

   • Tip: I often set it in the afternoon, and by morning it’s cool enough to handle.

7. Strain out the solids and store in your preferred method (I use pint jars).

This yields about 10–12 cups of broth. Enjoy 1–2 cups daily, plain or with additions like goji berries or seaweed.

Slow Cooker

1. Add herbs, bones (or vegetables), and 2 tablespoons vinegar to the slow cooker.

2. Fill with water, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top.

3. Cook on:

   • Low: 12–24 hours

4. Strain and store as above.

Stove Top

1. Add herbs, bones (or vegetables), and vinegar to a large soup pot.

2. Fill with water to about 2 inches below the rim.

3. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.

4. Cook for:

   • 4–6 hours, checking occasionally and adding water if needed.

5. Strain and store.

Quick & Convenient Alternatives

• Prepared broth: Add the herbal packet directly to store-bought bone broth or veggie broth (the shelf-stable rectangular cartons work well). Simmer for 20–30 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

• Bouillon or granules: Dissolve in hot water, then simmer with herbs as above.

• Herbal granules: For an “instant soup” approach, some formulas are available in powdered form. Ask me (or your acupuncturist) if you’d prefer this faster option.

A Note on Choosing the Right Formula

Our herbal packets are designed for different purposes. Some blends are meant for daily well-care (building strength, resilience, and vitality), while others are meant for recovery when you’re not feeling well.

• Well-Care Tonics – taken when you are healthy, to strengthen and maintain balance:

  • Women’s Tonic (currently available) – supports women’s vitality and balance.

  • Winter Tonic (coming soon) – available in warming and cooling variations.

  • Digestive Tonic (coming soon) – for digestive support and daily comfort.

• Recovery Blend – taken when you’re under the weather:

  • Get Well Soon – designed to support the lungs, clear heat and toxin, and aid digestion during seasonal illness.

⚠️ Important: Do not take the well-care tonics (such as Women’s Tonic) if you are actively sick. Use the recovery formula instead.

At this time, only Women’s Tonic is available. Additional blends will be released soon.

A Daily Ritual of Nourishment

Whether you take the time to simmer your herbs with bones for a rich broth or simply steep them in hot water for a tea, this practice is about more than cooking—it’s about creating a moment of self-love. By choosing to nourish your body daily with tonic herbs, you are practicing the art of prevention and long-term vitality.

✨ Tip from my own kitchen: I like to drink a pint (two cups) of broth around midday. It makes me feel energized, clear, and deeply nourished.