Several times a year, when the kids grow or the seasons change (as they inevitably do), I climb into the dark abyss of our attic to find the next sizes of clothes for their capsule wardrobes. Two hours later they all have neatly organized, new (hand-me-down) wardrobes and I’m sneezing like crazy.
Those days remind me of my one remaining allergy — dust. And it’s a doozy!
I can power through childbirth no problem (I’ve had enough practice). I can also push through a 20-mile hike, but dust reduces me to a sneezing pile of grumpiness.
Bieler’s Vegetable Broth to the Rescue
I’ve gotten better about using an air filter when cleaning or switching out clothes in the attic. I also take some allergy remedies and they help a lot. But when the dust or hay fever gets bad, I pull out my go-to recipe for Bieler’s vegetable broth (and sneak in a few extra allergy soothing ingredients).
What is Bieler’s Vegetable Broth?
I first heard about this vegetable broth in the book Nourishing Traditions. Bieler’s broth was invented by a doctor named Henry Beiler as a detox soup to help promote healing and cleansing in the body. Dr. Bieler claimed that this detox soup recipe would help restore the correct acid/alkaline balance in the body. He speculated it also helped balance the body’s sodium/potassium levels.
Benefits of Bieler’s Detox Vegetable Soup
I love the taste of this vegetable-based broth, though it certainly isn’t as flavorful as my favorite garlic soup. The vegetable broth’s benefits are in its nourishing qualities and not its taste. It’s a healthy soup used in many cleanses and detox protocols. Cancer patients often use it for an easy source of nourishment that’s easy on the stomach. I use it to calm down my allergies (see my tip for an add-in below).
I also turn to this delicious soup during illness. The high vitamin C and K content make it great for supporting the immune system. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with veggies and fresh herbs.
This Broth Traditionally Contains
- Zucchini – A natural source of potassium and sodium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6
- String beans – Also a good source of sodium and potassium, as well as chromium, phosphorus, and choline
- Celery – Excellent source of vitamin K, potassium, folate, and pantothenic acid (B vitamins)
- Parsley – A multivitamin in a single plant! Parsley is a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, antioxidants, and beneficial volatile oils. It’s said to be cleansing and nourishing to the body.
And I Often Add …
The true “Bieler’s Broth” recipe contains only the ingredients above and it’s wonderful just like that. When allergies hit, I add a few extra ingredients to help calm them down. These are all optional but add flavor and nutrients.
- Nettle Leaf – I love stinging nettle and it’s one of my natural allergy remedies. When possible, I add a few leaves of wild harvested nettle to this broth. It grows in our yard, so it’s easy to find during the warmer months. I also harvest and freeze some for winter. Raw nettle can “sting” your hands when touched, so be careful harvesting!
- Dandelion Leaf – Known as a liver cleansing herb, I like to add dandelion to this broth as well. Dandelion greens seem to help my allergies and are great for the skin. I harvest these from our yard too and freeze some in ice cube trays for winter.
- Garlic cloves – Adds great flavor, but also benefits the body in many ways.
How to Make Bieler’s Vegetable Broth
This broth is quick and easy to make. Gather the ingredients above and you can make it in under half an hour. Whether it’s the new year and you’ve resolved to start with a cleanse or just need to detox, Bieler’s broth is a great option. Here’s how to make it:
Bieler’s Vegetable Broth
Servings
Equipment
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 3 medium zucchini (roughly chopped)
- 4 stalks celery (roughly chopped)
- 1 lb string beans
- 1 bunch parsley (stems removed)
- ¼ cup fresh nettle leaf (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh dandelion greens (optional)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients except parsley into a large pot over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Bring to a boil.
- Boil for about 10 minutes or until all of the vegetables are bright green and tender.
- Remove from the heat and add parsley.
- Use an immersion blender, blender, or food processor to blend until smooth.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a more nourishing and filling soup, use bone broth or vegetable broth instead of water. Feel free to add any desired spices, though for illness and allergies, I find the bland and basic soup seems most calming.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and gently reheat on the stovetop.
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Broth Additions and Substitutions
I already mentioned I’ll add fresh dandelion, garlic, and nettle to the broth but you can add other ingredients too. Saute some yellow onion and bell peppers in olive oil to add more flavor. Season it with a little sea salt, black pepper, or fresh lemon juice. Or try some fresh cilantro to help the body detox heavy metals.
For a heartier soup, try chicken broth or a few cups of vegetable broth instead of water. And if you like the flavor of the broth but want something higher in protein for a meal, it’s easy to add diced chicken breast to the soup.
If my allergies are acting up or the kids need something soothing during illness, then I find the original recipe works best for us. The base soup is delicious as is or tweak it to your preferences!
What are your favorite foods to eat during allergies or illnesses? Leave a comment and let us know!
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