Several times a year, as my kids grow or the seasons change (as they inevitably do), I climb into the dark depths of the attic to find the next size of clothes for my kids’ capsule wardrobe. Two hours later they all have a neatly organized new (inherited) wardrobe and I’m sneezing like crazy.
Those days reminded me of my one remaining allergy: dust. And that’s stupid!
I can power through childbirth without any problems (I’ve had plenty of practice). I could do a 20 mile hike, but the dust would be so annoying it would make me sneeze.
Biehler’s Vegetable Broth to the Rescue
It is better to use an air filter when cleaning or changing clothes in the attic. I also take allergy medication and it helps a lot. But when my dust or pollen allergies get really bad, I pull out Bieler’s recipe for vegetable broth and sneak in a few extra allergy-soothing ingredients.
What is Biehler vegetable broth?
I first heard about this vegetable broth in a book. A nourishing tradition. Beiler’s Broth was designed by a physician named Henry Beiler as a detox soup to promote healing and cleansing of the body. Dr. Bieler claims that this detox soup recipe will help restore the correct acid/alkaline balance in your body. He also speculated that it helps balance sodium/potassium levels in the body.
Benefits of Biller Detox Vegetable Soup
I love the flavor of this vegetable-based broth, but it definitely doesn’t taste as good as my favorite garlic soup. The advantage of vegetable broth lies not in its taste, but in its nutritional value. A healthy soup used in many cleansing and detox protocols. Cancer patients often use it as a convenient source of nutrition that is easy on the stomach. I use it to soothe my allergies (see tips for add-ons below).
I also eat this delicious soup when I’m sick. Its high vitamin C and K content makes it good for supporting the immune system. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with vegetables and fresh herbs.
This broth is traditionally
- zucchini – Natural source of potassium, sodium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6
- string beans – It is 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 (vitamin B)
- parsley – Multivitamins in one plant! Parsley is a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, antioxidants and beneficial volatile oils. It is said to cleanse the body and provide nutrition.
And I often add…
A true “Bieler Broth” recipe contains only the above ingredients and is great on its own. If allergies occur, add a few additional ingredients to help soothe them. These are all optional but add flavor and nutrients.
- nettle leaves – I love stinging nettle and it is one of my natural allergy remedies. If possible, add a few leaves of wild-harvested nettles to this broth. Since it grows in our yard, it is easy to find during the warmer months. I also harvest and freeze some for the winter. Handling raw nettles can “sting” your hands, so harvest with care!
- dandelion leaf – Known as a liver cleansing herb, you can also add dandelion to this broth. I think dandelion leaves help with allergies and are good for the skin. I harvest this from my yard too and freeze it in ice trays for the winter.
- garlic cloves – Not only does it add great taste, it is also beneficial to your body in many ways.
How to Make Bieler’s Vegetable Broth
This broth is quick and easy to make. If you gather all of the above ingredients, you can make it in 30 minutes. If you’ve decided to start the new year with a cleanse or need a detox, Bieler’s broth is a great choice. Here’s how to make it:
Bieler’s Vegetable Broth
Try making Biehler vegetable broth. A soothing, nourishing broth packed with nutrients. Simple ingredients like celery, green beans, zucchini, and parsley provide nutrients and promote cleansing and detoxification. Plus, it tastes good!
- 4 cup water
- 3 medium pumpkin (roughly chopped)
- 4 stem celery (roughly chopped)
- 1 pound sticky beans
- 1 bunch of parsley (stem removed)
- ¼ cup fresh nettle leaves (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh dandelion greens (optional)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (optional)
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Place all ingredients except the parsley in a large pot and place on the stovetop over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
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Simmer for about 10 minutes or until all vegetables are bright green and tender.
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Turn off the heat and add the parsley.
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Using an immersion blender, blender, or food processor, blend until smooth.
Nutrition Facts
Bieler’s Vegetable Broth
Amount per serving (1.5 cups)
calorie 56
calories from fat 5
% Daily Value*
province 0.5g1%
Saturated fat 0.1g1%
sodium 43mg2%
carbohydrate 12g4%
5.1g fiber21%
3.6g sugar4%
protein 3.6g7%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- If you want to make a nutritious and filling soup, use bone broth or vegetable broth instead of water. Feel free to add any spices you like. If you have an illness or allergy, a bland, basic soup seems most calming.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and lightly reheat on the stovetop.
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Adding and Substituting Broth
I mentioned earlier that I would add fresh dandelions, garlic, and nettles to the broth, but you could add other ingredients as well. Add flavor by sautéing yellow onions and bell peppers in olive oil. Season with a little sea salt, pepper, or fresh lemon juice. Or try fresh cilantro, which helps your body detoxify heavy metals.
For a heartier soup, try using a few cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water. If you like the taste of broth but want to eat something high in protein for your meal, you can easily add shredded chicken breast to the soup.
If you have severe allergies or need sedatives when your kids are sick, we think the original recipe is best for you. You can eat the basic soup as is, or adjust it to your taste, and it’s delicious!
What is your favorite food to eat when you have allergies or illness? Let us know by leaving a comment!