Bone broth may be trending right now, but it is far from being a new wellness hack. In fact, there is evidence of bone broth being used from thousands of years ago, all across the globe. Why is that exciting? Because sometimes the best thing for your health isn’t what is new and trendy. It's the tried and true rituals that have been passed down for generations.

The Timeline

Prehistoric Soup: 

Archaeological work suggests that early humans (about 420,000–200,000 years ago) deliberately stored animal leg bones so they could crack them open later and eat the preserved marrow. This is some of the earliest evidence we have of humans intentionally preserving food for future use. Our ancestors were already treating bones as concentrated nutrition, instead of waste. 1

Broth as Traditional Medicine: 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, bone‑based broths have been used for more than 2,500 years to strengthen “yin” energy and support digestion, joints, and overall vitality. To this day, many cultures use bone broths as a form of “medicine” to support recovery from illness and general wellness.2

Hippocrates’ Prescription: 

Hippocrates is often called the “father of modern medicine,” and is famously associated with the quote, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” (around 400 BCE), although historians debate whether he actually said those exact words.3

What is clear is that Hippocratic medicine emphasized the gut as a central player in health. He first promoted the idea that “all disease begins in the gut” and broths made from meat and bones were recommended for digestive issues and cleansing.3 Long before anyone was talking about “gut health,” broth was already part of that conversation.

Across cultures and history, broths keep showing up as the dish for healing. All different bowls, with the same concept: warm, simple, easy‑to‑digest nourishment. 4

• Chicken noodle soup when you’re sick.

• Pastina in brodo in Italy.

• Rice porridges like congee in East and Southeast Asia.

Broth-To-Go

During the 1800’s, food scientists began exploring ways to make broth more available for travelers and the military. The most credited inventor was German chemist Justus von Liebig, of beef extracts or "Pocket Soup", which became “bouillon cubes” by the 1900’s. 5

Bone Broth Now

Modern “wellness culture” has repopularized this gut-loving drink and has allowed the traditions of “food as medicine” and reducing waste to continue for generations. For people who don’t love savory broth but still want the warmth and ritual, brands have gotten creative with chocolate broths (wink wink) and other ways to enjoy the benefits in a more modern way.  

The Takeaway

Historically, bone broth is about a lot more than a trendy drink. It is rooted in preservation and reducing waste. It is about the understanding that good things take time and that simple, nourishing foods can be deeply supportive. It is about connecting to a medicine that has been used for thousands of years, and going back to the basics of wellness. 

Ancestral foods, like bone broth, remain timeless because they are practical, comforting, and adaptable. Now, the modern evidence has caught up that bone broth offers quality protein, collagen and minerals that its amino acids and nutrients may support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health. 6

So the next time you sip a steaming mug of broth (chocolate or not), remember that you’re participating in a ritual your ancestors have been perfecting for thousands of years.

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*Beck’s Broth does not claim to heal, fix, or treat any medical condition. Our products are food products, not supplements or pharmaceuticals. Any scientific or nutritional information shared is for general educational and research purposes only. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.

About the Author

Renée is a fourth-year naturopathic medical student who is passionate about providing evidence-based, holistic care to help people feel their best! She has a background in Biomedical Sciences and is excited about using her career as a future naturopathic doctor to help people better understand their health. 

Renée has clinical interests in women’s health, digestive health, pediatrics and stress and burnout (because let’s be honest, your stress affects everything). She believes that great healthcare is individualized, integrative, and realistic. Outside of her studies, Renée enjoys walks in nature or cozying up with a good book (and a cup of broth;) 

Connect with Renée @reneesndpath on Instagram!

References:

1. Study finds prehistoric humans ate bone marrow like canned soup. Tel Aviv University website. Published October 24, 2019. Accessed July 2, 2026. https://english.tau.ac.il/news/prehistoric_soup
2. Schmalzriedt J. General dietary and nutritional guidelines. Eastern Currents website. Published 2015. Accessed July 2, 2026. https://www.easterncurrents.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/GFCH-General-Nutrition.pdf
3. Witkamp RF, van Norren K. Let thy food be thy medicine…when possible. Eur J Pharmacol. 2018;836:102-114. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.06.026.
4. Lam D. Why every culture has a healing broth. BBC Travel. Published March 5, 2026. Accessed July 2, 2026. https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260304-why-every-culture-has-a-healing-broth
5. A brief history of the bouillon cube. Serious Eats website. Accessed July 2, 2026. https://www.seriouseats.com/bouillon-cube-history
6. Matar A, Abdelnaem N, Camilleri M. Bone broth benefits: how its nutrients fortify gut barrier in health and disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2025;70(6):1951-1961. doi:10.1007/s10620-025-08997-x