What is the best broth to drink when you are sick?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to one study, the warmth and nutrients in hot liquids can provide immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of a cold or flu. This makes broth a powerful tool for recovery, but which type is the best broth to drink when you are sick?

Quick Summary

Comparing chicken, beef, and vegetable broths to determine the most beneficial options for recovering from illness. Includes guidance on hydration, soothing symptoms, and boosting immune function.

Key Points

Bone broth is highly restorative: Simmered slowly to extract collagen, minerals, and amino acids, making it ideal for deep nourishment and recovery.
Chicken broth is a gentle classic: Easy to digest, excellent for hydration, and the steam helps clear congestion.
Vegetable broth offers plant-based power: Can be fortified with ginger and turmeric for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, perfect for vegan diets.
Add targeted ingredients: Boost your broth's effectiveness by adding ginger and honey for a sore throat or garlic and spices for congestion.
Hydration is paramount: All warm broths are an excellent way to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost through fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Warmth provides comfort: The heat from a steaming mug of broth helps soothe a sore throat and can offer psychological comfort.
Homemade offers control: Making your own broth ensures higher nutrient density and avoids excessive sodium or additives found in some store-bought versions.

The Healing Power of Broth

For generations, people have turned to a warm mug of broth when they feel under the weather. Beyond the comforting ritual, there's compelling evidence that broth provides tangible benefits when you are sick. Staying hydrated is one of the most crucial elements of recovery, and broth offers fluids and electrolytes, which are often depleted by fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. The steam from a hot cup also helps to clear stuffy nasal passages and soothe a sore throat.

Comparing Popular Broths for Sickness

When choosing a broth, your best option depends on your specific symptoms and dietary preferences. For most illnesses, a nutrient-dense bone broth, simmered over many hours, is a superior choice.

Chicken Broth

Benefits: A classic for a reason. Chicken broth is gentle on the stomach and provides easily digestible protein and minerals. Some research suggests that the amino acid cysteine, released from the chicken, can help thin mucus.
Best for: General colds, flu, and mild stomach upset.

Bone Broth (Chicken or Beef)

Benefits: Made by simmering bones, connective tissue, and marrow for an extended period, bone broth is richer in minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and beneficial compounds like collagen, gelatin, and amino acids (glycine, arginine). These can support gut health, reduce inflammation, and aid in joint and tissue repair.
Best for: Deeper nourishment, immune support, and overall recovery, especially when fighting a more serious or prolonged illness.

Vegetable Broth

Benefits: A plant-based alternative that can still be packed with flavor and healing properties. When made with ingredients like garlic, ginger, and turmeric, it provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It's excellent for those with sensitivities to meat or a vegan diet.
Best for: Vegan or vegetarian diets, and as a lighter option when dealing with an upset stomach.

What to Add to Your Broth for Maximum Relief

Enhancing your broth with a few extra ingredients can supercharge its healing potential. These additions can be tailored to the symptoms you are experiencing.

For a Sore Throat:

Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help soothe an irritated throat.
Honey: A natural antiseptic and cough suppressant (for adults and children over one year) that coats and soothes the throat.
Lemon: Adds a boost of Vitamin C and can cut through congestion.

For Congestion:

Garlic and Onions: These alliums have natural antiviral and antibiotic properties.
Spices: A pinch of cayenne or horseradish can help clear your sinuses.

For Stomach Upset:

Fresh Herbs: Parsley and coriander are gentle on the stomach and add fresh flavor.
Miso Paste: Adds probiotics to aid in gut health.

Best Broth Comparison Table


Feature	Chicken Broth	Bone Broth (Chicken/Beef)	Vegetable Broth
Nutrient Density	Moderate	High (minerals, collagen)	Varies (vitamins, antioxidants)
Digestibility	Very high; gentle on the stomach	Good; can be heavier for some	Very high; can be easily customized
Hydration	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Anti-Inflammatory	Mild (cysteine)	High (amino acids, collagen)	High (if using ginger, turmeric)
Joint Support	Low	High (collagen, glucosamine)	None (plant-based)
Flavor Profile	Mild and comforting	Deep, rich, and robust	Light, customizable
Best Use Case	General colds, nausea	Deep nourishment, immune rebuild	Vegan, stomach sensitivity

Making Your Own vs. Store-Bought Broth

While store-bought broth offers convenience, homemade broth gives you full control over the ingredients and quality. High-quality, organic store-bought versions are a great alternative, but beware of those with high sodium or artificial additives. To make your own, simmer bones or vegetable scraps with herbs and aromatics for a few hours. A slow cooker or pressure cooker can simplify the process.

The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Healing Broth

In conclusion, while the classic chicken broth is a fantastic and soothing choice for general illness, a slow-simmered bone broth (either chicken or beef) offers a superior nutritional profile for deep nourishment and faster recovery. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, a veggie broth fortified with healing herbs like ginger and turmeric is your best bet. Ultimately, the best broth is the one you will actually drink. Listening to your body and choosing a broth that provides comfort and hydration is the key to getting back on your feet.

For more information on the restorative benefits of broth and other healing foods, you can visit the Healthline website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bone broth is generally considered better due to its higher concentration of nutrients like collagen, gelatin, and minerals, which are extracted during a longer simmering process.

Yes, drinking hot broth can help a sore throat. The warmth provides a soothing effect, and the steam can help relieve congestion.

Yes, broth is a great option for the stomach flu. It is gentle on the digestive system, provides much-needed hydration, and helps replenish lost electrolytes.

You can add ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, turmeric, and lemon. These have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that can enhance the broth's healing benefits.

Store-bought broth is an effective source of hydration and minerals, but homemade is often more nutrient-dense. When buying, look for low-sodium, high-quality options to avoid excess additives.

A vegetable broth made with ingredients like garlic, ginger, and mushrooms is an excellent choice for vegetarians. Adding spices like turmeric can provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.

You can sip warm broth throughout the day to stay hydrated and provide your body with a continuous supply of nutrients, especially when you have a reduced appetite.