What are the benefits of white broth for the body?

Highly prized by bees and insects for its nectar, white broth is also highly appreciated in phytotherapy. Indeed, it has long been used to support the respiratory system. It is traditionally used to relieve sore throats, coughs and bronchitis. Its beneficial properties for the respiratory tract are now recognized by various health authorities. For example, the European Medicines Agency recommends it to soothe sore throats associated with dry coughs and colds. Commission E of the German Ministry of Health also acknowledges the effectiveness of white broth against catarrh of the respiratory tract. White broth was also recommended by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, to soothe skin irritations. It is also used to soothe heartburn, colitis-like stomach aches, diarrhea, gout, hemorrhoids and anal irritation.

Bouillon-blanc draws its benefits mainly from its flowers, which contain large quantities of mucilage. Capable of forming a gel in the presence of water, these complex sugars are renowned for their soothing properties. They form a protective gel-like film over mucous membranes, soothing irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Mucilages also soothe irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract. The aerial parts of white broth also contain saponins with anti-inflammatory properties, iridoids with analgesic effects and flavonoids with analgesic properties.

How to get the most out of white broth?

In phytotherapy, it’s mainly the flowering tops of bouillon-blanc that are used. The flowers are de-calcified and dried. Once dried, they can be packaged in capsules, but can also be consumed as an herbal tea. In particular, you can put 1.5 to 2 g of dried bouillon-blanc flowers in a cup of boiling water to treat coughs or stomach aches. Infuse for 15 minutes before drinking to reap the full benefits of bouillon-blanc. Drink 3 to 4 cups a day for convincing results. For skin irritations and itching, white broth can be used locally as a poultice. For mouth infections, prepare a decoction of 10 g dried flowers in 300 ml water as a mouthwash.

To date, no contraindications have been reported for the use of white broth in phytotherapy. However, in the absence of clinical data, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or breast-feeding women, or by young children.