Is Bone Broth Good for Stomach Aches?

Partly: bone broth may be soothing for a mild, short-lived stomach ache if you tolerate it, because it provides fluid and may be easier to sip than a heavy meal.

Can bone broth help a stomach ache?

Bone broth can be a comforting option when you do not feel like eating much. It is not a proven treatment for stomach aches, though, and it will not address every cause of abdominal pain.

The cause and severity of the discomfort matter more than the choice of broth. If you are looking for other gentle options, see the best foods for stomach aches. Severe or worsening pain needs medical attention rather than home treatment.

How might bone broth help?

Bone broth provides fluid, which can help you stay hydrated when your appetite is low. A warm, clear liquid may also feel more comfortable than a large or fatty meal, although that varies from person to person.

Bone broth may contain protein and minerals, but the amounts depend on its ingredients and preparation. It should not be relied on as a complete meal or as a substitute for a balanced diet once you feel ready to eat again.

If vomiting or diarrhea is causing significant fluid loss, bone broth is not a substitute for an oral rehydration solution. Such solutions are formulated to replace fluids and salts in appropriate proportions. For more options and their limitations, see the best drinks for stomach aches.

What does the evidence say about bone broth?

Evidence that bone broth itself relieves stomach aches is limited. A 2025 review of bone broth and gut health discusses its components, including amino acids and minerals, and research on their possible roles in intestinal barrier function.

The review draws on human and animal research about bone broth components and gut health. That is not the same as showing that drinking bone broth relieves a stomach ache. The effects of a particular component also cannot automatically be attributed to a cup of bone broth, whose composition varies.

Claims that bone broth heals the stomach lining or treats an intestinal condition go beyond what this evidence establishes. If you have a diagnosed digestive condition, follow your clinician’s treatment plan rather than using bone broth in its place.

How should you use bone broth for a stomach ache?

If your discomfort is mild and you can keep liquids down, try a small amount of plain bone broth and see how you feel. You do not need to force it if the taste or smell makes you feel worse.

1. Choose a simple bone broth, preferably one that is lower in fat and sodium. Check the ingredient list for anything you know causes symptoms or an allergic reaction.
2. Warm the bone broth if you prefer it warm, and let it cool enough to sip comfortably. Avoid drinking it hot enough to burn your mouth.
3. Sip slowly rather than drinking a large amount at once. Stop if it makes nausea, pain or bloating worse.
4. Return to foods you normally tolerate as your appetite improves. Bone broth alone may not provide enough energy and nutrients for ongoing meals.

Some prepared bone broths contain onion, garlic, spices or added fat, which can bother certain people. Check the label and choose a plainer option if those ingredients have caused you problems before.

Store prepared bone broth according to its label, refrigerate leftovers promptly and discard any that may have spoiled. Foodborne illness can itself cause abdominal symptoms.

Who should be careful, and when should you see a doctor?

Check with a clinician or dietitian before regularly using bone broth if you have kidney disease, heart failure or high blood pressure, especially if you have been told to limit sodium or fluids. Some bone broths contain substantial sodium, and your individual restrictions matter.

If you take a diuretic or another medicine that affects fluid or salt balance, ask your clinician or pharmacist how bone broth fits your plan. Do not change or stop prescribed medicine because of a stomach ache without medical advice.

For children with vomiting or diarrhea, ask a pediatrician about appropriate fluids; bone broth should not replace normal feeds or an oral rehydration solution when one is needed. During pregnancy, contact a healthcare professional about persistent or concerning abdominal pain rather than relying on bone broth.

Get urgent medical help for sudden, severe or worsening abdominal pain; a hard or very tender abdomen; vomiting blood; black or bloody stools; fainting; or signs of severe dehydration such as confusion or very little urine. Seek prompt medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, have repeated vomiting or fever, or if pain persists or keeps returning.