Bone Marrow for Gut Healing & Glowing Skin
In Te Ao Māori — and across many indigenous cultures — nothing from the animal was wasted. Our tūpuna treasured the organs, fat, and marrow not just for sustenance, but for vitality, fertility, and long life.
As the Weston A. Price Foundation reminds us:
“Traditional peoples understood the importance of eating the whole animal — including the organ meats and fat — to ensure fertility, healthy babies, and long life.”
Today, we’re returning to these old ways — not as a trend, but as a reconnection to wisdom that nourishes from the inside out.
Why Bone Marrow?
Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue found inside long bones like femurs and tibias. It’s rich in:
Collagen & gelatin – support gut lining and skin elasticity
Glycine & proline – amino acids that calm inflammation and aid tissue repair
Healthy fats & fat-soluble vitamins – essential for hormone balance, immunity, and radiant skin.
Gut Health = Skin Health
The gut and skin are deeply connected. When the gut is inflamed or leaky, it often shows up on the skin — especially in tamariki with eczema or adults with autoimmune conditions.
Bone marrow helps by:
- Sealing and repairing the gut lining
- Reducing systemic inflammation
- Supporting digestion and nutrient absorption
When the gut is strong, the skin reflects that strength — with fewer flare-ups, faster healing, and a natural glow.
Recipe: Whipped Bone Marrow Spread
This simple, nourishing recipe is perfect for toast, crackers, or adding to soups and stews. It’s gentle enough for pēpi and packed with skin-loving nutrients. Make sure your bones are grass-fed.
Ingredients:
4–6 beef marrow bones (cut lengthwise or crosswise)
Sea salt to taste
Optional: garlic, rosemary, or thyme for flavor
Optional: splash of olive oil or tallow for extra creaminess
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place bones on a baking tray and roast for 20–25 minutes until marrow is soft and bubbling.
Scoop out the marrow into a bowl while warm.
Add salt and optional herbs.
Whip with a fork or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serve warm on sourdough, blend into broth, or stir into mashed kūmara for a nutrient-dense boost.
Final Thoughts
Bone marrow isn’t just food — it’s whakapapa. It’s the wisdom of our ancestors, the strength of our whenua, and the nourishment our bodies crave. Whether you’re healing eczema, supporting fertility, or simply seeking deeper vitality, bone marrow offers a gentle path forward.
Explore more ancestral insights on our blog and join us in returning to the old ways — for the health of our skin, our whānau, and our whenua.