Soups
Cuttlefish Bone, Monkey Head Mushroom & Pork Soup
traditionally associated with neutralising excess stomach acid and soothing gastric discomfort
Why people make this soup
Most acid reflux troubles trace back to lifestyle habits — eating late at night, indulging in fried, fatty, or sweet foods, drinking too much alcohol or fizzy drinks. The stomach never gets a proper rest, and before long you feel that familiar burning sensation rising in the chest. Bro Niu recommends this soup not as a cure but as a supportive dish to pair with sensible eating: fewer late-night snacks, less coffee and acidic juices when symptoms flare, and crackers instead of cake between meals. The two main ingredients each bring something unique and research-backed to the table.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to people experiencing mild to moderate acid reflux, gastritis, or bloating linked to stomach acid
- Pregnant women may drink this soup (Bro Niu confirmed this in community responses)
- If symptoms are severe — burning pain that wakes you at night, persistent chest discomfort — do not rely on food therapy alone; see a doctor promptly
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Cuttlefish bone (mo yu gu): The internal shell of the cuttlefish is composed largely of calcium carbonate, which can help neutralise excess stomach acid; it has been used in Chinese medicine for gastric discomfort for centuries
- Monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu / Hericium erinaceus): A culinary and medicinal fungus with a growing body of research suggesting it may support the gastric mucosal lining and help with gastritis and digestive discomfort
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Warms and regulates digestive qi, helps with bloating and sluggish digestion; also reduces any fishy notes from the cuttlefish bone
- Lean pork: Adds body and gentle nourishment to the broth without being heavy or greasy
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttlefish bone | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse; available at Chinese herbal shops |
| Monkey head mushroom (dried) | 3 pieces | Soak in water until fully softened; rinse well |
| Dried tangerine peel | 2 pieces | Soak briefly to soften |
| Lean pork | 150 g | Blanch in boiling water first; slice |
Method
- Blanch the lean pork slices in boiling water, then rinse and set aside.
- Soak the monkey head mushrooms and tangerine peel until softened; rinse the cuttlefish bone.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls (about 1 litre) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Serve and drink while warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
Severe acid reflux can lead to oesophageal ulcers, tooth erosion, and — over the long term — an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. If you suspect acid reflux, do not wait: see a doctor early and use this soup as a supportive complement to treatment. Day to day, avoid overeating, cut back on alcohol and fizzy drinks, and whenever you feel heartburn coming on, stay away from acidic juices such as lemon water or hawthorn tea. If cuttlefish bone is unavailable (readers living overseas asked this), Bro Niu suggests replacing it with about 38 g each of Chinese yam (huai shan) and lily bulb (bai he).
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (LMM): My father is in his 60s and feels bloated at night. His gastroscopy showed mild gastritis. Can he drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, please do make this soup for him. It is helpful for gastritis.
-
Q (Donna): I live overseas and cannot find cuttlefish bone — what can I substitute? Bro Niu: Try using Chinese yam (huai shan) and lily bulb (bai he), about 38 g each, in place of the cuttlefish bone.
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Q (Yy. cheung): Can a pregnant woman drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is safe to drink during pregnancy.
Published July 24, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
