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Two-Ginseng, Solomon's Seal, and Fresh Lily Bulb Soup (Er Can Yu Zhu Xian Bai He Tang)

traditionally associated with boosting qi, generating fluids, and moistening dryness in the throat and lungs

In short: Two-Ginseng, Solomon's Seal, and Fresh Lily Bulb Soup (Er Can Yu Zhu Xian Bai He Tang) is a soup that traditionally associated with boosting qi, generating fluids, and moistening dryness in the throat and lungs. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, cooling & summer heat, energy & vitality. Total time about 80 min. Key ingredients: american ginseng, solomon's seal rhizome, lily bulb, figs.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
15 min
Cook
65 min
Total
80 min
Makes
900 ml
Respiratory & Lung WellnessCooling & Summer HeatEnergy & Vitality
Two-Ginseng, Solomon's Seal, and Fresh Lily Bulb Soup (Er Can Yu Zhu Xian Bai He Tang)

Why people make this soup

When work gets relentless, sleep becomes irregular, and the weather turns dry — the body starts showing the strain. A dry, scratchy throat that is worse at night, a thirst that water alone does not seem to quench, a sense of mild heat from within, or a persistent low-energy feeling despite sleeping: traditional Chinese food therapy labels this as “yin deficiency” — the body’s cooling, moistening reserves running low. This soup was a go-to for Nourilo during a particularly busy stretch of his own life, and it addresses that feeling head-on. American ginseng is the star of the show: unlike the warming ginsengs from Asia, American ginseng is cooling in nature, which makes it perfect for supplementing qi while simultaneously supporting yin and fluid production.

Together with Adenophora (which moistens the lungs and throat), Solomon’s Seal (which nourishes the stomach and skin), lily bulb (calming and lung-supporting), and figs (gently lubricating and sweet), this is a soup that soothes from the inside out.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • American ginseng · Randomized controlled trial · 2013
    The change in the general fatigue score was not significantly different from placebo at 4 weeks (P = .07). At 8 weeks, the ginseng group improved more than placebo (20 vs 10.3, P = .003). Toxicities did not differ between arms.Limitation: The primary endpoint at 4 weeks was not statistically significant, and fatigue was self-reported. Benefit appeared greater in people still receiving cancer treatment.PubMed 23853057 · 1 more american ginseng study

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Ingredient notes for this recipe

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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