American Ginseng, Ophiopogon, Astragalus & Chinese Yam Soup

Why people make this soup

People managing hyperthyroidism often describe a particular kind of exhaustion — limbs that feel heavy or soft, difficulty holding heavy objects, trouble standing for long periods, and a persistent sense of thirst or inner restlessness. In traditional Chinese medicine, these patterns are associated with “spleen-stomach yin deficiency” and insufficient qi. This soup draws on four well-regarded tonic ingredients to help replenish that energy and fluids. Nourilo also notes that this is a gentle enough combination for healthy people to drink as a general wellness soup — adding lean pork makes it more substantial.

Method

1. Soak and rinse ophiopogon, astragalus, Chinese yam, and southern jujubes.
2. Place all ingredients except the American ginseng (and pork, if using) in a pot with 2.4 L of water. If adding lean pork, blanch it briefly first.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour.
4. Add the American ginseng slices to the finished soup and boil gently for 5 minutes more.
5. Serve warm, drinking the soup and eating some of the solid ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

American ginseng contains volatile compounds that are easily lost with prolonged cooking — that is why it goes in at the very end, just for a final 5-minute simmer. If southern jujubes are hard to find, red dates or 4 dried figs work perfectly well as substitutes. Lean pork can be added to make this a fuller meal-style soup; it remains a gentle enough recipe for the whole family to share.