American Ginseng, Wood Ear and Fig Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo notes that the cause of ulcerative colitis isn’t fully understood — it may relate to the immune system, stress, sensitive nerves or diet, and tends to affect young and middle-aged adults. He frames this gentle soup for the pattern of bowel heat with a dry throat and mouth, tiredness, inner restlessness and warm palms. It’s a light, soothing bowl meant to support yin while easing that hot, dry quality.

Method

1. Soak the wood ear until soft and remove the stems.
2. Put the wood ear and figs in a pot with 1.5 L of water and simmer about 1 hour.
3. Add the American ginseng slices and cook about 5 more minutes. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup also suits hemorrhoid bleeding of a yin-deficiency, internal-heat type. If you’d like to double up for a family of three, just add an extra piece of wood ear; you can sweeten with a little rock sugar. With a pressure cooker, the ginseng can go in with everything from the start.