American Ginseng and Partridge Soup

American ginseng is added in the final 5 minutes of simmering because prolonged heat can diminish its qualities. The file notes that genuine US or Canadian product is important, as inferior substitutes will not deliver the same calming, fluid-generating benefit.

Partridge is traditionally associated with dissolving phlegm and calming the heart, and is prized for its delicate, clear flavour. It is combined here with American ginseng and red dates as part of a balanced approach to supporting the heart and mind.

It is traditionally recommended for people dealing with anxiety, emotional instability, poor appetite, and nervous fatigue — particularly those described as having qi deficiency, yin deficiency, and stagnant phlegm-damp. The file also notes it is commonly associated with supporting those experiencing nervous exhaustion and qi and blood deficiency.

The recipe yields approximately 0.9 to 1.2 litres of broth. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and the total cooking time is around 2 hours and 5 minutes (120 minutes of simmering plus a final 5-minute step for the American ginseng), for a total time of roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.

The file suggests adding 15 g each of longan flesh (gui yuan rou) and sour jujube seeds (suan zao ren) at the start of cooking for those who also have poor sleep, as part of this traditional preparation.