Soups
Astragalus, Cimicifuga and Silkie Chicken Soup
Traditionally used to support lifting energy and strengthen the middle
Why people make this soup
In traditional Chinese food therapy, the concept of “sunken” or “fallen” qi is used to describe conditions where the body lacks the upward-holding energy needed to keep organs in their proper position. Women who have had multiple pregnancies, returned to physical work too soon after delivery, or spent long hours standing or crouching are particularly prone to this kind of depletion. This soup pairs two classic herbs — astragalus (bei qi) and cimicifuga (sheng ma) — with silkie chicken to create a deeply nourishing broth that has been used for generations to support energy, warmth, and structural integrity. It is also traditionally noted to help with other prolapse-type conditions such as stomach prolapse and rectal prolapse.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Women with fatigue, a dragging sensation, weakness of the lower body, or low energy following childbirth or prolonged physical strain
- Those with qi and blood deficiency who feel tired and lacking vitality
- Caution: Do not use this soup while you have an unresolved external infection (cold, flu, or fever). Wait until you have fully recovered before starting this food therapy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): One of the foundational tonics in Chinese medicine, astragalus is traditionally associated with strengthening defensive energy and “raising” yang qi — the upward momentum the body needs to hold organs in position
- Cimicifuga rhizome (sheng ma): Classically paired with astragalus precisely for its lifting quality; in traditional formulas it is used to raise sinking or prolapsed energy
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm and sweet, traditionally used to nourish blood and calm the spirit; adds natural sweetness to balance the soup
- Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): Warms the stomach and helps the body receive and absorb the tonic ingredients
- Silkie chicken (wu ji): Darker in flesh and richer in minerals than standard chicken, silkie chicken is prized in Chinese food therapy for replenishing both qi and blood, particularly for women
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 1 liang (~37 g) | Rinse and briefly soak |
| Cimicifuga rhizome (sheng ma) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse and briefly soak |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates, pitted | 6 pieces | |
| Silkie chicken | half a bird | Blanched and chopped |
Method
- Blanch the silkie chicken pieces in boiling water for a few minutes; drain and rinse.
- Rinse the astragalus and cimicifuga and soak briefly.
- Remove the pits from the red dates.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 2 hours until the liquid reduces to approximately 2 bowls.
- Divide into two portions and drink throughout the day. A course of 10 servings is traditionally recommended before assessing results.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is also traditionally used for other prolapse-type conditions — stomach prolapse, rectal prolapse, and general pelvic heaviness — not just the uterus. That said, please do not use this soup while you have an active cold, flu, or any external infection. Wait until fully recovered first.
A note on astragalus dosage: using a full liang (37 g) is the traditional amount needed to produce a lifting effect. Using a much smaller amount (say, 5 g or less) may actually have the opposite effect and raise blood pressure in some people. If you or a family member has high blood pressure, please consult your doctor before trying this soup — or substitute the red dates for nan zao (southern dates), which are less warming.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (许梦): I have lupus and my uterus has been prolapsing quite badly. I also cannot tolerate tonifying or heating soups. Is there anything gentler I could use? Bro Niu: You can try a lighter version using just astragalus 3 qian, cimicifuga 3 qian, and bupleurum (chai hu) 3 qian, simmered with lean pork. This combination focuses on lifting rather than strong tonification, so it should be milder. Twice a week should be fine and is unlikely to interfere with lupus management.
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Q (scy): My parents are in their 80s with high blood pressure. They tried this soup with a reduced amount of astragalus — about 2 g — and their blood pressure did not rise. Can they continue with that smaller amount? Bro Niu: Yes, if a small amount causes no increase in blood pressure, they may continue with that reduced quantity.
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Q (Mayyan): I am in my 40s and have had fibroids, endometriosis, and now signs of uterine prolapse. Can I use this soup along with something for qi and blood? Bro Niu: You can use this soup and add Chinese yam (huai shan) and goji berries (gou qi zi) to the pot. Twice a week over a period of time should help support qi and blood and ease the prolapse. Results take time — be patient.
Published November 16, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
