Astragalus Codonopsis Morinda Soup (bei qi dang shen ba ji tang)

Why people make this soup

Nourilo wrote this for a friend who had felt heavy-eyelid tired and weak-limbed for months. In traditional thinking, lingering weakness is often tied to a depleted spleen, kidney and liver — chiefly the spleen and stomach. This soup pairs astragalus and codonopsis with morinda and yam to gently tonify qi and support the kidney, a comforting bowl for those who feel run down, with aching lower back, ringing ears and low energy.

Method

1. Blanch the pork shank in boiling water; rinse and soak the other ingredients.
2. Put everything in a pot with 1.8 L of water and simmer about 2 hours down to 900 ml. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

You can also cook the same ingredients into a congee for a gentler, more lasting effect. Traditionally helpful for those who feel weak after illness or childbirth, with aching back and frequent night urination. Skip it during a cold.