Soups
Astragalus Reishi Red Jujube Lean Pork Soup
traditionally supports liver health, strengthens the spleen, and nourishes qi and blood
Why people make this soup
When someone has been dealing with chronic liver illness for a long time — whether it is hepatitis, fatty liver, or another condition — the traditional Chinese picture is one of prolonged depletion: the spleen and stomach weaken, qi and blood become insufficient, and the spirit grows restless. Bro Niu describes the familiar constellation of symptoms: a sallow yellowish complexion, persistent low-energy, reduced appetite with bloating after eating, dull aching along the ribs, restless sleep, dizziness. The therapeutic logic in this soup is to address the underlying weakness rather than the symptom: strengthen the spleen’s energy (astragalus), calm and restore the spirit while supporting liver and immune function (reishi), and gently nourish the blood (jujube and pork). Both astragalus and reishi have been the subject of extensive modern research regarding their polysaccharide content and effects on immune modulation and liver-protective activity.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits: people in the recovery phase of liver disease once liver enzymes have normalized; chronic low energy, poor digestion, and dull complexion from long illness; general immune and spleen support
- Cautions: do NOT use when liver enzymes are currently elevated — adding tonic herbs when the liver is inflamed adds more metabolic burden; wait for enzyme normalization first. Also avoid during active external illness (cold, fever), damp-heat conditions, or acute flare-ups. Please see a doctor before making dietary changes for any liver condition.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi, Astragalus membranaceus): Warm and sweet; one of the most widely used qi tonics in Chinese medicine. Traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, supporting defensive qi, and accelerating healing — including recovery from illness. Modern research has studied its polysaccharides for immune-modulating effects.
- Reishi mushroom (ling zhi, Ganoderma lucidum): Bitter and slightly warm; classically used to calm the spirit, support heart function, and tonify qi. Modern research has explored its triterpenoids and polysaccharides for liver-protective and immune-supporting properties.
- Red jujube (hong zao): Warm and sweet; nourishes blood, supports the spleen, and calms the spirit — a classic companion herb in tonic formulas.
- Lean pork: Neutral and nourishing; provides protein and a mild savory base without adding excess heat or dampness.
Ingredients (2 bowls / serves 1–2)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | ~15 g (5 qian) | Rinse before use |
| Reishi mushroom (ling zhi) | ~15 g (5 qian) | Rinse before use |
| Red jujube | 6 pieces | |
| Lean pork | 150 g | Blanch briefly to remove impurities |
| Water | 5 bowls (~900 ml) |
Method
- Blanch the lean pork briefly in boiling water; drain and rinse to remove impurities.
- Rinse and soak the astragalus and reishi briefly in fresh water.
- Place all ingredients — astragalus, reishi, red jujube, and blanched pork — into a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 40 minutes until the liquid reduces to 2 bowls.
- Serve and drink the soup; eat the jujubes and pork.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is specifically intended for people whose liver condition is in the recovery phase and whose liver enzymes have returned to a normal range. If liver enzymes are still elevated, this tonic soup would add metabolic burden to an already-stressed liver — please wait. Once in recovery, the soup may be taken 2–3 times per week. An important note from Bro Niu: people with a yin-deficient, heat-prone constitution (one who already runs warm, sleeps late, has red eyes, or gets nosebleeds easily) should also hold back on this warming formula and consult a practitioner about alternatives.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous): My husband has had viral hepatitis B for many years and recently his ALT has risen. We have been cooking this soup for three weeks and his ALT has come down to around 60. He is 30-something and does not want to take long-term medication. Can food therapy help? Bro Niu: Hepatitis B absolutely needs regular medical monitoring and appropriate treatment. Food therapy can serve as a useful complement to reduce the chance of the condition worsening, but cannot replace medical treatment. Please continue seeing a doctor and communicate clearly about all the remedies being used.
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Q (小天): My relative has been hospitalized with liver enzymes exceeding 2000. He has all the symptoms you described. Can he drink this soup daily? Bro Niu: With enzymes at that level, do not use any tonic herbs including this soup — it will increase the burden on the liver. Wait until enzymes return to normal range, then it becomes appropriate.
Published May 1, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
