Soups

Astragalus and Wang Bu Liu Xing Pork Soup

Traditionally used to support milk production in nursing mothers

In short: Astragalus and Wang Bu Liu Xing Pork Soup is a soup that Traditionally used to support milk production in nursing mothers. It is most often made for women's wellness. Total time about 40 min. Key ingredients: astragalus root, figs, pork shank.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Makes
600 ml
Astragalus and Wang Bu Liu Xing Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Many new mothers find that milk production takes a few days to establish. In traditional Chinese food therapy, the first days of nursing are especially valued: even small amounts of colostrum — that early, golden-tinged milk — are considered precious for a baby’s immunity and early gut health. When a mother feels her supply is slow to come in, particularly after a caesarean or a difficult birth that has left her feeling run-down, Cantonese grandmothers often reach for this warming, nourishing soup as gentle support.

Nourilo grew up seeing this kind of care passed down quietly in kitchens, and shares it here as a time-honored tradition worth knowing — alongside proper medical guidance.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Astragalus root · Meta-analysis, 8 studies, 750 participants · 2025
    TA-65 was associated with longer leukocyte telomeres compared with controls, but the meta-analysis found no significant improvement in frailty measures or inflammatory markers (CRP/IL-6). Mild gastrointestinal effects were reported.Limitation: Industry-funded trials reported larger effects than others, and the compound is a purified extract at doses not comparable to eating Astragalus root.PubMed 41286474 · 3 more astragalus root studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Ingredient notes for this recipe

  • Astragalus: May interact with medicines that suppress the immune system. A thorough safety evaluation has not been done, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Source: NIH NCCIH — Astragalus

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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