Soups
Astragalus and Wang Bu Liu Xing Pork Soup
Traditionally used to support milk production in nursing mothers
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.
Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- New mothers in the postnatal period who feel their milk supply is slow to establish, or who feel physically depleted after delivery.
- Also suitable for mothers months postpartum who wish to maintain supply (one reader used it successfully at nine months of nursing).
- Men can also drink this soup — wang bu liu xing (vaccaria seeds) is traditionally associated with promoting healthy circulation beyond its role in lactation support.
- If a nursing mother has a fever or signs of mastitis (breast redness, hardness, pain), please see a doctor before using this or any tonic soup.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): One of the most widely used herbs in Chinese food therapy, traditionally associated with tonifying qi (vital energy) and supporting the body’s defensive functions. In postnatal care it is also thought to help wound healing — particularly relevant after caesarean delivery.
- Vaccaria seeds (wang bu liu xing): The name literally means “the king does not stay in his house” — a poetic reference to its traditional role in encouraging flow and movement, including the flow of breast milk through the milk ducts. Available from Chinese herbal medicine shops; the seeds can be placed in a muslin/tea bag if you prefer.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Gently sweet, traditionally regarded as moistening and supportive of the digestive system. They help balance the more warming quality of the other ingredients and add a mild sweetness to the broth.
- Pork shank (zhu zhan): Lean yet collagen-rich, it provides the protein base of the soup without being excessively fatty — an important consideration when establishing a nursing routine.
Ingredients (2 bowls / 1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Vaccaria seeds (wang bu liu xing) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Can be placed in a muslin bag |
| Dried figs | 4–6 pieces | Rinse well |
| Pork shank | 1 piece (~300 g) | Blanch before using |
| Water | 6 bowls (~1.2 L) |
Method
- Blanch the pork shank in boiling water for a few minutes, then rinse under cold water. This removes impurities and any strong odor.
- Rinse the astragalus, vaccaria seeds, and dried figs. Soak briefly in fresh water, then drain.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes, until roughly 2 bowls of liquid remain.
- Drink the soup warm. You may eat the figs and some of the pork as well.
Bro Niu’s tips
Astragalus root is the same herb as huang qi — just a regional naming difference. It has a gentle, slightly sweet flavor and is a fine daily tonic ingredient. For mothers who had a caesarean section, it is traditionally believed to help the body’s recovery and support wound healing, which makes this soup doubly worthwhile in that situation.
If you cannot find fresh vaccaria herb (the whole plant), vaccaria seeds work just as well — pop them into a tea bag or muslin square before adding to the pot so they don’t scatter through the broth.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): My baby is three months old. My supply is just enough — no surplus at all. Can I still drink this soup to build up a small reserve? Bro Niu: Yes, you can try: use one fresh green papaya, 3 qian wang bu liu xing, 4 dried figs, and 1 liang peanuts, simmered with fresh fish into a soup for about 1 hour. This is traditionally used to help build supply. Drink 3 consecutive servings.
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Q (reader): Is wang bu liu xing seed the same as wang bu liu xing? Can I use the seeds in a tea bag? Bro Niu: The seeds work fine — just put them inside a tea bag. You can also combine them with roasted rice and figs for a simple tea that traditionally supports both milk flow and overall nourishment.
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Q (Amelie): My husband keeps asking if he can drink the leftover soup! Bro Niu: Men are welcome to drink this soup. Wang bu liu xing is traditionally associated with promoting healthy blood circulation in addition to its role in lactation support.
Published March 1, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
