Soups
Astragalus, Chinese Yam, Poria and Two-Bean Soup with Tangerine Peel
Traditionally used to tonify qi, strengthen the spleen and support the body in managing swelling
Why people make this soup
Lymphangiomas — benign growths of the lymphatic system — are most common in children but can also occur in adults. They tend to grow slowly but do not resolve on their own, and medical treatment is essential. Traditional food therapy, while not a substitute for medicine, can play a supportive role by strengthening the body’s overall constitution and helping manage accompanying discomfort.
This soup uses classic spleen-tonifying and qi-building herbs alongside two types of beans to create what traditional Chinese medicine describes as a formula for “strengthening the spleen, replenishing qi, softening hard accumulations and dissipating knots.” Bro Niu notes that this combination is not just for lymphatic conditions — anyone dealing with tumour-related illness may find it a useful and gentle daily nourishment.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children (for young children, one batch can be divided over two days)
- Appropriate as a complementary drink alongside conventional medical treatment — not a replacement for prescribed therapy
- Those with known allergy to legumes should take care
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus (bei qi): One of the most widely used qi-tonifying herbs in Chinese medicine; traditionally associated with strengthening the immune system and improving overall vitality
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Strengthens spleen and stomach; gently nourishes lung and kidney qi; considered safe and tonifying for all ages
- White atractylodes (bai zhu): Dries dampness, strengthens the spleen; a core herb for digestive support and fluid regulation
- Poria (fu ling): Calms the mind, drains dampness and supports spleen function; one of the most widely used harmonising herbs in Chinese medicine
- Polyporus (zhu ling): Drains dampness and promotes diuresis; often used alongside poria for managing fluid accumulation
- White kidney beans (bai yun dou): Warm and nourishing; traditionally associated with warming the centre, benefiting the intestines and kidneys, and a degree of analgesic action
- Adzuki beans (chi xiao dou): Clears heat, drains dampness, supports heart and kidney function
- Tangerine peel (chen pi): Regulates qi and aids digestion; helps the body absorb the tonic ingredients without causing stagnation
Ingredients (3 bowls / 2-day serving for children)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 18 g | |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | 18 g | |
| White atractylodes (bai zhu) | 15 g | |
| Poria (fu ling) | 15 g | |
| Polyporus (zhu ling) | 15 g | |
| White kidney beans (bai yun dou) | 38 g | Flat white kidney beans / cannellini; substitute white hyacinth beans if unavailable |
| Adzuki beans (chi xiao dou) | 38 g | |
| Tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece |
Method
- Soak all ingredients in clean water for 1 hour; discard the soaking water.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls (approximately 1.9 litres) of fresh water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 1.5 hours until reduced to approximately 3 bowls.
- Drink the liquid; the beans can also be eaten.
- For young children, divide one batch across two days.
Bro Niu’s tips
White kidney beans are highly nutritious — they warm the centre, aid digestion, support kidney qi and are associated with mild analgesic effects. If you cannot find white kidney beans, white flat beans (bai bian dou) make a suitable substitute. The soup is broadly beneficial for anyone dealing with any form of tumour, as it is a gentle, spleen-supporting formula without strong temperature biases.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Cindy): My daughter is 11 years old and a growth has been found on her neck. What soups are suitable? Bro Niu: You can use this recipe pictured here. Alternatively, you can prepare a herbal tea with 5 qian of xia ku cao (self-heal herb), half a golden monk fruit (luo han guo), and 3 qian of chrysanthemum flowers in 5 bowls of water, simmered to 2 bowls — add the chrysanthemum at the end. Drink in courses of 3, with a 2-day break between courses. Continue medical follow-up.
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Q (Lmy): My husband has a tumour in his lung. Can he use pumpkin, yam and lily bulb? Bro Niu: Lung tumours generally present as a heat condition, so it is best to avoid warm, drying tonics like ginseng or lingzhi in the first instance. Chinese yam, lily bulb, almonds (south and north), figs, and snow fungus are all appropriate for making nourishing soups; use in comfortable amounts.
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Q (Mary, Canada): My husband has prostate cancer and is about to start hormone therapy followed by radiation. What food therapy can help? And is polyporus a plant? Bro Niu: Fresh-pressed apple, carrot and potato juice (one glass daily for a month) can be a gentle daily support. Lycopene in cooked tomatoes is associated with prostate health — try placing one good tomato in the rice cooker to cook with the rice each day. Radiation depletes blood-forming cells, so eating snow fungus, black wood ear mushroom, red dates and seaweed regularly can be helpful. Yes, polyporus (zhu ling) is a medicinal fungus — if you cannot find it, simply use a little more poria (fu ling).
Published May 23, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
