Astragalus, Chinese Yam, Poria and Two-Bean Soup with Tangerine Peel

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.” Nourilo 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.

Method

1. Soak all ingredients in clean water for 1 hour; discard the soaking water.
2. Place all ingredients into a pot with 2.4 L of fresh water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 1.5 hours until reduced to approximately 900 ml.
4. Drink the liquid; the beans can also be eaten.
5. For young children, divide one batch across two days.

Nourilo’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.