Soups
Black Fungus, Fig, and American Ginseng Double-Boiled Soup
Traditionally associated with moistening the intestines, relieving constipation, and supporting gut lining health
In short: Black Fungus, Fig, and American Ginseng Double-Boiled Soup is a soup that Traditionally associated with moistening the intestines, relieving constipation, and supporting gut lining health. It is most often made for digestive wellness, cleansing & regularity. Total time about 1 hr 15 min. Key ingredients: black wood ear fungus, figs, american ginseng.
Why people make this soup
Black wood ear fungus has a well-earned reputation in Chinese food-therapy as a blood-supporting, stasis-clearing ingredient. What is perhaps less known in the West is that it is also exceptionally high in dietary fibre — which is exactly why Cantonese cooks have used it for generations to help keep the bowels moving comfortably. Paired with the gentle sweetness of dried figs and the cooling, qi-supporting properties of American ginseng, this small double-boiled soup is simple, delicious, and genuinely useful for anyone dealing with sluggish digestion.
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.
- American ginseng
The change in the general fatigue score was not significantly different from placebo at 4 weeks (P = .07). At 8 weeks, the ginseng group improved more than placebo (20 vs 10.3, P = .003). Toxicities did not differ between arms.Limitation: The primary endpoint at 4 weeks was not statistically significant, and fatigue was self-reported. Benefit appeared greater in people still receiving cancer treatment.PubMed 23853057 · 1 more american ginseng study
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
- American ginseng: Has been shown to weaken the effect of warfarin and may lower blood sugar. Talk to your doctor first if you take blood thinners or diabetes medicines. Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering — American Ginseng
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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