Soups
Four Red Soup (Si Hong Tang)
traditionally used to nourish blood, support blood cell production, and benefit women's health
Why people make this soup
Cancer treatments — especially chemotherapy and radiation — save lives, but they also suppress bone marrow function and reduce red and white blood cell counts. This leaves patients feeling profoundly weak and vulnerable to infection. Traditional food therapy cannot replace medical treatment, but it can offer gentle nutritional support alongside it. This soup uses four red-coloured foods — all associated in Chinese dietary tradition with nourishing blood and supporting haematopoiesis (the body’s blood-making process): red-skinned peanuts, small adzuki beans, goji berries, and red dates. The redness is more than aesthetic; in Chinese dietary theory, red foods are associated with the heart and blood. The peanut skin in particular is specifically associated with supporting platelet production and blood coagulation. This soup is also widely recommended for anaemia, irregular or scanty menstruation, and the nutritional demands of pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits those who are anaemic, fatigued, or blood-deficient; women with irregular or scanty menstruation; those in pregnancy, postpartum, or during breastfeeding
- Those undergoing cancer treatment as a gentle nutritional supplement (always check with your medical team first)
- Important caution: red peanut skins strengthen blood coagulation, so people with high blood viscosity (thick blood), those with bruising or blood stasis injuries, or those on blood-thinning medication (warfarin / anticoagulants) should be aware — the blood-thickening effect of peanut skins means you should use only a small amount (1 liang) and ask your doctor; based on reader feedback, those on warfarin can drink this soup
- Those allergic to peanuts: replace the peanuts with an extra 1 liang of adzuki beans
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Red-skinned peanuts (hong yi hua sheng): The red skin (peanut coat) is the key ingredient — it is specifically associated with strengthening blood coagulation and improving platelet counts. The coating, not the nut itself, carries this effect.
- Small adzuki beans (chi xiao dou): Nourish blood, clear mild heat, and support diuresis; the smaller-grained variety has a more concentrated bean flavour.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish liver and kidney yin, support eye health, and are associated with helping regenerate blood; added near the end of cooking to preserve their colour and delicate flavour.
- Red dates (hong zao): Strengthen the spleen, nourish blood, and calm the spirit; a cornerstone ingredient in blood-nourishing formulas throughout Chinese food therapy.
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red-skinned peanuts | 2 liang (~75 g) | Soak for 30 minutes; keep the red skin intact |
| Small adzuki beans (chi xiao dou) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Soak for 30 minutes |
| Red dates | 8 pieces | Pit before cooking |
| Goji berries | 3 qian (~11 g) | Add in the last 10 minutes |
| Water | 6 bowls | ~1.2 L |
Method
- Pit the red dates. Soak the red-skinned peanuts and adzuki beans in cold water for 30 minutes; drain.
- Place the peanuts, adzuki beans, and red dates in a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Add the goji berries and continue cooking for a further 10 minutes.
- Serve warm. Eat the peanuts, beans, and dates as well — they are nutritious and help maximise the effect.
Bro Niu’s tips
- Eating the soup ingredients (not just drinking the liquid) significantly boosts the blood-nourishing effect — especially important for those with anaemia.
- Red-skinned peanuts are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. If unavailable, smaller regular peanuts (with more skin surface area) work reasonably well, but the effect is somewhat reduced.
- For peanut allergy: substitute the peanuts with an additional 1 liang of adzuki beans.
- Frequency: 2–3 times per week; reduce once symptoms improve.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Ciel): I am allergic to peanuts — can I substitute with something else? Bro Niu: Without peanuts, just add one more liang of adzuki beans.
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Q (Jess): Can this soup be drunk by someone on blood-thinning medication (warfarin)? Bro Niu: Yes, those on blood-thinning medication can drink this soup.
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Q (Nat): What is the difference between red-skinned peanuts and regular cooking peanuts? Bro Niu: Red-skinned peanuts have a stronger blood-nourishing effect, specifically associated with improving platelet counts. The key is in the red skin. Look for them at Chinese or Asian grocers; if you cannot find them, smaller regular peanuts with intact skin work as a substitute. The beneficial effect comes mainly from the peanut skin, not the kernel.
Published March 9, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
