Soups
Codonopsis Poria Angelica Longan Soup
Traditionally used to tonify the heart and spleen, nourish blood, and ease fatigue and anxiety
Why people make this soup
Thyroid conditions — especially hypothyroidism — seem to be on the rise, and Bro Niu has noticed more and more friends and acquaintances being diagnosed. Among women, an underactive thyroid can affect the menstrual cycle, cause prolonged or heavy bleeding, and lead to persistent tiredness, poor memory, and a general sense of being run-down over time. This soup draws on a classic traditional formula for what Chinese medicine calls “heart-spleen deficiency” — a pattern characterised by worry, poor sleep, palpitations, low energy, and poor appetite. The combination of codonopsis, poria, white atractylodes, angelica, longan, and red dates builds up both qi (vital energy) and blood in a gentle, sustained way. Adding chicken or lamb when cooking turns it from a tea-like broth into a more substantial one-pot meal.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those experiencing fatigue, low mood, anxiety, heart palpitations, poor memory, or appetite loss associated with hypothyroidism or general qi-blood deficiency
- Also suitable for those with nervous exhaustion, chronic insomnia, or general debility
- Do not drink during menstruation, or during a cold or fever
- Dang gui (Chinese angelica) is blood-moving and should be used with caution during pregnancy — consult a doctor before use if pregnant
- Medical treatment for hypothyroidism should always continue alongside food therapy
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Codonopsis root (dang shen): The gentle everyday qi tonic; supports the spleen and digestive system
- Poria (fu ling, Wolfiporia extensa): Calms the mind, supports the spleen, and clears excess dampness from the body — a key pairing with codonopsis
- Chinese angelica (dang gui): The classic blood-nourishing herb in traditional Chinese medicine; supports circulation and helps regulate a deficient menstrual cycle
- White atractylodes (bai zhu): Strengthens the spleen and prevents the tonics from creating stagnation
- Dried longan (yuan rou): Warming and sweet; traditionally nourishes both blood and spirit, supporting sleep and easing palpitations
- Red dates (hong zao): Harmonise the formula, nourish spleen-blood, and add natural sweetness
Ingredients (2 bowls / 1–2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis root (dang shen) | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Poria (fu ling) | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Dried longan flesh (yuan rou) | ~15 g (4 qian) | Rinse |
| White atractylodes (bai zhu) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse |
| Chinese angelica root (dang gui) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse |
| Red dates | 10 pieces | Remove stones |
Method
- Remove the stones from the red dates. Rinse all other ingredients briefly.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls (about 1.5 litres) of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Strain and serve warm. Optional: add a small amount of chicken or lamb when simmering for a more nourishing and filling version.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is equally helpful for those who feel chronically anxious, have trouble sleeping, experience heart palpitations, or notice a decline in mental sharpness — it is not limited to thyroid conditions. Do not drink during menstruation. Those with active colds or fever should wait until recovered before resuming. For those managing hypothyroidism who are already on thyroid hormone medication, this soup can be taken 2 doses per week as a supportive measure alongside medical treatment.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Chloe): I was diagnosed in Guangzhou with subclinical hypothyroidism and have been given medication. What supplements or soups would help? Bro Niu: You can use this codonopsis and poria soup, or try other qi-and-blood building soups such as huang qi (astragalus), huai shan, goji berries, and red dates with chicken broth.
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Q (Angie): I have had hypothyroidism for over three years. My thyroid levels are now stable with medication, but my face is very pale and waxy, my hair keeps falling out, and I can see my scalp through my hair. How should I address this? Bro Niu: Try the ready-made “shou wu, walnut and black sesame paste” (首乌核桃黑芝麻霜) from the supermarket — take one sachet every other day. It supports the liver and kidneys and helps hair grow. You can also lightly pan-roast some green-kernel black beans and pair them with dried mulberry (sang shen) — one tablespoon of each steeped as a tea every other day helps improve complexion and support hair growth.
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Q (Li): I stopped my period two years ago, but last week it came back. Can I drink this soup? When is the best time — during my period or after? Bro Niu: Do not drink this soup during your period. You can take it the rest of the time — for example 2 doses per week.
Published March 27, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
