Soups
Codonopsis, Poria and Atractylodes Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, nourish the heart and support qi and blood
Why people make this soup
People with an underactive thyroid often feel worn out, forgetful, irritable and poor-sleeping — a picture Chinese tradition links to the heart and spleen both being depleted. Bro Niu suggests gentle, spleen-strengthening, blood-nourishing food as a daily companion. This codonopsis, poria and atractylodes soup is traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, nourish the heart and support both qi and blood, and is especially comforting for those feeling tired, low-spirited and sallow.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Traditionally suits those feeling tired, foggy, listless or sallow, and is also taken by those with nervous exhaustion or heavy menstrual flow.
- Use Chinese angelica only in small amounts within a blend. Those prone to heat can reduce the codonopsis. An underactive thyroid requires lifelong thyroid medication — keep following your doctor; this soup does not replace treatment.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Codonopsis (dang shen): traditionally used to support qi; use less if you run hot.
- Poria (fu ling): classically associated with strengthening the spleen and draining dampness.
- Atractylodes (bai zhu): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen.
- Longan flesh (gui yuan rou): traditionally nourishes the heart and blood.
- Chinese angelica (dang gui): traditionally used to nourish the blood; use sparingly within a blend.
- Red dates (hong zao): traditionally nourish and add natural sweetness.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis root | ~22 g (6 qian) | Use less if prone to heat |
| Poria | ~37 g (1 liang) | |
| Atractylodes | ~7.5 g (2 qian) | Can swap for Chinese yam |
| Longan flesh | ~15 g (4 qian) | |
| Chinese angelica | ~11 g (3 qian) | Small amount, within a blend only |
| Red dates | 10 |
Method
- Soak and rinse the ingredients.
- Put them in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer 2 hours down to 3 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
You can add lean pork or other meat. This soup is traditionally considered helpful for nervous exhaustion, and for women with heavy or irregular menstrual flow. Since these are herbs, stop once symptoms improve.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (60 hou): Is yun ling the same as fu ling (poria)? Can this soup be taken with light periods, by men, and year-round? Bro Niu: Yun ling is the same as fu ling (poria). It can be taken with light periods, by both men and women, and in all seasons — but stop once symptoms improve, as these are still herbs. Twice a week is fine.
-
Q (ling ling): What exactly is an underactive thyroid (jia jian)? Bro Niu: It means hypothyroidism — reduced thyroid function. Women are especially prone to thyroid over- or under-activity. Hypothyroidism is the more serious of the two and requires lifelong thyroid medication, so please stay under a doctor’s care.
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Q (anonymous reader): I have yin-deficiency with mild heat and insufficient kidney essence (told by a TCM doctor) — can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, you can, but use a little less codonopsis to avoid stirring up heat.
Published August 6, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
