Astragalus, Rehmannia and Cinnamon Twig Broth

Why people make this broth

Chronically cold hands and feet are a common complaint, especially in women who are naturally slender, have been through periods of restrictive eating, or are in later life. In Chinese medicine, this condition is often associated with an insufficiency of qi and blood — the body simply does not have enough warmth-generating energy to circulate adequately to the extremities. Men can experience this too, particularly older men or those with chronic illness. The approach in Chinese food therapy is not simply to “add heat,” but to nourish the blood, support qi, and gently warm the meridians so that circulation can improve on its own. This is what this broth does.

Beyond cold limbs, this formula is also traditionally associated with supporting menstrual regularity and easing period pain — particularly in women whose cycles feel sluggish or uncomfortable in cold weather. Soaking feet in warm water before bed is a simple daily complement that can further support the warmth-generating effect.

Method

1. Soak all dried herb ingredients briefly in cold water; drain. Pit the red dates.
2. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour until the liquid has reduced to about 600 ml.
4. Drink the broth. This formula is taken as a medicinal drink rather than a meal soup; the solid herbs are generally not eaten.

Nourilo’s Tips

This formula specifically suits cold limbs that arise from qi and blood deficiency — where the person also tends to tire easily, has a pale or dull complexion, or whose menstrual flow feels sparse or slow. It is warming and nourishing without being excessively hot. For those who tend to have both cold limbs and digestive weakness, adding two extra dried tangerine peel pieces (chen pi) to the pot can make the formula easier on the stomach. The formula should not be used during active fever or when you have an ongoing cold or flu.