Soups
Codonopsis, Angelica, and Lamb Soup
Traditionally used to warm and tonify qi and blood, relieve cold limbs and post-illness weakness
Why people make this soup
When the cold months arrive, Cantonese families often turn to warming soups to support the body through winter. Lamb is one of the most warming proteins in traditional Chinese food therapy — rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin C, it is associated with tonifying kidney yang and relieving cold pain in the abdomen, weak knees, and general chilliness from deficiency. Combined with codonopsis root and angelica, this classic soup has been used for centuries to support those recovering from illness or childbirth, or anyone who simply tends to feel cold, pale, or easily fatigued in the winter months.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Best suited for those with a cold constitution — people who feel cold easily, have pale complexion, tire quickly, or are recovering after illness or postpartum.
- Also appropriate for those with both qi and blood deficiency.
- CAUTION: Those with yin deficiency with rising heat (characterised by night sweats, feeling hot, red tongue), yellow or green phlegm cough, or active exterior illness with fever should not take this soup. If unsure which pattern you have, please consult a Chinese medicine practitioner.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Codonopsis root (dang shen): A gentler, more affordable alternative to ginseng, commonly used to replenish qi, strengthen the spleen, and support energy levels.
- Angelica root head (dang gui tou): The head of the angelica root is traditionally associated with tonifying blood, regulating circulation, and warming cold conditions. Considered one of the principal herbs for blood deficiency.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish liver and kidney yin, support vision, and complement the warming herbs in this formula.
- Red dates (hong zao): Used to tonify qi and blood, calm the mind, and harmonise the other ingredients.
- Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): Warms the spleen and stomach, aids digestion, and reduces any slight gaminess from the lamb.
- Lamb: Warm in nature, rich in protein and minerals. Traditionally associated with warming yang, relieving cold abdominal pain, and strengthening the kidneys.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis root (dang shen) | 5 qian (~19 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Angelica root head (dang gui tou) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Fresh ginger | 4 slices | — |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 pieces | Pitted |
| Lamb | 300 g | Blanch in boiling water first; drain |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 2 litres) | — |
Method
- Rinse and briefly soak the codonopsis root, angelica root, and goji berries; set aside.
- Pit the red dates.
- Blanch the lamb in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities; drain and set aside.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 2 hours until the liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
- Serve the soup and eat the solid ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is an excellent winter tonic soup. Those with a cold constitution or cold extremities can drink it regularly throughout the season. Keep in mind that it is not suitable for everyone — those with signs of internal heat (feeling flushed, yellow phlegm, sore throat) should skip this one during that period. If you are unsure about your constitution, a Chinese medicine practitioner can help you understand which warming or cooling foods are right for you.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (May): I am in early pregnancy — can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: The soup is generally safe for pregnancy, but I would recommend leaving out the longan (yuan rou) if you add it, as longan is quite warming and may increase the risk of bleeding. The other ingredients are fine.
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Q (Siu.Yi): I have been sweating heavily at night since giving birth eight months ago. Can you suggest something? Bro Niu: For night sweats, try this: black beans (hei dou) 1 liang, floating wheat (fu xiao mai) 5 qian, south jujube (nan zao) 5 pieces, and 5 bowls of water simmered to 2 bowls. Drink for 3 consecutive days — it should help settle the sweating.
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Q (Kaka): I have a uterine condition and my period lasts more than ten days. Can I use tian qi (san qi) with red ginseng in a black chicken soup to stop the bleeding? Bro Niu: For a complex condition like yours, it really is best to see a Chinese medicine practitioner for personalised treatment. Food therapy can only offer supplementary support. A reasonable general tonic would be: bei qi, dang shen, du zhong, chuan xiong (each 3 qian), black beans (1 liang), red dates (6 pieces), fresh ginger (3 slices), and pork tendons — once or twice a week.
Published December 7, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
