Dang Shen, Lotus Seed and Fox Nut Soup

Why people make this soup

Dang shen works a bit like ginseng but is gentler — it nourishes the blood without being cloying and is traditionally said to lift the body’s central energy. Nourilo pairs it with lotus seed, fox nut, poria and red dates to make a soft, warming pot that is traditionally favored for older folks with a weak spleen, loose stools, or that early-morning “dawn diarrhea.”

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients.
2. Add 1.8 L of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 0.9–1.2 L.
3. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

As an everyday food therapy you can add beef tripe (niu du), which is traditionally said to support a weak digestion. This soup is especially valued for those recovering from illness, or for new mothers low in qi and blood. You can also add pork ribs or conch (luo tou) for extra flavor.