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Codonopsis, Longan and Eel Soup

Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, boost qi and nourish the blood

In short: Codonopsis, Longan and Eel Soup is a soup that Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, boost qi and nourish the blood. It is most often made for digestive wellness, energy & vitality, blood nourishment. Total time about 2 hr 20 min. Key ingredients: longan flesh, red dates.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
20 min
Cook
2 hr
Total
2 hr 20 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Digestive WellnessEnergy & VitalityBlood NourishmentEveryday Balance
Codonopsis, Longan and Eel Soup

Why people make this soup

Some people bruise easily — faint reddish or purplish patches appear under the skin without any knock, sometimes scattered like grains, sometimes merging into blotches. In traditional thinking this is linked to the spleen failing to “hold” the blood. Nourilo’s codonopsis, longan and eel soup is a warming, qi-and-blood tonic traditionally taken to strengthen the spleen, boost qi and guide the blood back to its channels — which is why people use it for that pale, recurring, slow-to-settle pattern.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Astragalus root · Meta-analysis, 8 studies, 750 participants · 2025
    TA-65 was associated with longer leukocyte telomeres compared with controls, but the meta-analysis found no significant improvement in frailty measures or inflammatory markers (CRP/IL-6). Mild gastrointestinal effects were reported.Limitation: Industry-funded trials reported larger effects than others, and the compound is a purified extract at doses not comparable to eating Astragalus root.PubMed 41286474 · 3 more astragalus root studies
  • Red dates · Meta-analysis, 483 participants · 2025
    Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Ingredient notes for this recipe

  • Astragalus: May interact with medicines that suppress the immune system. A thorough safety evaluation has not been done, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Source: NIH NCCIH — Astragalus

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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