Soups
Codonopsis, Longan and Eel Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, boost qi and nourish the blood
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. Bro Niu’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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people who feel pale and depleted, bruise easily in a faint reddish pattern, or want a gentle qi-and-blood tonic; the whole family can drink it.
- Also valued by those with anemia. For any unexplained bleeding or bruising, see a doctor first.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Codonopsis (dang shen): a gentle qi tonic, traditionally strengthens the spleen and boosts qi.
- Longan flesh (gui yuan rou): traditionally nourishes the heart and the blood.
- Astragalus (bei qi): traditionally boosts qi and helps “hold” the blood; also associated with supporting wound healing.
- Angelica (dang gui) & red dates: traditionally nourish the blood.
- Rice-field eel (huang shan): a nourishing protein; if unavailable, catfish (tang shi) can stand in.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis (dangshen) | ~30 g (8 qian) | Rinse |
| Dried longan flesh | ~38 g (1 tael) | |
| Astragalus (bei qi) | ~19 g (5 qian) | |
| Angelica (dang gui) | ~8 g (2 qian) | |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
| Rice-field eel | 1–2 | Deboned; catfish as substitute |
Method
- Debone and gut the eel, rinse, blanch briefly in boiling water, lift out and rub off the slime; pan-fry lightly in a little oil until fragrant.
- Rinse the remaining ingredients.
- Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer 2 hours, down to 3–4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
The whole family can drink this soup — it is traditionally taken to nourish qi and blood and is also valued by those with anemia. If you cannot find rice-field eel, catfish (tang shi) makes a good substitute.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (19号 / reader): My 12-year-old is weak, slow to develop, and a blood test showed mild anemia. What can I give to nourish the blood? Bro Niu: Try a beef “tea” for your child: mince 4 taels of beef, soak overnight in a large bowl of water, then steam over water for half an hour (or boil 15 minutes) for a blood-nourishing beef broth; season lightly. Two to three times a week. You can also simmer codonopsis (3 qian), a small handful of roasted rice and 10 red dates in 5 bowls of water down to 2, twice a week, to help with anemia.
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Q (小晴 / reader): Can I drink this while taking medication, and do I need to space it out by a few hours? Bro Niu: Drink it about 1 hour after taking your Western medicine.
Published September 14, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
