Lion's Mane, Astragalus and Chinese Yam Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been eaten in China for centuries and is one of the few culinary mushrooms that has attracted genuine modern scientific interest for its potential effects on the gastrointestinal lining. Traditional Chinese food therapy describes it as benefiting the five organs, aiding digestion, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Some modern studies suggest that lion’s mane may support the repair of stomach and intestinal mucosa, making it of interest to people dealing with gastric ulcers, nervous exhaustion, or recovering from surgery.

Nourilo combines it here with astragalus (bei qi), a root well known in Chinese herbal tradition for supporting defensive qi and accelerating wound healing, and Chinese yam (huai shan), a gentle, spleen-strengthening ingredient that most people tolerate very well. Together they make a mild, slightly earthy broth that is suitable for the whole family.

Method

1. Soak the dried lion’s mane mushrooms in cold water for 30–60 minutes until fully rehydrated. Squeeze out excess water and tear or cut into halves.
2. Rinse the astragalus root and Chinese yam; soak briefly in water.
3. Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then rinse under cold water and cut into thick slices.
4. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 2 hours, until the liquid reduces to about 1.2 L.
6. Serve the broth warm. The soup solids — particularly the lion’s mane and Chinese yam — are also worth eating.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is beneficial for post-surgery patients as well. If you don’t enjoy the slightly astringent flavour of lion’s mane, shiitake mushroom (hua gu) is a good substitute. You can also use chicken (skin removed) instead of lean pork. If cooking for someone with gout, note that mushrooms (including lion’s mane) contain purines — for gout patients, Nourilo suggests substituting with green papaya soup instead, as green papaya is both stomach-protective and considered beneficial for gout. For diabetic readers, Nourilo suggests replacing red dates with jujube (el er zao / coconut dates), which have a lower impact on blood sugar.