Black Moss, Dried Oyster, Shiitake and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

High blood pressure and constipation are two common troubles of later life — and constipation can itself push blood pressure up. Bro Niu notes that most age-related constipation is not from internal heat but from the natural decline of qi and blood with age, so the gentlest approach is to nourish essence and blood while softly easing the bowel. This soup of black moss, dried oyster, shiitake and lean pork is traditionally associated with exactly that, plus support for healthy blood pressure.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Older adults with age-related constipation and those wanting blood-pressure support
• Also suited to menopausal women — said to nourish yin and moisten dryness
• If many days pass with no bowel movement, see a doctor rather than relying on food therapy alone

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Black moss (fa cai): traditionally associated with moistening the bowel and easing passage; black wood-ear is a good substitute.
• Dried oysters (hao chi): traditionally nourish the blood and essence; pan-fried first for fragrance.
• Shiitake (dong gu): savoury and nourishing; rounds out the soup.
• Lean pork (shou rou) and ginger: add body and warmth.

Ingredients (3 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried shiitake (dong gu)	6	Soaked soft, stems removed
Black moss (fa cai)	1 small pinch	Or substitute black wood-ear
Dried oysters (hao chi)	2 taels (~75 g)	Soak, rinse, pan-fry lightly
Lean pork (shou rou)	2 taels (~75 g)	Blanch first
Ginger (sheng jiang)	2 slices

Method

1. Soak the shiitake until soft and remove the stems. Soak and rinse the black moss.
2. Soak and rinse the dried oysters, then pan-fry them in a little oil until fragrant.
3. Blanch the lean pork.
4. Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer down to about 3 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Bro Niu’s tips

There is a lot of fake black moss on the market, so buy from a reputable old shop even if it costs a little more. If you would rather not use black moss, black wood-ear makes a fine substitute with the same bowel-moistening quality. Dried mussels (dan cai) can stand in for the dried oysters.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Daphne): Can I use dried mussels instead of dried oysters? Thank you! Bro Niu: Yes, you can use dried mussels.
• Q (Mosquito’s mum): I have heard the black moss sold now is fake. Where can I buy the real thing? My 80-something mum often goes 4-5 days between bowel movements. Bro Niu: There really is a lot of fake black moss about. I buy from a reputable old shop, a little pricier. If you would rather not use it, black wood-ear works just as well for moistening the bowel.
• Q (daughter): My 70-year-old mum is often constipated — 10 days now with no movement. What can I do? Bro Niu: Ten days without a bowel movement means you should see a doctor and get checked for other problems. For everyday support, you can simmer 3 qian dang gui, 5 qian rou cong rong and 4 figs in a pork soup, about 3 times a week — but right now, please see a doctor.

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Published April 12, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.