Soups
Five-Finger Fig Root, Finger Citron, Tangerine Peel and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally used to soothe stomach discomfort, support digestion and ease acid reflux
Why people make this soup
Acid reflux — that burning sensation that rises into the chest and throat — is remarkably common in modern life. Irregular meal times, rushing through food, too much coffee, alcohol, or smoking, working under stress, and late-night snacking all contribute. In Cantonese food therapy, the approach is to calm and regulate the stomach’s qi, reduce inflammation and support the lining of the digestive tract through gentle, fragrant ingredients. Five-finger fig root (wu zhi mao tao) has a distinctive, light coconut-like fragrance that makes it very easy to drink. It is used across southern China as a tonic for the spleen and lungs, supporting immune function and easing digestive discomfort. Finger citron (fo shou gan) is one of the premier “qi-regulating” fruits in Chinese medicine — it gently eases stagnant liver qi that, when stuck, often disturbs the stomach and causes reflux. This soup smells beautiful while cooking and tastes clean and warming.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for those with gastric ulcers, acid reflux, chronic gastritis or nervous stomach (where stress clearly worsens symptoms).
- Also helpful for those with poor appetite, low qi, excess phlegm, or liver qi stagnation that shows up as chest tightness or sighing.
- Generally gentle and suitable for all ages and constitutions — old and young alike.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Five-finger fig root (wu zhi mao tao, Ficus hirta): Lightly fragrant with a hint of coconut; traditionally supports spleen and lung qi, regulates digestive function, reduces phlegm and has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Choose roots with an orange-yellow skin colour — wild or cultivated, thin or thick, the effect is similar. No need to pay a premium for “wild” versions.
- Finger citron / Buddha’s hand (fo shou gan): A citrus fruit dried into shreds; strongly associated in Chinese medicine with regulating liver qi, soothing the stomach and relieving chest tightness. Note: the shredded form and whole dried piece have the same effect — just cut the whole piece into strips if you can only find it that way.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Warms slightly, moves qi and dispels dampness; an essential digestive herb in Cantonese cooking.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Gently nourishing and sweet; support the stomach and add natural sweetness to balance the bitter notes of the other herbs.
- Red dates (hong zao): Sweet and warming; nourish qi and blood and round out the flavour.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Five-finger fig root | ~37 g (1 liang) | Soak and rinse |
| Finger citron shreds (fo shou gan si) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Soak and rinse; or cut whole dried fo shou gan into strips |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | Rinse |
| Dried figs | 3 pieces | Cut in half to open |
| Red dates | 5 pieces | Remove pits |
| Lean pork | ~225 g (6 liang) | Cut into thin strips |
Method
- Soak and rinse all dried ingredients separately.
- Pit the red dates; cut the figs in half.
- Cut the lean pork into thin strips.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until you have approximately 4 bowls of soup.
- Serve warm; suitable as a regular soup 2–3 times a week.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a lovely fragrance and a clean, mild taste — suitable for the whole family including children and the elderly. Beyond stomach issues, it is also helpful for those with liver qi stagnation (where emotions affect digestion), poor appetite and a tendency toward excess phlegm. If you cannot find finger citron shreds in your area, buy whole dried fo shou gan from a Chinese herbal shop and cut it into strips at home — the effect is identical.
For those wondering about H. pylori (helicobacter pylori): drinking a small glass of black currant juice before meals, or steeping dried dandelion root as a tea, is a traditional complementary approach Bro Niu sometimes suggests alongside medical treatment.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Is the finger citron sold in herbal shops the same as the shredded version? And what is “old mulberry branch” (lao sang zhi)? Bro Niu: Finger citron (fo shou gan) and the shredded version (fo shou gan si) are the same thing — some shops simply sell it pre-cut into strips for a nicer appearance. As for old mulberry branch, it refers to the thicker, more mature branches of a mulberry tree.
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Q (Jenny): I have had acid reflux for many years — food seems to sit in my throat. I cannot find finger citron shreds. What can I use instead? Bro Niu: You can buy whole fo shou gan from a herbal shop and cut it into strips yourself. Additionally, grind equal parts of cuttlefish bone and Zhe bei mu together into a powder, dry-toast in a low pan for 5 minutes, and take 1 tablespoon dissolved in hot water before meals — this helps neutralise excess stomach acid.
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Q (Wendy): I have been diagnosed with H. pylori. Can I see a Chinese doctor instead of taking antibiotics? Bro Niu: Chinese medicine can address H. pylori. In the meantime, drinking a small amount of blackcurrant juice before meals, or making a dandelion tea, may also be supportive alongside whatever treatment you choose.
Published May 23, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
