Five-Finger Fig Root, Chinese Yam and Free-Range Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Five-finger fig root, nicknamed “southern astragalus” (nan qi), is traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen and boosting qi. When the fresh root is available it smells wonderfully of coconut once simmered — a naturally fragrant pot that needs little else. It carries some of astragalus’s reputation in a milder, gentler form, which makes it a good choice for people who feel weak or “can’t take strong tonics.” Paired with Chinese yam, red dates, and a free-range chicken, it comes together into an accessible, nourishing everyday soup.