Soups
Four-Vine & Peach Kernel Soup
Traditionally used to support circulation and ease the channels
Why people make this soup
Many jobs mean long hours standing or sitting — teachers, healthcare workers, chefs — which can make varicose veins more likely. Older adults, those who lift heavy loads, people carrying extra weight, pregnant women and long-term smokers may also be prone to them through poorer circulation. Early on there may be just faint bluish lines on the calf; later the legs can ache, feel heavy and cramp, with twisting, web- or worm-like veins appearing. Bro Niu shares this “four-vine” soup, traditionally used to support circulation and ease the channels — best at the early stage, alongside gentle exercise and not sitting or standing too long.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People at the early stage of varicose veins, and those with rheumatic aches; traditionally used to support circulation.
- Pregnant women must not take this soup.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- The four vines (ye jiao teng, ji xue teng, kuan jin teng, ren dong teng): In traditional thinking, vine-type herbs are generally associated with supporting circulation and easing the channels.
- Peach kernel (tao ren): Traditionally used to move stagnant blood, lending the soup its circulation-supporting reputation.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fleeceflower stem (ye jiao teng) | ~19 g | Soak and rinse |
| Spatholobus (ji xue teng) | ~19 g | Soak and rinse |
| Kuan jin teng | ~11 g | Soak and rinse |
| Honeysuckle stem (ren dong teng) | ~11 g | Soak and rinse |
| Peach kernel (tao ren) | ~11 g | Soak and rinse |
Method
- Soak and rinse each ingredient separately.
- Add everything to 6 bowls of water.
- Simmer 1 hour until reduced to 2 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a mild herbal taste and also suits people with rheumatic aches. But pregnant women must not take it. If the herbal flavour is too strong, you can add red jujubes and a little lean pork.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): I think I’m at the early-to-mid stage of varicose veins — is this suitable, or should I add something? Bro Niu: Even early-stage varicose veins need care — don’t sit or stand too long. This food remedy is good for early-stage cases, but the taste is so-so, so you can add red jujubes and lean pork.
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Q (Emily): I’ve noticed purple thread-like marks from the back of my thigh to my ankle — is this early varicose veins? Is this soup right for me? Bro Niu: It’s likely early-stage varicose veins; you can drink this soup as support. Don’t stand or sit too long, and do gentle leg exercises.
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Q (Wu Ma): My 54-year-old sister fell three days ago, had an ultrasound showing a slight wrist fracture, and her hand is badly swollen and bruised. Can she drink this soup to help clear the bruising? What else helps the bones heal faster? Bro Niu: Try 3 qian tian qi, 5 qian ji xue teng and 5 red jujubes in a lean-pork or chicken-breast soup for pain relief and circulation support. If she has the appetite, stewed fish maw is traditionally used to support bone recovery.
Published March 19, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
