Soups
Fresh Yam, Euryale Seed, Cordyceps Flower, and Lean Meat Soup
Traditionally supports kidney function, reduces frequent urination, and eases dizziness and fatigue linked to kidney deficiency
Why people make this soup
The kidneys, in traditional Chinese medicine, are considered the foundation of all energy in the body — governing not just fluid regulation and urination, but also bone health, hearing, hair vitality, and reproductive function. When the kidneys are depleted through overwork, chronic illness, age, or a long-term cold constitution, a whole cluster of symptoms can appear together: frequent trips to the toilet at night, persistent dizziness, ringing in the ears, lower back ache, cold hands and feet, and a general exhaustion that sleep does not quite fix. This soup brings together fresh yam (one of the mildest and most widely trusted kidney-supporting foods), euryale seeds (to consolidate and reduce leakage), and cordyceps flower (a mushroom cultivar associated with supporting both lung and kidney function). The result is a gentle, nourishing soup that is appropriate for the whole family — not just those with kidney concerns — and particularly valued by women who experience excessive vaginal discharge alongside the other symptoms.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits those with kidney deficiency symptoms: frequent or night-time urination, dizziness, tinnitus, lower back and knee ache, cold extremities, fatigue, or weak constitution
- Also traditionally beneficial for women with excessive vaginal discharge
- Suitable for children from 2 years old and older — it is a mild and very balanced soup
- South dates (nan zao) can be used in place of red dates (hong zao) for those with yin-deficiency or a tendency toward internal heat
- Those with yin-deficiency constitution should add goji berries (gou qi zi) and/or nu zhen zi (ligustrum), and replace red dates with south dates; also can replace qian shi with hai yu zhu (sea cucumber)
- Do not use during active fever, colds, or acute infection
- Those with high uric acid: remove cordyceps flower; the rest of the soup is fine
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): One of the most versatile tonic foods in Chinese cuisine; gently supports the spleen, lung, and kidney systems simultaneously without being over-warming or cooling; fresh yam is more tender and silky than dried, making it an excellent everyday ingredient
- Euryale seeds (qian shi): Traditionally used to consolidate the kidney’s holding function — reducing leakage in the form of excessive urination, discharge, or seminal loss; also support the spleen; regular qian shi (not the prepared form) is used here
- Cordyceps flower (chong cao hua): A cultivated mushroom (Isaria sinclairii, sometimes called jin chong cao) rather than the wild Cordyceps sinensis; significantly more affordable while sharing many of the same traditional associations with supporting lung and kidney function; the Korean-origin variety recommended by Bro Niu is particularly valued
- Red dates: Nourish blood, gently tonify the middle, and help the body receive the other ingredients well
- Ginger: Warms and activates the digestive system; ensures the nourishing ingredients are properly absorbed
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | 225 g (6 liang) | Peel and cut into sections; handle with care — the mucilage can irritate skin |
| Euryale seeds (qian shi) | 37 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Cordyceps flower | 75 g (2 liang) | Rinse gently |
| Red dates, pitted | 6 pieces | Can substitute south dates |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Lean pork | 450 g (12 liang) | Sliced; blanch briefly to remove blood |
Method
- Peel the fresh yam and cut into sections. (The peeled yam releases a mucilaginous sap that can cause skin irritation in some people — wearing gloves helps or wash hands immediately after handling.)
- Rinse euryale seeds and soak briefly; drain.
- Gently rinse the cordyceps flower.
- Pit the red dates. Slice the lean pork and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain.
- Place all ingredients into a pot. Add 8 bowls of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer. Cook for 2 hours.
- Serve the soup and eat all the ingredients — the yam becomes soft and slightly creamy and is particularly delicious.
Bro Niu’s tips
- This soup is also traditionally beneficial for bedwetting (in children), frequent night urination, and women’s vaginal discharge.
- Do not take during colds, fever, or any acute illness — wait until recovered.
- For uric-acid concerns: simply remove the cordyceps flower from the recipe and proceed with the rest.
- If making for a larger group (6 people), you can add more fresh yam and lean pork according to your preference, and increase water by 2–3 bowls. The other herb quantities do not need to change.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader, anonymous): Can someone with acute kidney failure who is on dialysis twice a week drink this soup? Bro Niu: This soup is mild and suitable. Those on dialysis can take it twice a week.
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Q (Bonnie): Can people with kidney yin-deficiency drink this soup? Bro Niu: For kidney yin-deficiency, replace the red dates with south dates (nan zao) and add gou qi zi (goji berries) and nu zhen zi (ligustrum berries, 3 qian each) to strengthen the yin-nourishing effect.
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Q (anonymous): Can a 2-year-old child drink this soup? Can south dates replace red dates? Bro Niu: This soup is very mild — it is suitable for toddlers from age 2. South dates can be used in place of red dates without any issue.
Published August 30, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
