Soups
Ginkgo, Fox Nut, Flower Mushroom and Dried Oyster Soup
Traditionally used to nourish yin and blood and support women in menopause
Why people make this soup
As women enter menopause, falling hormone levels affect body and mind, and the familiar “menopausal syndrome” can bring hot flushes and night sweats, palpitations and anxiety, feeling cold, dizziness and ringing ears, restless sleep, mood swings, and — among other things — more frequent urination, especially at night. Bro Niu’s pick here is nourishing and tasty, suitable for all ages and traditionally regarded as especially supportive for women in menopause. Dried oysters are plumpest in winter; those harvested in October and November are richest in glycogen, and they carry many amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and zinc, traditionally associated with supporting memory.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits women in menopause with frequent or night urination or excess discharge; traditionally also regarded as beneficial for those with anemia or high blood pressure
- The ginkgo core is mildly toxic — always remove it, and don’t overeat ginkgo nuts
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dried oyster (hao chi): traditionally nourishes yin and blood and supports the body
- Ginkgo nut (bai guo): traditionally associated with reducing frequent and night urination (core removed)
- Fox nut (qian shi): traditionally consolidates and supports the kidneys
- Flower mushroom (hua gu): savory and nourishing, adds depth and goodness
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ginkgo nuts | 15 | shelled, core removed |
| Fox nut (qian shi) | ~40 g | soaked, rinsed |
| Flower mushrooms | 4 | soaked, stems removed |
| Red dates | 6 | pitted |
| Golden dried oysters | 5 to 6 | soaked, rinsed |
Method
- Shell the ginkgo nuts and remove the cores.
- Soak and rinse the fox nut and mushrooms; trim the mushroom stems.
- Pit the red dates; soak and rinse the dried oysters.
- Simmer everything in 8 bowls of water for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4 bowls. Eat the ingredients along with the soup.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally regarded as beneficial for anemia and high blood pressure as well. Remember: the ginkgo core is mildly toxic and must be removed before cooking.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (anonymous): After a cold, my daughter has a bad cough; we’ve seen the doctor and finished the medicine, but she still coughs at night and a few times in the day. Steamed apple with chuan bei didn’t help, nor did the dragon-tongue-leaf soup. Any soup to help, since she’s on the weak side? Bro Niu: Try 1 dried persimmon cake (shi bing), chopped, with 3 slices ginger and 3 qian bitter apricot kernel (bei xing) in 4 bowls of water down to 1, 3 batches, and see if it improves.
Published November 10, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
