He Shou Wu and Catfish Soup

Why people make this soup

In traditional Chinese food therapy, hair is understood to reflect the state of the liver, kidneys, and blood. When these are well nourished, hair tends to be thick and lustrous; when they are depleted — often through stress, overwork, or simply ageing — the hair may thin or grey earlier than expected. This warming soup pairs he shou wu, one of the most celebrated herbs for supporting kidney and liver essence, with protein-rich catfish and black soybeans to create a deeply nourishing pot that many families brew during periods of stress-related or age-related hair thinning. It is also traditionally associated with supporting ear health.

Note: he shou wu should not be cooked in stainless-steel pots; use a clay pot, glass pot, or ceramic pot for best results.

Method

1. Clean the fish thoroughly. Pan-fry in a little oil until lightly golden on both sides — this removes the muddy smell and enriches the broth.
2. Blanch the pork neck bones in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and rinse.
3. Rinse and soak the he shou wu, black soybeans, honey dates, and tangerine peel in clean water for 15 minutes.
4. Combine all ingredients in a clay or ceramic pot. Add 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours.
6. Serve warm. Drink the broth and eat the black soybeans and dates.

Nourilo’s Tips

Wild river fish are noticeably sweeter and more flavorful than farmed fish. A quick way to tell them apart: wild fish tend to have a head that looks slightly large relative to the body, and their coloring is more vivid — because they swim constantly in search of food, they naturally have a leaner, more elongated build. If you cannot find catfish or river perch, any fresh river fish works. He shou wu must not be cooked in metal pots; use clay, glass, or ceramic only. Those with gout should swap black soybeans for 19 g of black sesame seeds in a muslin bag.