Soups
Hairy Fig Root (Wu Zhi Mao Tao) and Finger Citron Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen, moves qi and eases stomach discomfort
In short: Hairy Fig Root (Wu Zhi Mao Tao) and Finger Citron Soup is a soup that Traditionally strengthens the spleen, moves qi and eases stomach discomfort. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, digestive wellness, children's wellness. Total time about 2 hr 20 min. Key ingredients: red dates, lean pork.
Why people make this soup
Hairy fig root (wu zhi mao tao) is nicknamed “southern astragalus” — its action resembles astragalus (bei qi) but gentler. It has a lovely clean fragrance with a faint coconut note. Simmered with finger citron and red dates in a lean-pork soup, it’s traditionally taken by people troubled by acid reflux: it’s associated with strengthening the spleen, moving qi and easing stomach discomfort.
What studies say about the key ingredients
Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.
- Red dates
Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies
From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.
Safety first — read before you cook
This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
- take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
- have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.
Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes
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