Soups
Astragalus, Scallion and Douchi Soup
Traditionally used to support a child's defenses against wind-cold colds
Why people make this soup
After a long holiday, kids head back to crowded classrooms and parents start worrying about colds and flu making the rounds. Bro Niu’s answer is a simple, warming bowl rather than anything heavy. This combination is traditionally seen as warming the body, gently lifting the qi, and helping to chase away that early wind-cold chill — the kind that comes on with sniffles before it becomes a full cold.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children who catch colds easily or have a delicate constitution, as a gentle preventive sip; Bro Niu notes it suits children from about age 3.
- For a child already running a fever or clearly sick, this is not the right move — see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus (bei qi): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and boost qi, the basis of its “shore up the defenses” reputation.
- Scallion whites (cong bai): classically used to disperse cold and open the surface, the gentle “warm you up and sweat it out” element.
- Fermented black beans (dou chi): traditionally paired with scallion to help release an early external chill.
Ingredients (2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Scallion whites (cong bai) | 3 stalks | Rinsed |
| Fermented black beans (dou chi) | 1 tablespoon | See tip below |
| Lean pork | ~150 g (4 liang) | Shredded |
Method
- Soak and rinse the astragalus; rinse the scallion whites; shred the lean pork.
- Put the pork, astragalus and fermented black beans in a pot with 4 bowls of water and simmer down to about 2 bowls.
- Add the scallion whites and let it boil for 3 minutes, then serve.
- Drink across one day, divided into 2 portions.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you can, buy “dan dou chi” (light fermented black beans) from a Chinese herb shop instead of the salty cooking kind from the grocery — the effect is better.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Candy): What age is this soup suitable for? Bro Niu: It’s fine for children from age 3.
- Q (Ling): My 5-year-old just started a cold and drank the soup — how many days should we give it? He has a lot of runny nose. Bro Niu: You can give it for up to 3 doses; add 6 magnolia flowers (xin yi hua) cooked in, which helps dry up the runny nose.
Published February 12, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
