Soups
Adenophora, Polygonatum & Astragalus Soup
Traditionally supports qi and nourishes yin for those with an overactive thyroid
Why people make this soup
When the thyroid runs fast, Bro Niu often hears the same complaints: feeling hot and on edge, a dry mouth and throat, a poorer appetite, and a tiredness that no rest seems to fix. In traditional thinking this looks like “yin deficiency with inner heat.” This quietly sweet soup pairs cooling, moistening herbs with a little warming astragalus, so it nourishes without being cold — an easy everyday pot to round out proper medical care.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with an overactive thyroid who feel hot, restless, dry-mouthed and easily fatigued
- Those whose lung and stomach feel “dry and depleted” and who want a gentle daily soup
- This is supportive food only — an overactive thyroid still needs a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Northern adenophora (bei sha shen): traditionally nourishes yin and moistens dryness; the northern type is considered stronger at this than the southern.
- Solomon’s seal (yu zhu): associated with nourishing yin, moistening the lung and promoting fluids to ease thirst.
- Astragalus (bei qi): warming and qi-supporting, it balances the cooler herbs so the soup is not chilling.
- Red dates (hong zao): add natural sweetness and are traditionally used to nourish blood and the spleen.
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern adenophora (bei sha shen) | ~2.5 liang (~95 g) | Usually slender stems |
| Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) | 1 liang (~38 g) | |
| Astragalus (bei qi) | 8 qian (~30 g) | |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 | Pitted |
| Water | 5 bowls | Reduce to 2–3 bowls |
Method
- Rinse and soak the herbs; pit the red dates.
- Put everything in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 1 hour until reduced to 2–3 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
You can add a little lean pork and cook it as a family soup — it is also good for thyroid and diabetes-prone friends. Note that northern adenophora (bei sha shen) is stronger at nourishing yin and moistening dryness than the southern type, and is usually more slender in appearance.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Yuen yuen): I’m rather weak with a delicate spleen and stomach, and get breakouts before my period — is this too cooling to drink? Adenophora and Solomon’s seal both seem cooling. Bro Niu: The soup also has astragalus and red dates, so it is not cooling.
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Q (reader): Do yu zhu and hai yu zhu differ? Can they replace each other? Bro Niu: Hai yu zhu is actually one form of the herb huang jing; its effect is close to yu zhu. Because it is less sulphur-fumed and tastes good, it can stand in for yu zhu. Yu zhu nourishes yin, moistens the lung and promotes fluids; hai yu zhu also moistens the lung and additionally supports the middle and qi, but lacks yu zhu’s heart-supporting action.
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Q (reader): I have hyperthyroidism. Someone told me to make a soup with sea-dragon, seahorse and Chinese yam to treat it, but others say not to eat iodine-rich foods like sea-dragon and seahorse. Which is right? Bro Niu: People with an overactive thyroid should avoid high-iodine seafood, so sea-dragon and seahorse are not advisable. Herbs like adenophora, Solomon’s seal, lily bulb and ophiopogon are more suitable for everyday use.
Published July 9, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
