Glehnia Root, Polygonatum, and Duck Stew

Why people make this stew

Thyroid disorders are surprisingly common, and in recent years Nourilo has noticed more and more readers reaching out about hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) in particular. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, hyperthyroidism often involves a pattern of yin deficiency — the body’s cooling, nourishing resources are depleted, leading to visible weight loss (especially in the arms and thighs), persistent fatigue, feelings of internal heat, excessive thirst, and dry cough. Duck is one of the most yin-nourishing meats in Chinese food therapy, considered cool in nature and well-suited for those with heat-related conditions. When combined with glehnia root and polygonatum (both prized for moistening lung and stomach yin), the result is a stew that is delicately flavoured, deeply nourishing, and appropriately cooling for the hyperthyroid constitution. The same stew is also well suited for people with diabetes or yin deficiency with heat signs.