Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Dendrobium, and Quail Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and qi, nourish body fluids, and support those with hypothyroidism-related fatigue and poor appetite
Why people make this soup
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is associated in traditional Chinese medicine with two overlapping patterns: spleen-qi weakness and kidney yang deficiency. The spleen-qi pattern presents as persistent fatigue, poor appetite, reluctance to speak much, cold sweats, thirst with a preference for warm drinks, dry skin, and numb hands and feet. The kidney yang pattern adds deeper signs such as a heavy feeling in the body, cold extremities, puffiness or water retention, aching lower back and knees, reduced memory and responsiveness, and low libido. This soup is designed primarily for the spleen-qi pattern — providing gentle nourishment, supporting digestive function, and replenishing body fluids. Fresh dendrobium is one of the most respected tonic herbs in Chinese medicine for its ability to nourish yin and generate fluids without being overly cooling. Combined with fresh Chinese yam, goji berries, and quail, the resulting soup is richly nutritious, suitable for children and adults alike, and particularly welcomed in dry autumn and winter months.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Particularly suited for those with hypothyroidism showing spleen-qi deficiency signs: low energy, poor appetite, thirst, and dry skin.
- Also beneficial for children’s growth and development, and for adults with dry skin or poor complexion in autumn-winter.
- Suitable for the whole family as a general nourishing soup.
- If quail is unavailable (outside Asia), regular chicken or pork can be substituted.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): Tonifies the lung, spleen, and kidney; improves appetite and digestion; gentle and suitable for long-term use.
- Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu): One of the most valued yin-nourishing herbs in Chinese medicine. Generates body fluids, relieves thirst, nourishes stomach and kidney yin, and is associated with improving energy in those who are wasting or depleted. Fresh stems are preferred over dried.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish liver and kidney yin, support vision, provide antioxidants.
- Red dates (hong zao): Tonify qi and blood; harmonise the formula; add natural sweetness.
- Quail: Considered a tonic for all five organs in Chinese food therapy — protein-rich, low in fat, and gentle enough for children. The skin has very little fat and does not need to be removed.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) | 4 liang (~150 g) | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Fresh dendrobium stem (xian shi hu) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse and cut into sections |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse briefly |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | — |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 5 pieces | Pitted |
| Frozen quail (an chun) | 2 birds | Clean and blanch in boiling water |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 2 litres) | — |
Method
- Peel the fresh Chinese yam and cut into large chunks.
- Rinse the fresh dendrobium stems and cut into sections.
- Rinse the goji berries briefly and pit the red dates.
- Clean the quail and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain and set aside.
- Place all ingredients into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 2 hours until liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
- Serve the soup and eat the solid ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is rich in nutrition and gentle enough for children — it supports healthy development and is a lovely general family soup in autumn and winter. The quail skin is thin and has very little fat, so there is no need to remove it. If you cannot find quail outside Asia, regular chicken or pork tendons make a very good substitute. For skin that becomes particularly dry in the colder months, drinking this soup regularly will help from the inside out.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Onie): I am in Canada and cannot easily find quail. Can I use chicken or pork instead? Bro Niu: Yes, you can substitute chicken meat or pork in place of quail.
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Q (Cheung): I have a thyroid nodule that was found to be benign. What food therapy and dietary cautions are appropriate for me? Bro Niu: Thyroid nodules are increasingly common — environmental factors may play a role. For benign nodules, you can try: xia ku cao (self-heal herb) 5 qian, zhe bei mu (Zhejiang fritillary bulb) 3 qian, luo han guo (monk fruit) half a fruit — 5 bowls of water simmered to 2 bowls, once a day, three times a week. For hyperthyroidism, reduce high-iodine foods; for hypothyroidism, these foods may actually be beneficial. Sea vegetables like kelp can help soften and disperse nodules. Focus on fresh vegetables, fruit, and unprocessed meat; limit processed foods.
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Q (李小姐): Does quail need to have its skin removed before cooking? Bro Niu: Quail has very little fat under the skin, so no need to remove it.
Published December 27, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
