Astragalus, Codonopsis and Lamb Soup

Why people make this soup

The thyroid gland regulates the body’s metabolic rate and overall development, which means an underactive thyroid affects almost every system. In older adults — particularly women — hypothyroidism often goes undetected for years. The signs can be subtle at first: persistent low mood, a vague facial puffiness, swelling around the wrists and ankles, dry and rough skin, a tendency to feel cold, and a general slowing of physical energy. In traditional Chinese medicine, this pattern — fatigue, cold intolerance, slow metabolism, and fluid retention — is often viewed as a deficiency of spleen and kidney yang. This soup addresses that pattern directly. Astragalus is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine for boosting vital qi and strengthening immune function. Codonopsis is often called “poor man’s ginseng” — a gentler, very accessible root that tonifies the middle and supports digestive absorption. Lamb is the warming meat of choice in Chinese food therapy, associated with strengthening kidney yang and dispelling cold.

Method

1. Rinse and briefly soak astragalus and codonopsis.
2. Pit the red dates.
3. Blanch the lamb in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain.
4. Add all ingredients to a pot with 2.1–2.4 L of cold water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
6. Cook for 2 hours until you have about 3–4 bowls.
7. Serve and drink; eat some of the lamb and dates.

Nourilo’s Tips

Nourilo notes that the original photo features a black grass sheep (hei cao yang), a heritage breed with a lean carcass and much less gamey smell than commercial lamb. Wherever you shop, ask for leg or neck meat — these cuts have far less fat and have a more delicate flavour than shoulder or belly. Codonopsis (dang shen) can optionally be supplemented with 11 g of angelica root (dang gui) for added blood-nourishing effect — this combination is particularly suitable for women.