Soups
Astragalus, Codonopsis and Lamb Soup
traditionally used to warm and tonify the spleen and kidneys, supporting those with cold, fatigue, and weak constitution
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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited for those experiencing chronic fatigue, cold hands and feet, puffiness in the face or limbs, dry skin, low vitality, or a general cold-damp constitution.
- Particularly helpful as a dietary support for elderly patients with hypothyroidism.
- Not suitable for those with yin deficiency and excess internal heat (symptoms: flushed face, afternoon heat sensations, night sweats, tendency toward inflammation).
- Do NOT prepare during an active cold, flu, or fever — this is a warming tonic, which can worsen an acute infection.
- Lamb leg or neck meat is preferred: less fatty, less gamey smell than other cuts.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): One of the most important tonic herbs in Chinese medicine, deeply associated with tonifying the defensive qi (wei qi), strengthening the immune system, lifting yang energy, and consolidating the exterior. Often used for fatigue, poor immune function, and prolapse conditions.
- Codonopsis root (dang shen): A gentle qi tonic that supports the spleen and lungs; often used as a gentler substitute for ginseng. Supports digestive absorption and builds sustained energy.
- Red dates (hong zao): Tonify blood and qi; harmonise the formula; provide gentle sweetness.
- Fresh ginger: Warming and qi-moving; helps dispel cold and support digestion; also reduces the gamey smell of lamb.
- Lamb: Considered in Chinese food therapy to be one of the most warming meats, associated with strengthening kidney yang, dispelling cold, and building physical warmth. Lamb leg or neck meat has less fat and less gamey flavour than other cuts.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Codonopsis root (dang shen) | 19 g (5 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 pieces | Pit before cooking |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Lamb (leg or neck) | 300 g (half jin) | Blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities |
| Water | 7–8 bowls (~1.5 L) |
Method
- Rinse and briefly soak astragalus and codonopsis.
- Pit the red dates.
- Blanch the lamb in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain.
- Add all ingredients to a pot with 7–8 bowls of cold water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
- Cook for 2 hours until you have about 3–4 bowls.
- Serve and drink; eat some of the lamb and dates.
Bro Niu’s tips
Bro Niu 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 3 qian of angelica root (dang gui) for added blood-nourishing effect — this combination is particularly suitable for women.
Published December 1, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
