Soups
Gang Mei Gen and Wampee Leaf Soup
A traditional herbal soup sipped during flu season to support the body's defenses
Why people make this soup
Spring brings the flu-season peak, and the strains that go around can hit the young, the old and even the fit and strong — so everyone benefits from sensible precautions: wash hands often, mind personal hygiene, and stay away from crowded, stuffy places. Fresh wampee leaves are traditionally valued in flu season; simmered with herbs like ilex root, isatis root and honeysuckle, they make a soup many families turn to as a seasonal support.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- A traditional seasonal soup for the whole family during flu peaks; the source notes it’s also considered suitable for older people with heart conditions or high cholesterol.
- For a 3-year-old, halve the amounts. This supports general wellbeing — it is not a vaccine or a treatment. If fever or real illness sets in, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Ilex root (gang mei gen): A southern-Chinese folk herb traditionally used to clear heat and soothe the throat in the warm season.
- Isatis root / ban lan gen: A classic herb traditionally taken during flu season.
- Honeysuckle (jin yin hua): Traditionally used to clear heat and toxins.
- Fresh wampee leaves (huang pi ye): Traditionally valued as a seasonal support during flu peaks.
- Liquorice (gan cao) and red dates: Harmonize and soften the herbal flavor.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ilex root (gang mei gen) | ~18.75 g | From a Chinese-medicine shop |
| Isatis root (ban lan gen) | ~11 g | |
| Honeysuckle (jin yin hua) | ~11 g | |
| Fresh wampee leaves (huang pi ye) | ~37.5 g | Available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online |
| Liquorice (gan cao) | ~7.5 g | |
| Red dates | 8 | Pitted |
Method
- Wash all the ingredients.
- Simmer in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls, then serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh wampee leaves are available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online; the rest of the ingredients are available at Chinese-medicine shops. This soup supports seasonal wellbeing — it is not a vaccine or a treatment; if fever or real illness sets in, please see a doctor.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Anna): Several family members already have the flu. Is this soup suitable for elderly people with heart disease and high cholesterol? Bro Niu: Yes — this soup is suitable for older people with heart conditions and high cholesterol.
- Q (AMY): Can a 3-year-old drink it? Bro Niu: Yes, a 3-year-old can have this — halve the amounts.
- Q (man ling): Is ilex root (gang mei gen) bought at a Chinese-medicine shop? Bro Niu: Yes, ilex root is sold at Chinese-medicine shops.
Published February 7, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
