Soups
Fresh Dendrobium, Astragalus and Chicken Soup
Traditionally supports immune function and overall vitality
Why people make this soup
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bro Niu was thinking about what everyday food-therapy could do to help people stay resilient. Many classic strengthening herbs — astragalus, goji, red dates, and others — are associated in traditional Chinese medicine with activating the body’s immune cells and keeping defences sharp. Today he picked up a bundle of fresh dendrobium at the herbal shop. This variety has a lovely sweet flavour when simmered, and unlike some warming tonics, it is associated with nourishing yin and moistening the lungs without producing excess heat. The result is a gentle, sweet soup the whole family can drink — children included.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children looking to maintain general wellbeing and energy
- Fresh dendrobium is mild and nourishing; those who find warming herbs irritating may prefer it over drier tonics
- Best avoided while actively feverish or experiencing acute illness — tonic soups are best reserved for recovery or prevention, not during active infection
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu): In traditional Chinese food therapy, dendrobium is associated with nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and supporting liver and kidney health. Fresh stems are said to be sweeter and less likely to cause internal heat than dried preparations.
- Astragalus root (bei qi): One of the most well-researched tonic herbs in modern phytotherapy; traditionally associated with tonifying defensive qi, reducing perspiration, and supporting the body’s surface defences
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Gentle blood nourisher; when combined with astragalus and red dates, this trio is traditionally considered to synergistically activate immune cells
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm, sweet, and qi-building; traditionally support spleen-stomach function and heart nourishment
- Lean pork: Adds body and protein to the broth while keeping the flavour clean and neutral
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium stem (xian shi hu) | 37 g (1 liang) | Or 11 g dried if fresh unavailable |
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 18 g (5 qian) | Chinese medicine shop |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 11 g (3 qian) | Rinse before use |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 5 | Pitted |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Lean pork | 300 g | Cut into pieces; blanch briefly |
Method
- Rinse the fresh dendrobium and cut into short segments.
- Rinse astragalus and goji berries; soak briefly.
- Pit the red dates.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain and rinse.
- Place all ingredients in a soup pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer over low-medium heat for 1.5 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Serve warm. The soup ingredients can also be eaten.
Bro Niu’s tips
When choosing fresh dendrobium, look for thick, sturdy stems with a purple-green colouring — these are considered to have the most potent flavour and nutritional value. If fresh dendrobium is unavailable, substitute 3 qian (about 11 g) of the dried form. You can also add one or two apple slices to the pot for a slightly fruitier sweetness.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Wing): Can I add snow pear, apple, or papaya to this soup? Bro Niu: Adding apple generally works best with this combination.
-
Q (Rita): When should I add the soaking water from dried tangerine peel — should I throw it away? Bro Niu: The membrane of dried tangerine peel contains compounds that help soften blood vessels. Don’t scrape it off and don’t discard the soaking water — rinse the peel, soak it, and then use both the peel and the soaking water together in the pot.
-
Q (Angela): I cannot find fresh dendrobium where I live. Is there a substitute? Bro Niu: If you can find glehnia root (sha shen) and Solomon’s seal (yu zhu), use about 18 g of each as a substitute. If those are also unavailable, a small piece of snow fungus (xue er, about 11 g) will do.
Published March 13, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
