Lingzhi, Ba Ji, Tai Zi Shen & Black Bean Soup

Why people make this soup

Lingzhi (reishi) is traditionally valued to support immunity and the liver, with polysaccharides that are studied for how they modulate immune cells and ease inflammation. Morinda root (ba ji) is traditionally used to support the kidneys, strengthen sinew and bone, and bolster immunity. People who could use this kind of support often have weaker digestion, poor appetite and restless sleep — so Nourilo rounds the pot with tai zi shen, which gently supports the spleen and stomach, plus black soybeans and southern jujube. The result is neither cold nor drying — a mild, everyday tonic.

Method

1. Rinse and briefly soak each ingredient.
2. Simmer in 2.1 L of water about 1.5 hours, down to 1.2 L.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is not strongly medicinal in flavor. It is traditionally seen as supportive for the immune system and especially suited to middle-aged and older people; it may also suit those mindful of blood sugar and blood pressure. But if a cold or flu has not yet cleared, hold off on this one.