Soups
Lingzhi, Ba Ji, Tai Zi Shen & Black Bean Soup
Traditionally supports immunity in a gentle, balanced way
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 Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for middle-aged and older people, those with weak sinew and bone, or anyone wanting gentle immune support
- May also suit those mindful of blood sugar and blood pressure
- Those with an unresolved cold or flu should not take this
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lingzhi / reishi (ling zhi): traditionally supports immunity and the liver
- Morinda root (ba ji): traditionally supports the kidneys and strengthens sinew and bone
- Tai zi shen: traditionally supports the spleen and stomach and generates fluids, gently and not drying
- Black soybeans (hei dou): traditionally nourishing and supportive
- Southern jujube (nan zao): traditionally nourishes blood and rounds the flavor
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purple-black lingzhi | ~19 g | Rinse |
| Morinda root (ba ji) | ~19 g | Rinse |
| Tai zi shen | ~19 g | Rinse |
| Black soybeans | ~40 g | Rinse |
| Southern jujube | 6 | Rinse |
Method
- Rinse and briefly soak each ingredient.
- Simmer in 7 bowls of water about 1.5 hours, down to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’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.
Published May 21, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
