Soups
Millettia Root (Niu Da Li), Fresh Yam and Chestnut Pork Shank Soup
traditionally used to strengthen sinews and tendons, support joint mobility, nourish the kidneys, and moisten the lungs
In short: Millettia Root (Niu Da Li), Fresh Yam and Chestnut Pork Shank Soup is a soup that traditionally used to strengthen sinews and tendons, support joint mobility, nourish the kidneys, and moisten the lungs. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, children's wellness, kidney & urinary wellness. Total time about 2 hr 20 min. Key ingredients: chinese yam, chestnuts, red dates, pork shank.
Why people make this soup
Millettia root (niu da li, literally “ox great power”) is a mild, warm root that stands apart from most mountain herbs in that it is not cooling or bitter. Traditional practitioners consider it one of the best non-drastic herbs for strengthening the sinews and tendons, supporting people with aching, stiff, or weak joints from rheumatic conditions, kidney deficiency, or simple overwork. Combined with fresh yam (strengthening to the spleen and kidneys), chestnuts (nourishing to the kidneys and tendons), and pork shank (collagen-rich protein), this soup is a delicious, deeply nourishing bowl for any family member dealing with joint complaints, persistent fatigue, or a weak constitution.
What studies say about the key ingredients
Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.
- Red dates
Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies
From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.
Safety first — read before you cook
This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
- take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
- have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.
Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes
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