Chinese Yam, Goji, Cashew and Loach Fish Soup (Huai Qi Yao Guo Ni Qiu Tang)

Why people make this soup

In Chinese constitutional medicine, “kidney yang deficiency” describes a cluster of symptoms that many people will recognise: always feeling cold (especially in the back and knees), low energy, poor sleep, frequent nighttime urination, and a general sense of not having enough drive. This soup is a practical, food-based response to that pattern. Loach fish — a small, mild freshwater fish common in Asian markets — is prized in Chinese food therapy for its amino acid content, which is considered beneficial for male reproductive health and general vitality. Paired with Chinese yam (which supports the spleen and kidney), cashews (warming and nourishing), goji berries and ginger, the soup is warming but not overly rich.

Nourilo notes that this soup is also a good choice for children who sweat excessively at night, have poor growth or poor absorption of nutrients — he suggests serving it two to three times a week for children in that situation.