Codonopsis, Red-Skin Peanut and Red Date Drink

Why people make this drink

When the body produces too few platelets — whether due to illness, certain medications, excessive alcohol, or chemotherapy — small signs like unexplained bruises, heavier-than-usual periods, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds can appear. Bro Niu recommends this simple drink as a gentle, ongoing support alongside medical care. The combination of codonopsis, red-skin peanuts, and red dates has a long tradition in Chinese food therapy for nourishing the blood and supporting the body’s natural regenerative processes.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Anyone looking for a gentle daily tonic to complement medical treatment for low platelet counts, post-chemotherapy recovery, or easy bruising
• People with iron-deficiency anaemia or general blood deficiency may find this supportive
• People with diabetes should be aware that red dates add natural sugar — limit the amount or consult a nutritionist
• Not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment; if symptoms are severe or unexplained, please see a doctor

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Codonopsis root (dang shen): A milder alternative to ginseng, traditionally considered to nourish the spleen and lungs, support energy, and promote the production of blood (qi and blood tonifying)
• Red-skin peanuts (hong yi hua sheng): The reddish inner skin of the peanut is the key element here — it is traditionally prized specifically for its association with stopping bleeding and supporting platelet recovery; plain skinless peanuts are less effective for this purpose
• Red dates (hong zao): A classic blood-nourishing ingredient in Chinese food therapy; traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, calming the spirit, and enriching the blood

Ingredients (3 bowls / 1 day’s serving)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Codonopsis root (dang shen)	19 g (5 qian)	Soak briefly, then slice
Red-skin peanuts	75 g (2 liang)	Keep the red skins on; soak briefly
Red dates	6–8 pieces	Sliced, pits removed
Water	6 bowls (~1.5 L)	To cook down to 3 bowls

Method

1. Soak the codonopsis root briefly in water, then slice into rounds.
2. Rinse the red-skin peanuts and soak briefly; keep the skins on — they are the most important part.
3. Rinse and pit the red dates; slice each in half.
4. Combine all ingredients with 6 bowls of water in a pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 3 bowls.
6. Divide into portions and drink throughout the day. Aim for 3 doses per week.

Bro Niu’s tips

The red skin of the peanut is what makes this recipe distinctive — it can be found at larger grocery stores or Chinese herbal shops. If you cannot find red-skin peanuts, ask the herbalist for dried peanut skins (hua sheng yi) and use about 11 g (3 qian) instead. This drink may also offer mild support for white blood cell recovery during chemotherapy, though always discuss with your oncology team.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Ms Chanchan): I have idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Can I add codonopsis and drink this daily? Bro Niu: This recipe is beneficial for purpura. You can take it about 3 times per week rather than every day.

• Q (Ms Chanchan): What foods generally help raise platelets, and what should I avoid? Bro Niu: Orange-red coloured foods like beetroot, carrots, tomatoes, cranberries, and pomegranate are traditionally considered helpful. Also eat plenty of vitamin C-rich vegetables and dark leafy greens. Fish oil taken daily is also beneficial. Avoid cold, raw, and very cooling foods, and cut back on iced drinks.

• Q (reader): Can the Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) be taken to boost iron levels? Bro Niu: Si Wu Tang with added goji berries, red dates, and longan flesh can all help increase iron.

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Published October 16, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.