Xianmao, Epimedium and Organic Chicken Breast Soup

Why people make this soup

Statistics suggest that 75–85% of women experience some symptoms of menopause, from irregular periods and hot flushes to palpitations, insomnia and emotional changes. In Chinese medicine, menopause is understood as a natural but sometimes difficult transition in which the body’s reserves of yin and yang become gradually depleted, particularly in the kidneys. This soup is aimed specifically at women whose menopause presents with what practitioners call a “kidney yang deficiency” pattern: a dull or puffy complexion, swelling in the face and limbs, hot flushes followed by chills, diminished appetite, loose stools, frequent urination, and periods that arrive irregularly, too early or too late. Xianmao and epimedium (the latter also known in the West as “horny goat weed” for its traditionally recognized effects on sexual function) are two of Chinese medicine’s key kidney-warming herbs, combined here with longan flesh for nourishing the blood and free-range chicken breast for gentle nourishment. Nourilo notes these herbs are on the potent side, so this soup is not an everyday staple — once or twice a week is appropriate.