Gastrodia, Polygonatum and Walnut Soup

Why people make this soup

Migraines are genuinely disabling. When a bad episode strikes, some people cannot get out of bed — the pain is relentless, and there can be visual disturbances like flashing lights on one side. Pain medication offers temporary relief, but many people look for something that might help reduce how often the attacks come. In traditional Cantonese food therapy, this type of migraine is often associated with “liver wind” — a pattern where insufficient nourishment to the liver leads to internal stirring that rises up to disturb the head. This soup was designed to address that root pattern: gastrodia calms liver wind and stops head pain; polygonatum and walnuts provide deep nourishment to support the brain and blood over time. The result is a savoury, mildly sweet soup that is pleasant to drink and gentle enough to take regularly.

Method

1. Blanch the lean pork briefly in boiling water, then drain and discard the blanching water. This removes impurities and keeps the broth clean.
2. Rinse and briefly soak the gastrodia, polygonatum, walnuts, and red dates.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour, until the liquid has reduced to approximately 600 ml.
5. Drink warm, dividing the 2 bowls over the course of the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

Adding a large fish head to the pot alongside or instead of the pork makes a noticeable difference to the therapeutic effect — this is Nourilo’s preferred version for those with more frequent or severe migraines. This soup is well-suited to long-term intermittent use: the recommended pattern is 2–3 servings per week, taken as a course. Once symptoms improve significantly, you can stop. Do not take it every single day — giving the body rest days between servings is better practice with herbal-based soups. For a larger batch serving 5–7 people, increase to 3 L of water and cook for 1 hour; add extra lean pork to give the broth more body and flavour.