Soups

Astragalus, Black Soybean and Beef Soup with Southern Dates

traditionally used to consolidate defensive qi, reduce spontaneous and night sweating, and support energy

In short: Astragalus, Black Soybean and Beef Soup with Southern Dates is a soup that traditionally used to consolidate defensive qi, reduce spontaneous and night sweating, and support energy. It is most often made for sleep & calm, energy & vitality, immune support. Total time about 105 min. Key ingredients: astragalus root, green-kernel black soybeans, southern dates.

Prep
15 min
Cook
90 min
Total
105 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Astragalus, Black Soybean and Beef Soup with Southern Dates

Why people make this soup

In busy, high-pressure urban environments, a surprisingly large number of people experience what traditional Chinese medicine describes as nervous exhaustion — a state of chronic mental and physical depletion marked by easy excitability, poor sleep quality, fading memory, persistent tiredness, and a tendency to sweat without exertion. This soup is specifically designed for those who also experience spontaneous sweating (daytime sweating for no clear physical reason) or night sweats, alongside a pale complexion, low energy, and reduced appetite. Nourilo notes that nervous exhaustion often responds well to consistent dietary support and rest; the outlook is generally positive when the approach is steady.

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.

  • Astragalus root · Meta-analysis, 8 studies, 750 participants · 2025
    TA-65 was associated with longer leukocyte telomeres compared with controls, but the meta-analysis found no significant improvement in frailty measures or inflammatory markers (CRP/IL-6). Mild gastrointestinal effects were reported.Limitation: Industry-funded trials reported larger effects than others, and the compound is a purified extract at doses not comparable to eating Astragalus root.PubMed 41286474 · 3 more astragalus root studies
  • Black soybeans · Randomized controlled trial, 100 participants · 2013
    Systolic blood pressure fell more in the black soy peptide group (-9.69 mm Hg) than in the placebo group (-2.91 mm Hg) after baseline adjustment. Plasma malondialdehyde decreased and superoxide dismutase activity increased compared with placebo.Limitation: Used an isolated peptide supplement rather than whole black soybeans, and followed participants for only 8 weeks, so the results may not apply to food intake.PubMed 23924691

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.

Ingredient notes for this recipe

  • Astragalus: May interact with medicines that suppress the immune system. A thorough safety evaluation has not been done, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Source: NIH NCCIH — Astragalus

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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