Soups
Niu Da Li, Ba Ji and Chestnut Pork Shin Soup
Traditionally strengthens the sinews and supports the lower back and knees
Why people make this soup
Niu da li, also known as “mountain lotus root,” is a herb available at Chinese herb shops and Asian grocers, or online. It is traditionally regarded as supporting the lungs, strengthening the sinews and unblocking the channels, and it is mild and pleasant with little medicinal taste. Here Bro Niu pairs it with ba ji (morinda) — also sweet and warming, traditionally regarded as supporting kidney yang, the sinews and bones, and dispelling wind-damp — plus chestnuts, nicknamed the “fruit of the kidney.” Together they make a soup traditionally taken by those with a sore lower back, weak knees and wind-damp aches.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for those with a sore lower back, weak knees, or wind-damp joint aches
- Bro Niu notes it is especially helpful for postnatal back ache
- Caution: not suitable while a cold has not yet cleared
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Niu da li: Traditionally regarded as supporting the lungs, strengthening the sinews and unblocking the channels.
- Ba ji (morinda): Sweet and warming, traditionally regarded as supporting kidney yang, the sinews and bones, and dispelling wind-damp.
- Chestnuts (li zi): Nicknamed the “fruit of the kidney,” traditionally associated with supporting the kidney and strengthening the back and knees.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Niu da li | ~38 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Ba ji (morinda root) | ~19 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Chestnuts | ~113 g | Blanched in boiling water and skinned |
| Pork shin | 1 piece | Cut into chunks, blanched |
Method
- Soak and rinse the niu da li and ba ji.
- Drop the chestnuts into boiling water and remove their skins.
- Cut the pork shin into chunks and blanch.
- Boil all ingredients in 9 bowls of water for 2 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear and fragrant, suitable for young and old. It is especially helpful for those with postnatal back ache, but it is not suitable while a cold has not yet cleared.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Namnam): Can I make a soup with niu da li, du zhong, ba ji and black beans? After showering I didn’t dress right away and my lower back felt stiff and a bit sore — would these four together be more effective, and what else should I add, and roughly how much each? Bro Niu: For a 4-person batch use about 1 tael of each ingredient; you can add 5 red or southern dates and 1 piece of tangerine peel. If you want it as a soup, add pork ribs or pork shin.
- Q (Joyce): I had knee surgery three weeks ago — what soup is good? Bro Niu: For the knees you can use 5 qian each of ba ji and du zhong, 3 taels of chestnut and 6 red dates in a pork-shin soup, which traditionally helps strengthen the sinews and bones. Stewing sea cucumber or fish maw with Chinese yam, goji and red dates is also good.
Published March 13, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
