Niu Da Li, Ba Ji and Chestnut Pork Shin Soup

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 Nourilo 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.