Soups
Notoginseng, Salvia, Black Bean and Fig Soup
Traditionally used to support circulation and healthy blood vessels
Why people make this soup
A friend brought Bro Niu a bag of raw notoginseng from a trip to the mainland — plump, earthy-yellow roots that, when sliced, show a faint chrysanthemum-like pattern and a lovely fragrance. Notoginseng is traditionally valued for invigorating and nourishing the blood and for supporting microcirculation. While getting the roots sliced at the herb shop, he also picked up some salvia, another classic “blood-vessel sweeper” traditionally used to improve blood flow and keep vessels supple. Paired with green-kernel black soybean and figs, this bowl is traditionally turned to by those with qi-and-blood weakness, kidney depletion, or heart-and-circulation concerns.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People wanting to support circulation and vascular health.
- Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder, heavy periods, or are pregnant. If you take blood thinners or have heart disease, please see your doctor first.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Notoginseng (tian qi): traditionally used to invigorate and nourish the blood and support microcirculation.
- Salvia (dan shen): traditionally used to improve blood flow and keep vessels supple.
- Black soybean (qing ren hei dou): traditionally used to support the liver and kidneys.
- Figs (wu hua guo): add natural sweetness and gentle nourishment.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salvia (dan shen) | 5 qian (~19 g) | |
| Notoginseng (tian qi) | 5 qian (~19 g) | sliced |
| Green-kernel black soybean (qing ren hei dou) | 2 liang (~75 g) | |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 4–5 |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients separately.
- Combine with 8 bowls of water and simmer 1 hour, reducing to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally thought to support blood flow and vascular health. But it is not for everyone: those with a bleeding disorder, women with heavy menstrual flow, and pregnant women should avoid it. If you are on blood thinners, please check with your doctor first.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Du Zhong Cha): Can notoginseng-and-salvia powder help with the blood vessels, and how much should I take? Bro Niu: Notoginseng-salvia powder is associated with supporting the vessels. Start with just 1 teaspoon of each — don’t take too much.
- Q (Coco): My husband just had a stent placed after a heart attack and is on blood thinners. Can he drink wood-ear-and-apple water or wood-ear-and-red-date water? Bro Niu: After a stent he can drink apple-and-fig water, but wood-ear has a blood-thinning effect, so don’t use much — a small amount is fine. Apple and goji can be used often.
Published April 27, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
