Soups
Astragalus and Codonopsis Calming Soup
Traditionally used to nourish the heart and calm the spirit
Why people make this soup
Phobias and anxiety disorders are exhausting — the nervous tension that comes from irrational but uncontrollable fear drains both mental energy and physical vitality. In traditional Chinese food therapy, the heart and spleen are said to govern the mind and blood supply; when these are depleted, fear, palpitations, and poor sleep tend to follow. This soup pairs astragalus and codonopsis — two of the most respected qi-tonifying herbs in the Chinese pantry — with longan and schisandra to support the heart and calm the spirit gently over time. It won’t replace professional care, but many people find it a comforting, nourishing addition to their routine.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Best suited to people who feel chronically fatigued, pale, prone to palpitations, short of breath, or easily frightened
- Also helpful for general insomnia and nervous exhaustion
- Not suitable during cold, flu, fever, or when there is tooth or gum inflammation
- Those with a constitution described in Chinese medicine as “phlegm-fire” or “excessive dampness” should avoid this warming tonic
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (huang qi / bei qi): One of the foremost qi-tonifying herbs; traditionally associated with strengthening the protective energy of the body, raising vitality, and supporting the spleen
- Codonopsis root (dang shen): A gentler alternative to ginseng; traditionally used to replenish qi and nourish blood without being too hot or stimulating
- Dried longan flesh (yuan rou): Traditionally valued for nourishing heart blood and calming the spirit; used in many classical formulas for anxiety and insomnia
- Schisandra berries (wu wei zi): A five-flavored berry associated with calming the mind, astringing nervous energy, and supporting both qi and yin
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm and sweet; classically used to harmonise the formula, nourish blood, and support digestive absorption
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 37 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Codonopsis root (dang shen) | 11 g (3 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Dried longan flesh (yuan rou) | 19 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Schisandra berries (wu wei zi) | 11 g (3 qian) | Rinse |
| Red dates | 8 pieces | Pit before cooking |
| Water | 5 bowls (~1.2 L) | Reduces to about 2 bowls |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients; remove pits from red dates.
- Combine everything in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 2 bowls.
- Drink the broth warm. The dates and longan are pleasant to eat as well.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is warming and tonifying, so it is also useful for those with insomnia or general nervous exhaustion — not only for phobia sufferers. Because it is a warming formula, it is not appropriate during fever, active cold or flu, or when there is gum swelling or inflammation. Drink every other day for about a month and observe whether symptoms ease.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (anonymous reader): I get phobia attacks every day when stress builds up. Can I drink this calming soup long-term? Bro Niu: You can try taking one dose every other day for a month and see if it helps ease your symptoms. This soup nourishes the heart and spleen and is gentle on the body. Just avoid it if you have a cold, fever, or inflamed gums.
Published November 23, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
