Astragalus and Codonopsis Calming Soup

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.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients; remove pits from red dates.
2. Combine everything in a pot with 1.5 L of water.
3. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
4. Cook for 1 hour until the liquid reduces to about 600 ml.
5. Drink the broth warm. The dates and longan are pleasant to eat as well.

Nourilo’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.