Huai Shan, Goji, Squab Pigeon, and Sea Cucumber Stew

Why people make this stew

Infertility can arise from many causes — some medical, some lifestyle-related. Bro Niu is careful to point out that if there is an underlying medical issue (such as fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or blocked fallopian tubes), seeing a doctor is essential and should not be delayed. But for those whose challenges stem from poor nutrition, low body weight, stress, or general weakness, nourishing food therapy can genuinely support the body’s readiness.

This double-boiled stew is one of Bro Niu’s favourites for this purpose. Sea cucumber is traditionally regarded as a deeply nourishing ingredient — rich in collagen, mineral-dense, and warming without being drying or overly stimulating. Paired with young pigeon (which concentrates vitality), Chinese yam, and goji, the result is a rich, delicate stew that both men and women can benefit from.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for both men and women hoping to conceive, as a supportive complement to overall wellness
• Also excellent for recovery after surgery or serious illness, for blood deficiency and irregular periods, and for those experiencing memory decline or fatigue
• Note: many commercially raised pigeons are fed growth hormones. Bro Niu recommends choosing free-range, hormone-free birds, or substituting with hormone-free chicken or quail if pigeon sourcing is uncertain
• Those with digestive weakness or irritable bowel may find sea cucumber hard to digest; substitute with lean pork or chicken in that case

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Sea cucumber (hai shen): A prized tonic ingredient; rich in collagen and bioactive compounds — traditionally said to nourish essence and kidney qi, strengthen the body without causing internal heat, and support reproductive vitality in both sexes
• Squab pigeon (ru ge): Young pigeon is traditionally regarded as a highly concentrated tonic — associated with strengthening qi, blood, and kidney essence, and supporting wound healing
• Chinese yam (huai shan): Neutral and gentle; one of the most versatile tonic foods, supporting the spleen, lungs, and kidneys simultaneously
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Sweet and neutral; traditionally nourish liver blood and kidney yin, support the eyes, and complement the other tonifying ingredients
• Red dates (hong zao): Support blood production and harmonize the formula

Ingredients (1 pot, 2–3 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Chinese yam (dried huai shan)	1 liang (~37 g)	Soak and rinse
Goji berries	3 qian (~11 g)	Soak and rinse
Fresh ginger	3 slices
Red dates	5 pieces	Pit before use
Squab pigeon	1 whole bird	Clean and blanch in boiling water first
Rehydrated sea cucumber	2–3 pieces	Blanch in boiling water first; use soft-fleshed variety
Boiling water	3 bowls (~750 mL)	For the double-boiling process

Method

1. Soak and rinse the dried Chinese yam and goji berries. Pit the red dates.
2. Clean and gut the pigeon. Blanch both the pigeon and sea cucumber in boiling water for 2–3 minutes each; drain and rinse.
3. Place all ingredients in a ceramic stew pot (dun zhong / double-boiling crock). Pour in 3 bowls of just-boiled water.
4. Place the stew pot in a larger pot or steamer. Cover and steam (double-boil) over medium-low heat for 2 hours.
5. Serve warm — drink the broth and eat all the ingredients together.

Bro Niu’s tips

• Sea cucumber and pigeon together make a deeply nourishing combination that is warming without being drying — safe for extended use.
• This stew is also excellent for those recovering from surgery, those with blood deficiency, amenorrhea, or anyone experiencing significant fatigue or memory issues.
• If commercially raised pigeon is your only option, Bro Niu suggests substituting with hormone-free chicken or frozen quail for this recipe.
• If digestive issues make sea cucumber difficult to tolerate, substitute with lean pork for the same base nourishment.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Ks): Can I drink this after ovulation? Bro Niu: Yes, you can take it after ovulation.

• Q (Mandy): I have a sensitive gut — easy stomach pain, always tired. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: With a sensitive digestive system, sea cucumber may be too rich and difficult to digest. Instead, try a soup with Chinese yam (huai shan), poria mushroom (fu ling), lotus seeds (lian zi), and fox nuts (qian shi) — each about 1 liang — with fresh ginger and tangerine peel, simmered with lean pork or pigeon. This will support the spleen while still nourishing.

• Q (湿水牛角包): What food therapies do you especially recommend for couples trying to conceive? Bro Niu: Pigeon, oysters, mussels, and sea cucumber all support fertility — they are suitable for both men and women.

---

Published November 12, 2020 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.