Soups

Codonopsis, Poria and Lean Pork Soup

traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, support fluid metabolism, and assist hormonal balance

In short: Codonopsis, Poria and Lean Pork Soup is a soup that traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, support fluid metabolism, and assist hormonal balance. It is most often made for respiratory & lung wellness, digestive wellness, women's wellness. Total time about 75 min. Key ingredients: codonopsis root, poria, ginger, red dates.

Prep
15 min
Cook
60 min
Total
75 min
Makes
1 serving
Codonopsis, Poria and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years, and nutrition plays a meaningful role in supporting overall wellbeing alongside medical treatment. In traditional Chinese food therapy, PCOS is often viewed through the lens of an imbalance in spleen and kidney function, coupled with the accumulation of excess dampness and phlegm in the body. This soup brings together codonopsis root — a gentle energy tonic for the digestive system — with poria mushroom, which is especially valued for its ability to support the body’s fluid metabolism. Together with ginger, red dates, and lean pork, this is a mild, warming soup that the whole family can enjoy two to three times a week.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Ginger · Meta-analysis, 23 studies · 2022
    Overall, acute and delayed nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly between ginger and control groups. A subgroup taking 1 g/day or less for over four days had less acute vomiting (OR 0.30).Limitation: Clinical heterogeneity between trials required subgroup analyses, and the authors state that sufficiently large, high-quality RCTs are still needed.PubMed 36501010 · 3 more ginger studies
  • Red dates · Meta-analysis, 483 participants · 2025
    Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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