Soups
Poria, White Peony and Fingered Citron Soup
Traditionally used to support the spleen and liver and ease heaviness
Why people make this soup
Holidays mean rich food, but for anyone tending toward fatty liver, controlling the diet — easing off greasy, high-fat foods — has to come first. Early on there may be no clear signs; only later might appetite drop and digestion feel off. Because diet matters most here, Bro Niu offers this gentle soup as supportive food therapy alongside a careful diet. Traditionally it is used to support the spleen, soften the liver and help drain dampness, and is associated with helping people who feel bloated and weary after eating even a little.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to people with spleen-and-liver qi weakness who bloat easily after eating, feel a greasy taste in the mouth, have poor appetite or feel weary.
- This is supportive food therapy, not a treatment — for fatty liver, diet control and a doctor’s care come first.
- If you run dry, leave out the ginger and swap the red dates for 6 southern dates to reduce its warming tendency. Bro Niu notes it can be taken even when a cold isn’t fully cleared.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Poria (fu ling): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and drain dampness.
- White peony (bai shao): Associated with softening and soothing the liver.
- Fingered citron (fo shou): Traditionally used to move qi and relieve a stuffy, bloated feeling.
- Tangerine peel (chen pi): Helps move qi and resolve dampness.
Ingredients (2 bowls, one day’s serving)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poria (fu ling) | ~30 g | |
| White peony (bai shao) | ~19 g | |
| Fingered citron (fo shou) | ~11 g | |
| Tangerine peel (chen pi) | ~7.5 g | |
| Ginger | 2 slices | Omit if you run dry |
| Red dates, pitted | 10 | Or 6 southern dates if you run dry |
Method
- Rinse and soak the ingredients.
- Cook with 6 bowls of water for about 1.5 hours down to 2 bowls.
- Take over the course of one day.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally used to support the spleen, soften the liver and drain dampness, and suits people with spleen-and-liver qi weakness who bloat after eating just a little, with a greasy taste in the mouth, poor appetite and fatigue.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (虾米): Can I drink this if a cold isn’t fully cleared and I have white phlegm? I also have a dry constitution, long-term insomnia and tire easily. Bro Niu: This soup can be taken even when a cold isn’t fully cleared. If you have a dry constitution, leave out the ginger and swap the red dates for 6 southern dates to reduce its warming tendency.
-
Q (Ling): Can I add wu zhi mao tao, codonopsis or tai zi shen? Leave out the ginger and use southern dates instead of red — does that change the effect? Bro Niu: You can add wu zhi mao tao, tai zi shen or codonopsis, and you can use southern dates.
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Q (杰杰): Does monkey-head mushroom help with fatty liver? Any other useful foods? Bro Niu: Monkey-head mushroom is very good for the spleen and stomach and helps strengthen the constitution; it isn’t used to treat fatty liver, but people with fatty liver can eat it — no problem.
Published December 25, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
