Astragalus, Codonopsis, Longan and Mountain Turtle Broth

Why people make this soup

In Cantonese culinary tradition, double-steamed turtle broth has long been considered one of the most restorative soups you can offer someone in recovery. Mountain turtle is traditionally valued for nourishing yin, clearing deficiency heat, supporting liver and kidney function, and helping to soften hardness in the body. Its thick shell and flesh yield a remarkably clear, sweet broth when double-steamed with classic tonic herbs. Paired here with astragalus root for qi, codonopsis for the spleen and lungs, longan for the heart and blood, and goji berries for the liver, this soup is one of the more considered post-illness tonics in the Cantonese repertoire.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Well suited to people recovering from surgery, serious or prolonged illness, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, particularly those with fatigue, night sweats, deficiency heat, or insufficient body fluids
• Also helpful for those with neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion) or general deficiency
• People with active infection, fever, or strong excess heat conditions should wait until those resolve before using this tonic broth
• Very rich — those with weak digestion should start with small servings and build up gradually

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Mountain turtle (shan rui): Rich in protein and traditionally said to nourish yin, clear deficiency heat, calm the liver, support the kidneys, and help soften nodules. Its shell contains minerals including calcium and phosphorus.
• Astragalus root (bei qi): One of the most important qi-tonifying herbs in Chinese food medicine; traditionally associated with supporting immune function, promoting wound healing, and lifting energy after illness.
• Codonopsis root (dang shen): A gentler substitute for ginseng, traditionally used to support the spleen and stomach, build qi and blood, and improve appetite during recovery.
• Longan flesh (yuan rou): Warming and nourishing; traditionally associated with calming the heart and mind, supporting blood, and easing fatigue-related anxiety.
• Goji berries (gou qi zi): Mildly sweet and neutral; traditionally used to nourish liver and kidney yin and support eye health.
• Red dates (hong zao): Harmonize the formula; traditionally associated with supplementing qi and blood and protecting the stomach.

Ingredients (3–4 bowls / serves 4–5)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Mountain turtle (shan rui)	approx. 600 g	Ask the fishmonger to clean and dress it; substitute soft-shell turtle (shui yu) if needed — wild-caught is far preferable to farmed
Astragalus root (bei qi)	5 qian (~19 g)	Sliced; available at Chinese herb shops
Codonopsis root (dang shen)	3 qian (~11 g)
Goji berries (gou qi zi)	3 qian (~11 g)	Rinse before use
Dried longan flesh (yuan rou)	4 qian (~15 g)
Fresh ginger slices	3 slices
Red dates, pitted	6 pieces	Remove pits to reduce heat

Method

1. Remove fatty deposits from the turtle meat. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, plunge the turtle (shell and all) into the boiling water briefly to blanch, then lift out and peel away the white membrane that loosens.
2. In a small amount of oil, lightly pan-fry the turtle pieces until fragrant and lightly golden on the outside. This step adds depth to the final broth.
3. Pit the red dates. Rinse all herbs in clean water and set aside.
4. Place all ingredients — turtle, herbs, ginger, dates — into a ceramic double-steaming vessel (dun zhong). Pour in enough freshly boiled water to cover.
5. Seal the lid and double-steam over simmering water for 3 hours.
6. Season lightly with salt before serving. The broth should be clear and naturally sweet.

Bro Niu’s tips

• This broth is especially suited to people who have had surgery, experienced serious fever illness, or are recovering from cancer treatment — particularly those with signs of yin deficiency (dry mouth, low-grade heat sensations, night sweats, poor sleep).
• Mountain turtle is richer and more nourishing than ordinary soft-shell turtle (shui yu). If you can find it, use it. Wild-caught soft-shell turtle is also excellent, though not always available; farmed versions contain hormones and are far less beneficial.
• If you cannot access turtle at all, the herb combination can be simmered with pork loin or chicken for a still-nourishing recovery broth.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (kyoh): Does this quantity serve four people? My mother is a breast cancer survivor — is it suitable for her? Bro Niu: Yes, this amount comfortably serves four to five people. It is beneficial for cancer survivors. For leg swelling and fluid retention, you can additionally cook a soup with red adzuki beans, coix seed, and hyacinth beans — these help the body manage fluid more effectively.

• Q (anonymous reader): My father is 80 years old, had a fractured leg and is recovering in hospital. Can this soup help him? Bro Niu: You can use sea bass or grouper in place of turtle and add 5 qian astragalus, 3 qian codonopsis, one piece dried tangerine peel, and 6 red dates. These fish are rich in protein and support wound healing. Simmer for about 1 hour. Try 3 to 4 doses.

• Q (mag): My mother is about to have a full hysterectomy for ovarian cancer. Can she drink this soup after the operation? Bro Niu: After the surgery, once she has an appetite, this soup is suitable. Focus first on lighter recovery broths in the first days, then move to this once she is ready.

---

Published December 1, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.