Soups
Astragalus, Rice Paper Plant Pith & Black Bean Soup
supports postpartum milk production; traditionally associated with replenishing qi and blood to encourage lactation
In short: Astragalus, Rice Paper Plant Pith & Black Bean Soup is a soup that supports postpartum milk production; traditionally associated with replenishing qi and blood to encourage lactation. It is most often made for women's wellness, energy & vitality. Total time about 1 hr 40 min. Key ingredients: astragalus root, black soybeans, red dates.
Why people make this soup
Inadequate milk supply after delivery is more common than many people realise, and it can be distressing for mothers who want to breastfeed. Traditional food therapy attributes postpartum milk shortage to two main patterns: blood and qi deficiency (often from blood loss during delivery, or a generally weak constitution), and emotional stagnation (stress, anxiety, and low mood can inhibit the free flow of milk). This soup targets the first pattern — it is a nourishing, relatively simple broth designed to replenish qi and blood and gently encourage milk production and flow. It can be made more substantial and nutritious by adding pork shin or fresh fish to the pot.
Nourilo also notes that good preparation before delivery makes a difference: from around 5 months of pregnancy, regular breast massage and, from 7–8 months onwards, washing the nipples with warm soapy water can help condition the skin and prepare the breast for nursing.
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.
- Astragalus root
TA-65 was associated with longer leukocyte telomeres compared with controls, but the meta-analysis found no significant improvement in frailty measures or inflammatory markers (CRP/IL-6). Mild gastrointestinal effects were reported.Limitation: Industry-funded trials reported larger effects than others, and the compound is a purified extract at doses not comparable to eating Astragalus root.PubMed 41286474 · 3 more astragalus root studies - Black soybeans
Systolic blood pressure fell more in the black soy peptide group (-9.69 mm Hg) than in the placebo group (-2.91 mm Hg) after baseline adjustment. Plasma malondialdehyde decreased and superoxide dismutase activity increased compared with placebo.Limitation: Used an isolated peptide supplement rather than whole black soybeans, and followed participants for only 8 weeks, so the results may not apply to food intake.PubMed 23924691 - Red dates
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.
Ingredient notes for this recipe
- Astragalus: May interact with medicines that suppress the immune system. A thorough safety evaluation has not been done, and little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Source: NIH NCCIH — Astragalus
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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