Snow Fungus, Walnut and Sea-Cucumber Double-Boiled Tonic

Why people make this tonic

In traditional thinking, when the body has been worn down — by illness itself, or by the rigors of treatment — the priority is to rebuild the body’s foundation, especially after surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Nourilo’s snow fungus, walnut and sea-cucumber tonic is a gentle, double-boiled bowl traditionally taken to support the kidney essence and nourish the lungs and stomach, which is why people who feel weak and depleted reach for it to help build strength.

Method

1. Soak the snow fungus, scallop and walnut until soft; remove the stem from the snow fungus.
2. Blanch the sea cucumber, then cut into chunks.
3. Put all ingredients in a double-boiling pot, pour in 900 ml of boiling water, and double-boil (covered, over water) about 3 hours.
4. Serve, eating the soup with the solids.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tonic is traditionally taken to help support the body and improve a depleted, weak feeling. The one caution: those with a damp, weak spleen or loose stools should not drink it. If you prefer it lightly sweet, you can skip the salty scallop and add good dried figs instead, which give a lung-moistening, beautifying quality.