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Snow Ear Fungus, Lily Bulb, Goji Berry and Silkie Chicken Soup

traditionally used to nourish yin, calm the mind, and support recovery from chronic stress and fatigue

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
105 min
Total
125 min
Makes
1.2–1.5 L
Sleep & CalmEnergy & VitalityEveryday Balance
Snow Ear Fungus, Lily Bulb, Goji Berry and Silkie Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Surveys suggest that a significant proportion of Hong Kong’s working population experiences what used to be called “nervous exhaustion” — a pattern of chronic fatigue, disrupted sleep, heart palpitations, and heightened anxiety driven by overwork, poor rest, and sustained stress. The term may sound old-fashioned, but the experience is very real. Traditional Chinese food therapy addresses this through a category of ingredients that “calm the heart and settle the spirit” — and this soup draws on some of the most trusted of them.

Snow ear fungus (a close relative of the better-known tremella mushroom) is traditionally considered one of the finest foods for nourishing yin and moistening both the lungs and skin. Lily bulb is a classical “spirit-calming” ingredient. Goji berries support the liver and kidneys. And silkie chicken — the dark-feathered, dark-fleshed bird prized in Chinese cooking — is traditionally considered gentler and more deeply nourishing than regular chicken, making it particularly appropriate for those in a depleted, fatigued state.

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Frequently asked questions

What is this soup traditionally used for?

This soup is a well-known traditional food-therapy combination traditionally used to nourish yin, calm the mind, and support recovery from chronic stress and fatigue, particularly the pattern of chronic fatigue, disrupted sleep, heart palpitations, and heightened anxiety driven by overwork and poor rest.

Why is silkie chicken used instead of regular chicken in this recipe?

Silkie chicken — the dark-feathered, dark-fleshed bird prized in Chinese cooking — is traditionally considered gentler and more deeply nourishing than regular chicken, making it particularly appropriate for those in a depleted, fatigued state.

What role does lily bulb play in this soup?

Lily bulb is a classical "spirit-calming" ingredient in traditional Chinese food therapy and is one of the key ingredients in this soup's combination for addressing stress and nervous exhaustion.

How long does this soup take to make, and how much does it yield?

The soup takes about 20 minutes of preparation and 1 hour 45 minutes of cooking (totalling approximately 2 hours 5 minutes). It yields approximately 1.2–1.5 litres, which is served hot along with all the solid ingredients.

Can the whole family enjoy this soup?

According to the recipe notes, this soup is fragrant, lightly sweet, and genuinely delicious, and everyone in the family can enjoy it. It is also noted as beneficial for those with yin-deficient heat patterns, rough skin, or a dull complexion, as part of a balanced diet.

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