Spatholobus Stem, Ginger, Jujube & Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

In Chinese herbal tradition, vine plants are broadly associated with moving through channels — supporting circulation in the body’s sinew and blood networks. Spatholobus (ji xue teng) is one of the best-known examples: its cross-section reveals striking red sap that resembles blood, and it has been used for centuries in soups and decoctions intended to nourish and invigorate blood. Modern research has explored its effects on increasing haemoglobin and expanding blood vessels, lending some scientific context to its traditional reputation. Combined with warming ginger and the gentle sweetness of jujube dates, this soup makes a practical, pleasant-tasting monthly tonic for women who experience period discomfort, pale complexion, or fatigue.