Soups
Fresh Yam, Goji, Euryale Seed & Chestnut Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen, supports the kidney and nourishes the five organs
Why people make this soup
Winter is when people reach for tonics, but Bro Niu cautions that children shouldn’t be loaded with strong ones — ginseng, deer antler, bird’s nest, hashima and the like can carry hormones and easily cause “heatiness.” Far better are mild, food-and-medicine ingredients that gently strengthen the spleen and support the kidney. This soup fits the bill: fresh yam, in-season chestnuts, goji, euryale seeds and southern dates — moistening, easy, and suitable for children and adults who run hot alike. Fresh yam is available year-round at Chinese or Asian grocers and online.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Children and “heaty” adults who want a mild, nourishing winter soup
- People who are weak and catch colds easily
- Those prone to constipation should not take it too often
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): a gentle food-and-medicine staple, traditionally strengthens the spleen and supports the kidney.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): associated with nourishing the liver and kidney and supporting the eyes.
- Euryale seeds (qian shi): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and consolidate kidney essence.
- Chestnuts (li zi): warming and nourishing, associated with supporting the spleen and kidney.
- Southern dates & tangerine peel (nan zao, chen pi): round out the flavour and aid digestion.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) | ~150 g | Peeled, cut |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinsed |
| Euryale seeds (qian shi) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinsed |
| Chestnuts (li zi) | ~113 g | Skins removed |
| Southern dates (nan zao) | 4 | |
| Tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | Soaked |
| Pork blade bone (xi shi gu) | ~300 g | Blanched |
| Water | 8–9 bowls | Reduce to 4–5 bowls |
Method
- Peel and cut the fresh yam; rinse the goji, euryale seeds and tangerine peel; blanch the chestnuts briefly in boiling water to remove the skins; blanch the pork bone.
- Put everything in a pot with 8–9 bowls of water.
- Simmer 2 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls. Serve, eating the solids too.
Bro Niu’s tips
The mucilage on fresh yam can irritate skin — dip the yam briefly in boiling water before peeling and your hands won’t be bothered. This soup is clear, moistening and tasty, fine for young and old, and especially good for people who are weak and catch colds easily. But those prone to constipation should not take it too often.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Mandy): Lately I’ve been drooling in my sleep at night — is something wrong, and how can I adjust things? Bro Niu: Drooling at night — watch for acid reflux. Try not to eat after dinner so the stomach can rest more. High stress, oral problems and sleeping face-down can also cause drooling.
Published December 10, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
