Soups
Agaricus blazei, Yam, Goji, Dried Ginger and Chestnut Soup
Traditionally used to warm the stomach and dispel cold
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu keeps the usual soup staples on hand — yam, goji, red dates — and when he spotted dried chestnuts, Agaricus mushroom, dried ginger and figs at the herb shop, all perfect for cold weather, he grabbed some. As the temperature drops, this is his pick for anyone with a cold, weak stomach who feels chilly in the hands and feet: a warming, stomach-comforting pot.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those with a cold, weak spleen and stomach, or who feel cold in the limbs in the cool season.
- Not suitable for those with yin-deficiency internal heat or a mushroom allergy.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Agaricus blazei (ji song rong): traditionally associated with supporting immunity and digestion. The shopkeeper notes a medium, fragrant one is better than the biggest, and that it should only be lightly rinsed, not over-soaked, to keep its goodness.
- Dried ginger (gan jiang): traditionally warms the middle and dispels cold.
- Chinese yam (huai shan) and red dates (hong zao): traditionally support the spleen and stomach.
- Goji (gou qi zi): traditionally nourishes the liver and benefits the eyes.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agaricus blazei (ji song rong) | ~19 g | Light rinse only |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g | Soak and rinse |
| Goji (gou qi zi) | ~11 g | Soak and rinse |
| Dried chestnuts (li zi gan) | 6 | Soak and rinse |
| Dried ginger (gan jiang) | 3–4 slices | Or use fresh ginger |
| Figs (wu hua guo) | 3 | Soak and rinse |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 5 | Pitted |
Method
- Lightly rinse the Agaricus mushroom; soak and rinse the other ingredients; pit the red dates.
- Combine everything with 7 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours down to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
Besides comforting the stomach, this soup is traditionally said to support liver function too, and is good for young and old. For a bigger family, add some carrot and a pork knuckle bone for a richer flavour. Dried ginger can be swapped for fresh ginger. But it is not for those with yin-deficiency internal heat or a mushroom allergy.
Published November 20, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
