Soups
Five-Finger Peach and Finger Citron Lean Pork Soup
traditionally used to tonify the spleen, move qi, dispel dampness, and support those with chronic gastritis or ulcer-related discomfort
In short: Five-Finger Peach and Finger Citron Lean Pork Soup is a soup that traditionally used to tonify the spleen, move qi, dispel dampness, and support those with chronic gastritis or ulcer-related discomfort. It is most often made for digestive wellness, cooling & summer heat, energy & vitality. Total time about 2 hr 15 min. Key ingredients: lean pork, red jujube dates.
Why people make this soup
Five-finger peach root (wu zhi mao tao) is a root that belongs to the fig family (Ficus hirta), and is also known as “Southern Astragalus” because its qi-tonifying properties are considered similar to astragalus (bei qi), albeit gentler and more broadly suited to all body types. It has a pleasant, mild coconut-like aroma that makes soups very agreeable, and is a valued household tonic across southern Chinese communities.
Paired with finger citron (fo shou), which is traditionally used to harmonise the liver and spleen and relieve digestive tension, this soup is a well-regarded combination for anyone who experiences stomach discomfort, bloating, or the kind of chronic gastritis that responds to stress and emotional tension. It suits virtually any constitution, including those who find richer tonics too warming.
What studies say about the key ingredients
Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.
- Red dates
Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies
From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.
Safety first — read before you cook
This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
- take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
- have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.
Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes
Members only
Unlock the full method & Nourilo's tips
One payment, lifetime access to every one of our 2,344 recipes — step-by-step methods, preparation tips and serving notes.
- Full step-by-step method for this and all 2,344 recipes
- Nourilo's Tips — sourcing, substitutions and serving notes
- One-time payment · card, Apple Pay or Google Pay · no subscription, no renewals
Checking your access…
$59.99 one-time · all recipes
Sign in or create a free account, then pay once by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Continue with GoogleBy continuing with Google or email you confirm you are 16 or older and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
$59.99 one-time · all recipes
Signed in as ·
Secure checkout by Stripe. One-time payment, no renewals. Access is linked to your Nourilo account and never expires. By paying you agree to our Terms of Use; you can get a full refund within 14 days (refund policy).
Comments
Join the conversation — sign in or create a free account to comment.
Continue with GoogleBy continuing with Google or email you confirm you are 16 or older and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments…