Soups
Fresh Dendrobium, Sand Root and Solomon's Seal Soup with Lean Pork
Traditionally nourishes yin and moistens dryness
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu often points out that people who are run-down can feel worse, not better, when they take strong tonics like ginseng or deer antler — the body is too depleted to “receive” them and ends up feeling overheated. This soup takes the gentler road instead: clearing heat, nourishing yin, settling the stomach and easing thirst. It is a comforting, everyday bowl rather than a heavy tonic.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Traditionally chosen by people who feel weak and tired, have a poor appetite, or feel dry in the throat and mouth after illness, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy; also used by those managing diabetes, chronic liver or kidney concerns, and lingering post-COVID weakness.
- Skip while you still have a fever. Bro Niu notes that those with raised liver enzymes do better with lighter foods than this nourishing soup. As always, if you are in active treatment, please see your doctor and keep portions small.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (shi hu): Traditionally associated with nourishing stomach yin, supporting the liver, and is valued in folk use for those who feel parched.
- Sand root (sha shen): Traditionally said to clear heat, nourish yin and moisten the lungs.
- Solomon’s seal (yu zhu): Traditionally used to nourish yin and gently support the spleen and lungs.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with supporting the liver and eyes and helping overall vitality.
- Dried scallop and lean pork: Add a savory, yin-nourishing depth and make the soup genuinely tasty.
Ingredients (2–3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium | ~19 g | Or ~11 g dried, per Bro Niu |
| Sand root (sha shen) | ~19 g | |
| Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) | ~19 g | |
| Goji berries | ~11 g | |
| Dried scallops | 3–4 pieces | |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Sliced |
Method
- Rinse the fresh dendrobium and cut into segments.
- Slice the lean pork, then blanch it briefly in boiling water and drain.
- Rinse and soak the remaining ingredients.
- Place everything in a double-boiler pot, add 3 bowls of boiling water, and double-boil (steam) for 3 hours.
- Serve the soup together with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This can be double-boiled or simmered on the stove. The double-boiled version is clearer and gentler — better for people recovering from surgery or illness. Women recovering after childbirth, and those with a dry throat after radiation or chemotherapy, may also find it soothing. If you prefer the stovetop method for 2–3 people, simmer this amount in about 7 bowls of water for roughly 90 minutes down to 3 bowls.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Yi Zai): I live overseas and can’t buy dendrobium. Is there a substitute? I’m doing radiation therapy. Bro Niu: You can use about 1 tablespoon of American ginseng slices, but add them late — after the soup is cooked, steep them 5 minutes. Eating a few of the slices is best.
- Q (Christine): No fresh dendrobium — how much of the dried should I use? Bro Niu: About 11 g of dried is enough.
- Q (Jess): My dried dendrobium has some white mold. Can I still use it? Bro Niu: No food or herb should ever be eaten once it has gone moldy. Even after washing, the mold’s filaments have penetrated deep into the ingredient and carry a cancer risk.
Published April 27, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
