Fresh Dendrobium, Sand Root and Solomon's Seal Soup with Lean Pork

It is commonly chosen by people who feel weak after illness, surgery, or radiation and chemotherapy. Women recovering after childbirth may also find it soothing, as may anyone experiencing a dry throat or general run-down feelings.

According to Nourilo, people who are very depleted can feel overheated if they take strong tonics, because the body is too depleted to receive them. This soup takes a gentler road instead — traditionally used to clear heat, nourish yin, settle the stomach, and ease thirst rather than acting as a heavy tonic.

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and double-boiling takes 3 hours, for a total of around 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you prefer the stovetop method for 2–3 people, you can simmer the same amount of ingredients in about 2.1 litres of water for roughly 90 minutes until reduced to 900 ml.

The recipe yields approximately 600–900 ml of soup, served together with the cooked ingredients.

The double-boiled version produces a clearer and gentler soup, which the recipe notes is better suited for people recovering from surgery or illness. The stovetop version is a practical alternative for 2–3 people and produces a similar quantity when simmered down from 2.1 litres to around 900 ml.