Soups
American Ginseng, Dendrobium, Polygonatum and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally taken to support qi, generate fluids and soothe dry mouth and eyes
Why people make this soup
A friend of Bro Niu had been working long hours and staying up late, leaving him with a dry mouth, very dry eyes and an irritable mood. Two days of cooling tea hadn’t helped, so Bro Niu suggested yin-nourishing food therapy instead. The friend didn’t fancy sweet soups, so this savoury soup of American ginseng, dendrobium, polygonatum, goji and carrot with lean pork is the answer — it traditionally supports qi, generates fluids and soothes the eyes.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with dry mouth and dry, tired eyes, especially after late nights and overwork.
- Gentle enough for young and old.
- CAUTION: not suitable if you have a fever from a cold.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- American ginseng (hua qi shen): Traditionally used to support qi and generate fluids without being heating. It contains volatile oils, so it shouldn’t be simmered long.
- Dendrobium (shi hu): Nourishes yin and fluids and is associated with clear, comfortable eyes.
- Polygonatum (yu zhu): Traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish the liver and support the eyes.
- Carrot (hong luo bo): Adds natural sweetness and eye-friendly carotene.
Ingredients (3 to 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American ginseng slices (hua qi shen) | 1 tablespoon | Added near the end |
| Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu) | ~5 qian (about 19 g) | |
| Polygonatum (yu zhu) | ~5 qian (about 19 g) | Soaked |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~3 qian (about 11 g) | Soaked, added near the end |
| Carrot (hong luo bo) | 1 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Lean pork (shou rou) | ~half a catty (about 300 g) | Cut into thick slices, blanched |
Method
- Soak the goji and polygonatum separately. Peel and chunk the carrot. Cut the lean pork into thick slices and blanch.
- Simmer the polygonatum, carrot and pork in 7 cups of water for 1 hour.
- Add the American ginseng and goji, boil briefly, reducing to about 3 to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
American ginseng contains volatile oils, so don’t simmer it for long. Add the goji near the end, and it can be eaten along with the ginseng slices for extra benefit. This soup suits young and old, but not anyone with a fever from a cold.
Published May 25, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
