Soups
American Ginseng, Ophiopogon, Astragalus & Chinese Yam Soup
Traditionally used to nourish stomach yin, tonify qi, and support energy in those experiencing weakness and fatigue
Why people make this soup
People managing hyperthyroidism often describe a particular kind of exhaustion — limbs that feel heavy or soft, difficulty holding heavy objects, trouble standing for long periods, and a persistent sense of thirst or inner restlessness. In traditional Chinese medicine, these patterns are associated with “spleen-stomach yin deficiency” and insufficient qi. This soup draws on four well-regarded tonic ingredients to help replenish that energy and fluids. Bro Niu also notes that this is a gentle enough combination for healthy people to drink as a general wellness soup — adding lean pork makes it more substantial.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with hyperthyroidism experiencing fatigue, muscle weakness, and thirst may find this a useful dietary support alongside their medical care
- Healthy individuals can drink it as a regular nourishing soup — it is balanced and not overly warming
- Not suitable during active fever, flu, or other acute external illness
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- American ginseng (xi yang shen / Panax quinquefolius): Differs from Asian ginseng in being cooling rather than warming; classically used to replenish qi while simultaneously nourishing yin and generating body fluids — a useful combination for someone who is deficient but cannot tolerate warming tonics; contains volatile oils that dissipate with prolonged cooking, so it is added at the end
- Ophiopogon tuber (mai dong): A core yin-nourishing ingredient, associated with moistening the stomach, lungs, and heart
- Astragalus root (bei qi / Astragalus membranaceus): One of the most widely used qi-tonifying herbs in Chinese medicine; associated with building wei qi (a concept sometimes loosely translated as “protective energy” or surface immunity)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Neutral and gentle; traditionally used to strengthen spleen-stomach function and nourish the kidneys
- Southern jujubes (nan zao): Warming and sweet; support qi and blood; can be replaced with red dates or 4 dried figs
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American ginseng slices (xi yang shen) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Added at the end — do not cook for the full hour |
| Ophiopogon tuber (mai dong) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Soak and rinse |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Soak and rinse |
| Southern jujubes (nan zao) | 6 pieces | Red dates or dried figs work as substitutes |
| Water | 8 bowls (~2 L) | |
| Lean pork (optional) | ~150–200 g | For a heartier soup |
Method
- Soak and rinse ophiopogon, astragalus, Chinese yam, and southern jujubes.
- Place all ingredients except the American ginseng (and pork, if using) in a pot with 8 bowls of water. If adding lean pork, blanch it briefly first.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour.
- Add the American ginseng slices to the finished soup and boil gently for 5 minutes more.
- Serve warm, drinking the soup and eating some of the solid ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
American ginseng contains volatile compounds that are easily lost with prolonged cooking — that is why it goes in at the very end, just for a final 5-minute simmer. If southern jujubes are hard to find, red dates or 4 dried figs work perfectly well as substitutes. Lean pork can be added to make this a fuller meal-style soup; it remains a gentle enough recipe for the whole family to share.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ying): I have hyperthyroidism and lately I feel especially tired, with slightly weak legs. Can this soup help? Bro Niu: For weak or aching legs, I’d suggest adding 5 qian of eucommia bark (du zhong) to the soup — it is traditionally associated with strengthening the sinews and bones.
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Q (Ching): My doctor recently told me I have hyperthyroidism. Can I add meat to this soup? Are there any foods I should avoid? Bro Niu: You should really see a TCM practitioner for proper guidance on hyperthyroidism. In terms of diet, it is generally advised to avoid seaweed, kelp, and other high-iodine foods, as well as raw, cold items. Yes, you can add lean pork to this soup.
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Q (joyce): Can something other than southern jujubes be used? Bro Niu: Red dates, black dates, or 4 dried figs can all substitute for southern jujubes.
Published September 9, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
