Soups
Astragalus, Chinese Yam and Corn Soup
Traditionally taken to support the spleen and stomach and healthy blood sugar
Why people make this soup
Corn is traditionally valued to nourish kidney energy, support the spleen and stomach, clear empty heat and support healthy blood sugar, which makes it a fine food-therapy ingredient for those minding their sugar. People watching their blood sugar often have a weak spleen and stomach — eating little, feeling bloated after meals, short of breath, tired and listless. Simmering corn with Chinese yam and astragalus, taken regularly, is traditionally said to help ease those symptoms.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people with a weak spleen and stomach and those minding their blood sugar; it is gentle enough for children too.
- If you are managing diabetes, keep starchy foods in moderation and follow your doctor’s guidance.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Corn (su mi): Traditionally used to nourish kidney energy, support the spleen and stomach, clear empty heat and support healthy blood sugar.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally valued to support the spleen and stomach.
- Astragalus (bei qi): Traditionally used to support energy (qi) and the body’s vitality.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corn (su mi) | 1 cob | Husk and cut into sections |
| Dried Chinese yam (huai shan) | 5 slices | Soak and rinse |
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 4 slices | Soak and rinse |
| Lean pork (shou rou) | To taste | Optional, for a family-style soup |
Method
- Husk the corn and cut into sections; soak and rinse the Chinese yam and astragalus.
- Put all the ingredients into a pot with 5 bowls of water.
- Simmer down to about 2 bowls.
- Serve, drinking the soup and eating the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you want to make this as an everyday family soup, double the quantities and add lean pork to simmer along. This soup is especially good for those with a weak spleen and stomach, and children can drink it too.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Rui): Bro Niu, what soup can be taken for gestational diabetes? Thank you. Bro Niu: For gestational diabetes you can use Chinese yam (1 liang), goji berries (3 qian) and fresh corn silk (1 liang, or one cob of corn with its silk) to make a lean-pork soup. Take 2–3 batches a week.
- Q (anonymous reader): I have heard that people with diabetes should not eat congee — is that true? But I have seen many websites recommending congee for diabetics. Should one eat it or not? Bro Niu: Of course people with diabetes can eat congee. Just do not overdo starchy foods, and it is fine.
- Q (Valerie): Is hawthorn unsuitable for someone with stomach problems? If so, is there another food therapy to support healthy cholesterol? I have a family member with a stomach condition and worry about indigestion. Bro Niu: Those with excess stomach acid or stomach ulcers should not take hawthorn. Eucommia (du zhong) tea and raw tianqi (notoginseng) slices can also support healthy cholesterol and may be used instead.
Published October 4, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
