Soups
Astragalus, Chinese Yam, Goji Berry & Squab Pigeon Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, nourish blood, and restore energy
Why people make this soup
This is one of Bro Niu’s most trusted everyday tonics. It is made for that recognisable state many of us know too well: running low on energy, looking a little pale, eating less than usual, and finding concentration difficult. In Chinese food therapy, this cluster of symptoms points to a pattern of spleen qi deficiency — where the digestive system is not generating enough qi and blood to sustain the body. Astragalus (huang qi / bei qi) is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine precisely because it addresses this at the root: building qi and strengthening the body’s vitality. Combined with the gentler support of Chinese yam and goji berries, and the rich nourishing protein of squab pigeon, this is a soup that is deeply restorative without being overly warming or rich.
Bro Niu notes that tonic soups are ideally taken on an empty stomach before meals, when the body can absorb the nutrients most efficiently.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those who feel persistently tired, low on energy, have a dull complexion, poor appetite, or weak digestion
- People recovering from surgery or illness; the recipe particularly supports wound healing
- Pregnant women may drink this soup
- Breastfeeding mothers: replace the squab with silkie chicken, as pigeon traditionally has a mild milk-reducing effect
- Do NOT drink this or any warming tonic soup during a cold, flu, or fever — wait until fully recovered
- People with autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) should take smaller portions; large amounts of qi-boosting herbs may aggravate immune dysregulation in some individuals — please see a doctor for guidance
- Commercially farmed squab may be raised with growth hormones; for children, organic or live birds are preferred
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi, Astragalus membranaceus): The most important qi-tonifying herb in Chinese medicine; traditionally used to strengthen the spleen-stomach, boost defensive qi (wei qi), and promote wound healing
- Chinese yam (huai shan, Dioscorea opposita): Tonifies spleen qi, nourishes lung yin, and supports kidney essence; gentle, sweet, and neutral in temperature — suitable for almost everyone
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourishes liver blood and kidney yin; traditionally used for eye health, fatigue, and blood deficiency
- Squab pigeon (ru ge): Highly valued in Cantonese tradition as a tonic for blood and essence; rich in iron and protein; considered deeply nourishing for recovery
Ingredients (about 4 bowls / 3–4 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinsed and soaked briefly |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | 38 g (1 liang) | Rinsed |
| Goji berries | 15 g (4 qian) | Rinsed |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Squab pigeon | 1 whole | Breastfeeding mothers use silkie chicken instead |
Method
- Clean and gut the squab pigeon thoroughly. Blanch in boiling water briefly, then drain and rinse.
- Rinse the herbs separately.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls (about 2 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for about 2 hours until reduced to approximately 4 bowls.
- Serve warm, ideally before a meal on an empty stomach for best absorption.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clean, subtly sweet, and suitable for the whole family. It is especially beneficial for people who have recently had surgery, as the astragalus is considered to support faster wound healing. If the pigeon is very fatty, skim off some of the oil after cooking — most commercially farmed squab today are considerably fattier than wild or organic birds. The soup can also be gently simmered in a double-boiler (slow cooker / dungeon style) with a smaller portion if you are making it just for yourself. This soup is also suitable in summer and year-round; you can add dried tangerine peel, black beans, or coix seed if desired.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (EMILIE): Why can’t a caesarean mother eat squab pigeon? I don’t want chicken. Can I use organic frozen squab? Bro Niu: Squab pigeon can reduce milk supply, so if you are not breastfeeding, you can absolutely use it. Organic squab is a good choice.
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Q (reader, from Q&A section): Can pregnant women drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, pregnant women can drink this soup.
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Q (chanwengi): If I use a small slow-cooker (double boiler) instead of an open pot, will it be more “heaty”? Can I steep it overnight and drink it first thing in the morning before breakfast? Bro Niu: You can use a small slow-cooker for tonic soups — it will not make them more warming. You can drink it in the morning before breakfast; that is perfectly fine.
Published May 13, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
