Soups
Burdock, Lion's Mane Mushroom and Snow Fungus Soup
traditionally associated with supporting digestive health and immune function
Why people make this soup
Eating habits have a well-recognized influence on digestive health. In traditional Chinese food therapy, a number of everyday ingredients have long been valued for their ability to support the stomach and gut. This soup brings together four of those ingredients — burdock root, lion’s mane mushroom, snow fungus, and dried fig — that are each associated in traditional practice with maintaining digestive wellness. Modern research on lion’s mane mushroom has attracted particular interest for its polysaccharide content, which has been studied in relation to gastrointestinal health. This is a gentle, mild-tasting soup that the whole family can enjoy regularly.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited for adults and children as a regular wellness soup to support digestive health
- Those who have undergone stomach surgery or are currently receiving medical treatment should consult their doctor before adding new herbal ingredients
- The ingredients are mild in nature; no strong cautions apply to healthy individuals
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Burdock root (niu bang): Contains inulin and various phytochemicals; traditionally associated with supporting immune function and reducing inflammation in the gut. Use slender-bodied roots for the best quality
- Lion’s mane mushroom (hou tou gu): Rich in beta-glucan polysaccharides; widely studied and used in both Western functional nutrition and traditional food therapy for its association with digestive and neurological wellness
- Snow fungus (xue er): Contains polysaccharides and has a softly sweet, neutral character; traditionally associated with lung nourishment and immune support
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Provide natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins; traditionally considered to have anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties
- Pork neck bones: Added for flavor and protein; the collagen-rich bones give the soup a satisfying body
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Burdock root | 2 stalks | Peel and cut into segments; slender stalks are best |
| Lion’s mane mushroom | 2 pieces | Soak, then remove tough base |
| Snow fungus | 1 piece | Soak until soft, then remove base |
| Dried figs | 6 pieces | Use the yellowish-beige variety, not chemically bleached white ones |
| Pork neck bones (xi shi gu) | 12 liang (~450 g) | Blanched first to remove impurities |
| Water | 8 bowls | — |
Method
- Peel the burdock root and cut into sections.
- Soak the lion’s mane mushroom and snow fungus in water until fully rehydrated; remove and discard the tough stems/base.
- Blanch the pork neck bones in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain and rinse off any scum.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook for about 2 hours.
- Serve and drink as a regular soup.
Bro Niu’s tips
When buying burdock, look for the slender variety — it has a more delicate texture and is the better-quality type. If you cannot find fresh burdock, substitute with 1 liang (about 38 g) of dried burdock pieces. Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan) can also stand in for burdock if neither is available. For dried figs, avoid the very white ones as they may be chemically treated; look for a natural yellowish-beige color with no sour or off smell.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Can): If I do not have fresh burdock, can I use burdock tea? And can I replace dried figs with red dates or honey dates? Bro Niu: Dried burdock (about 1 liang / 38 g) works fine. Red dates can also be used in place of figs.
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Q (Catcat): My father just had stomach surgery two weeks ago, has no appetite and little energy. Can he drink this soup? What should he avoid? Bro Niu: Red date and millet porridge is the most nourishing for the spleen at this stage. You can add lotus root powder to thicken it for easier digestion. This mushroom soup is also suitable — do avoid cold, raw, or greasy foods and eat only soft porridge and simple cooked dishes for now.
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Q (文): My son uses this soup — can I use pork neck bones, lean pork, or skip the meat entirely? What is the difference? Bro Niu: The bones or meat are mainly there to add nutrition and flavor. If you prefer no meat, you can substitute nuts, peanuts, or chestnuts instead — they work equally well.
Published October 16, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
