Soups
Dang Shen, Lotus Seed and Fox Nut Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen and is associated with easing loose stools
Why people make this soup
Dang shen works a bit like ginseng but is gentler — it nourishes the blood without being cloying and is traditionally said to lift the body’s central energy. Bro Niu pairs it with lotus seed, fox nut, poria and red dates to make a soft, warming pot that is traditionally favored for older folks with a weak spleen, loose stools, or that early-morning “dawn diarrhea.”
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a weak spleen and stomach, loose or soft stools, or low energy.
- Dang shen is mildly warming and tonifying; those with yin-deficiency heat or a hot constitution should avoid or use sparingly.
- Best for those who are qi- and blood-deficient rather than overheated.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dang shen (dang shen): traditionally said to boost central qi and support the digestion gently.
- Lotus seed and fox nut (lian zi, qian shi): a classic pair traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and firm up the stools.
- Poria (fu ling): traditionally used to support the spleen and drain damp.
- Red dates (hong zao): warm and nourishing, traditionally said to support qi and blood.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dang shen | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Lotus seeds | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Fox nut (qian shi) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Poria (fu ling) | ~15 g (4 qian) | Rinse |
| Red dates | 6 pieces |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients.
- Add 6 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 3–4 bowls.
- Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
As an everyday food therapy you can add beef tripe (niu du), which is traditionally said to support a weak digestion. This soup is especially valued for those recovering from illness, or for new mothers low in qi and blood. You can also add pork ribs or conch (luo tou) for extra flavor.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ginny): Can I add pork bones to this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add pork ribs and simmer them together.
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Q (K.K. Chan): Is dang shen very heating? Who should not eat it? Bro Niu: Dang shen is fairly warm and tonifying; those with yin-deficiency heat or a hot constitution should not take it. It suits people who are qi- and blood-deficient.
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Q (Kanas): I added pork to this soup — delicious! Is it normal to feel warm after drinking it? It feels like my circulation is good. How often can I drink it? Bro Niu: This soup tonifies qi and blood and boosts circulation, so feeling warm afterward is expected. As long as you have no signs of false heat like swollen gums, you can keep drinking it — about twice a week.
Published August 24, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
