Soups
Danshen, Spirit Poria and Longan Lean Pork Soup
traditionally nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and supports healthy sleep under stress
Why people make this soup
Modern life is full of pressure — from work, relationships, financial worries, and the expectations placed on children. Even young children can suffer from anxiety when surrounded by adult stress. Bro Niu’s message is simple: keep a positive attitude, do what is within your capacity, move your body regularly, and when the nervous system needs a little extra support, good food can help. This soup revolves around danshen (red sage root), a herb so highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine that classical texts describe it as functionally equivalent to the famous “four-substance” blood tonic formula: “one herb, danshen, achieves the effect of four.” Together with spirit poria — a form of poria mushroom that grows around the root of a pine tree and is traditionally considered superior for calming the mind — longan flesh for nourishing blood and the heart, and red dates for their spirit-settling qualities, this is one of Bro Niu’s go-to soups for anyone carrying too much weight on their shoulders.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults and children experiencing stress, anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, or insomnia
- Pregnant women must not take this soup — danshen is contraindicated during pregnancy
- Anyone taking blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin) should consult a doctor before using danshen, as it may interact with anticoagulants
- The soup has a mild herbal bitterness from the danshen — this is normal
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Danshen (dan shen, Salvia miltiorrhiza): One of the most widely studied herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine; traditionally described as having the blood-nourishing and blood-activating properties of four classic herbs combined; associated with supporting cardiovascular health, calming the spirit, and improving circulation; mildly bitter in taste
- Spirit poria (you xin fu shen): A form of poria cocos (fu ling) that forms around a pine tree root; the attachment to the root is traditionally associated with superior calming and heart-spirit nourishing properties compared to regular poria; widely used for anxiety, restlessness and insomnia
- Longan flesh (yuan rou): Sweet, warming and blood-nourishing; traditionally used to support the heart and spleen, calm the mind, and improve memory; a gentle tonic
- Red dates (hong zao): Traditionally nourish the blood and calm the spirit; support the spleen-stomach; add natural sweetness to balance the danshen’s bitterness
- Lean pork (shou rou): Mild protein base
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Danshen (red sage root) | 9 g | Soak and rinse for at least 30 minutes |
| Spirit poria with wood core | 38 g | Soak and rinse |
| Longan flesh | 12 g | Rinse |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
| Lean pork | 450 g | Sliced; blanch briefly |
| Water | 6–7 bowls (~1.2–1.4 L) |
Method
- Soak the danshen root for at least 30 minutes; rinse well. Soak and rinse the spirit poria.
- Pit the red dates. Rinse the longan flesh.
- Slice the lean pork and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 6–7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Serve warm. The soup will have a mild herbal, slightly bitter flavour — this is normal.
Bro Niu’s tips
Spirit poria (you xin fu shen) is the variety of poria that grows wrapped around a pine root in the wild — the traditional view holds that this form is superior for calming the mind compared to ordinary poria. Since danshen has a slightly bitter taste, this soup will carry a mild medicinal note. This is normal and fine for both adults and children. However, pregnant women must not take it. If danshen is not available, you can substitute 1 liang (38 g) of wheat grain (xiao mai mi) — it has similar calming properties. Danshen powder (1 teaspoon) can be used instead of the whole root if preferred, mixed into the hot soup at serving time.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (rardark, reader): Can I make a danshen, longan, mulberry and goji berry tea together? And should I buy danshen as whole root or powder? Bro Niu: Danshen can be combined with longan, mulberry and goji berries. For a tea infusion, danshen powder mixed into the hot liquid is more convenient and absorbs well. However, if using whole danshen root, it needs to be simmered in water for at least 30 minutes to release its active compounds — simply steeping in hot water is not sufficient.
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Q (sweetcutecat, reader): Can I drink danshen tea every day? Is it cooling? I’ve heard it can lower blood pressure. Bro Niu: Danshen is associated with cardiovascular support and mild blood pressure benefits. As a medicinal herb rather than a food, it is best not to take it every single day without guidance from a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Two to three times a week as a wellness tonic is reasonable. It is not cooling.
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Q (Ivy, reader): What can I use if I don’t have danshen? Bro Niu: Substitute 1 liang (38 g) of wheat grain (xiao mai mi) — it nourishes the heart and calms the spirit in a similar way.
Published June 24, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
