Soups
Lion's Mane, Astragalus and Chinese Yam Lean Pork Soup
traditionally used to support digestion, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and nourish qi
Why people make this soup
Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been eaten in China for centuries and is one of the few culinary mushrooms that has attracted genuine modern scientific interest for its potential effects on the gastrointestinal lining. Traditional Chinese food therapy describes it as benefiting the five organs, aiding digestion, and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Some modern studies suggest that lion’s mane may support the repair of stomach and intestinal mucosa, making it of interest to people dealing with gastric ulcers, nervous exhaustion, or recovering from surgery.
Bro Niu combines it here with astragalus (bei qi), a root well known in Chinese herbal tradition for supporting defensive qi and accelerating wound healing, and Chinese yam (huai shan), a gentle, spleen-strengthening ingredient that most people tolerate very well. Together they make a mild, slightly earthy broth that is suitable for the whole family.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family, including children and the elderly
- Particularly relevant for those with a weak digestion, recovering from gastrointestinal illness, or post-surgery
- People who are sensitive to mushrooms should avoid this soup or substitute with shiitake (hua gu)
- Those with a cold constitution (always cold, weak digestion) can add 2–3 extra slices of fresh ginger
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lion’s mane mushroom (hou tou gu): High in protein and low in fat; traditionally associated with supporting digestion, calming the stomach, and building vitality; modern research has explored potential immune-modulating effects
- Astragalus root (bei qi / huang qi): One of the most-used herbs in Chinese food therapy; supports qi, is traditionally associated with accelerating wound healing and defending against illness
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Gently nourishing to the spleen and kidneys; easy on the stomach; suitable for people of all ages
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm, sweet; traditionally used to harmonise a formula and support blood nourishment
- Lean pork: Provides animal protein and a neutral, mild broth base
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lion’s mane mushroom, dried | 2 pieces | Soak in cold water 30–60 min; squeeze out excess water before using |
| Astragalus root (bei qi) | ~20 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~40 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | Rinse; pit if preferred |
| Lean pork | ~450 g | Blanched (par-boiled) to remove impurities |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.6 L) |
Method
- Soak the dried lion’s mane mushrooms in cold water for 30–60 minutes until fully rehydrated. Squeeze out excess water and tear or cut into halves.
- Rinse the astragalus root and Chinese yam; soak briefly in water.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then rinse under cold water and cut into thick slices.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for 2 hours, until the liquid reduces to about 4 bowls.
- Serve the broth warm. The soup solids — particularly the lion’s mane and Chinese yam — are also worth eating.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is beneficial for post-surgery patients as well. If you don’t enjoy the slightly astringent flavour of lion’s mane, shiitake mushroom (hua gu) is a good substitute. You can also use chicken (skin removed) instead of lean pork. If cooking for someone with gout, note that mushrooms (including lion’s mane) contain purines — for gout patients, Bro Niu suggests substituting with green papaya soup instead, as green papaya is both stomach-protective and considered beneficial for gout. For diabetic readers, Bro Niu suggests replacing red dates with jujube (el er zao / coconut dates), which have a lower impact on blood sugar.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ikc): Is this soup suitable for someone with a cold constitution? Bro Niu: Yes, it is fine for people with a cold constitution. Just add a few extra slices of fresh ginger when cooking.
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Q (Hei Lam): Can I use chicken or black-bone chicken instead of pork? Bro Niu: Yes, both regular chicken and black-bone chicken work well as substitutes — just remove the skin before cooking.
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Q (samwei): I don’t like the taste of lion’s mane mushroom. Can I use something else? Bro Niu: Lion’s mane does have a slightly astringent edge. Shiitake (hua gu) makes a very good substitute.
Published December 16, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
