Soups
Fresh Dendrobium, Burdock, White Radish and Snow Fungus Soup
traditionally associated with nourishing yin, clearing heat, supporting immunity, and helping prevent the accumulation of toxins
Why people make this soup
Traditional Chinese medicine has long connected the formation of lumps, skin blemishes, and deeper tumours to an accumulation of “toxin-fire” in the body — the kind that builds up over years of excess: too much fried and processed food, too many late nights, chronic stress. Prevention, in this framework, means regular habits that gently clear rather than accumulate.
This soup is one of Bro Niu’s favourite preventive broths. Fresh dendrobium (shi hu) has been studied in modern research for its polysaccharides and alkaloids, which show anti-tumour activity against certain cell lines in laboratory settings — including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and early-stage leukaemia cells. Burdock brings its own tradition as a disperser of heat and swelling. White radish, snow fungus, and lily bulb add moistening, nourishing depth. Together, this soup is clear-tasting and naturally sweet — something you would make on a Sunday and feel genuinely good about.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for most people, including the elderly and children.
- Particularly valuable for those with a family history of cancer, those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy (2 doses per week is a good rhythm), and those who want to build healthy habits around regular detox support.
- Also associated with supporting blood sugar management and blood pressure — suitable for those with diabetes or hypertension alongside this soup.
- Pork ribs can be replaced with chicken, duck (skin removed), or for vegetarians, cashew nuts and chestnuts.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (xian shi hu): Considered one of the more powerful yin-nourishing herbs, associated with clearing heat, generating fluids, and — based on both traditional and modern studies — supporting anti-tumour immune responses.
- Burdock root (niu bang): Traditionally used to disperse wind-heat, clear “toxins,” and reduce internal swelling. Rich in inulin and polyphenols.
- White radish (bai luo bo): Associated with dissolving phlegm, supporting digestion, and clearing heat. The young leaves at the top of the radish are included for their additional nutritional value.
- Snow fungus (xue er): A classic yin and lung tonic, associated with supporting skin and immune function. Rich in plant-based polysaccharides.
- Lily bulb (bai he): Calms mild restlessness and nourishes the lungs.
- Pork ribs: Provides body and protein to the broth.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium stems (xian shi hu) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse and cut into sections |
| Burdock root (niu bang) | 150 g (~5 oz) | Scrub well; leave skin on; cut into sections |
| White radish (bai luo bo) | 1 medium | Peel and cube; keep tender young leaves from top |
| Dried snow fungus (xue er) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Soak 30 min; trim base; tear into pieces |
| Lily bulb (bai he) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Fresh or dried; rinse well |
| Pork spare ribs (pai gu) | 225 g (~8 oz) | Blanched briefly to remove impurities |
| Water | 8 bowls |
Method
- Blanch the pork ribs briefly in boiling water; drain and rinse.
- Rinse the fresh dendrobium stems and cut into sections.
- Scrub the burdock root clean (no need to peel — the skin is nutritious); cut into sections.
- Peel and cube the white radish; wash any tender young leaves and set aside.
- Soak the snow fungus for 30 minutes; trim the tough base and tear into smaller pieces. Rinse the lily bulb.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.
- Cook for 2 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
- Serve immediately; eat the soup and the solid ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a naturally sweet, clear flavour and is suitable for the whole family. It is associated with lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, and can help support circulation and prevent the “three highs” (high blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol). Spare ribs can be swapped for chicken, duck (skinned), or for a vegetarian version, use cashew nuts and chestnuts for richness. Dry dendrobium (3 qian) can substitute for fresh if fresh is not available.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Lorraine): Can a 2.5-year-old child drink this soup? Can it be taken during chemotherapy? How often per week? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable for young children. It can also be taken during chemotherapy — 2 times per week is a good frequency.
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Q (Denise): Can I use dry dendrobium instead of fresh? Bro Niu: Yes — substitute 3 qian of dried dendrobium for the fresh 1 liang.
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Q (meimei): Can I replace the spare ribs with other meats, like duck? Bro Niu: Yes — any lean meat works. Duck and chicken should be used without the skin. For vegetarians, add chestnuts and cashew nuts for added body and nutrition.
Published October 30, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
