Soups
Five-Finger Peach, Finger Citron and Tangerine Peel Soup
Traditionally used to ease gastritis, regulate qi, and relieve bloating and stomach pain
Why people make this soup
Five-finger peach root (wu zhi mao tao) is a beloved Cantonese herbal ingredient — it goes by the names “southern astragalus” and “earth astragalus” because its actions are similar to the well-known tonic root astragalus (huang qi), but with a gentle, slightly coconut-like aroma that makes it very approachable in soup. Even people who find herbal soups too medicinal-tasting tend to enjoy this one. It is traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, boosting qi, and moving dampness — a combination that makes it excellent for people who tire easily, feel chronically run-down, or experience digestive discomfort. Paired here with finger citron (fo shou / Buddha’s hand) and tangerine peel, it specifically targets the pattern of liver qi stagnation affecting the stomach: the kind of gastric discomfort that shows up as bloating, acid reflux, pain that radiates to the ribs, reduced appetite, and a general sense of fullness and sluggishness after meals.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well-suited to those with gastritis, peptic ulcers, or the pattern described as liver qi invading the stomach: bloating, reflux, rib-side pain, reduced appetite
- Suitable for adults and children (a 4-year-old can drink this soup — add a little rock sugar to make it more pleasant)
- Avoid during active colds, fever, or flu
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Five-finger peach root (wu zhi mao tao): Traditionally used to tonify the spleen and qi, move dampness and fluids, and relieve fatigue; particularly associated with stomach and duodenal pain and liver discomfort; the subtle coconut-like aroma comes from the root’s natural compounds
- Finger citron / Buddha’s hand (fo shou): Traditionally used to soothe liver qi stagnation, relieve stomach bloating and pain, ease reflux, and reduce emotional-digestive tension
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Works synergistically with the other two ingredients to move qi downward, ease bloating, dissolve phlegm, and warm the digestive system
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Five-finger peach root (wu zhi mao tao) | 75 g | Rinse and soak before use |
| Dried finger citron / Buddha’s hand (fo shou) | ~11 g | Rinse and soak before use |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 2 pieces | Soak until soft |
| Lean pork (optional) | ~300 g | Cut into pieces, blanched; for savoury version |
| Rock sugar (optional) | To taste | For sweet version; reduces bitterness of fo shou |
Method
- Rinse and soak the five-finger peach root and finger citron in cold water for about 20 minutes, then drain.
- Soak the tangerine peel until soft.
- If making the savoury version: blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain, and rinse.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls (about 1.6 litres) of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for 2 hours until the liquid reduces to 3–4 bowls.
- For the sweet version: add rock sugar to taste toward the end of cooking.
- Serve warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup can be made in two ways: savoury (add lean pork) or sweet (add a little rock sugar). The rock sugar option is worth considering because it softens the slight bitterness of the finger citron. Avoid this soup during an active cold or fever. Children as young as four can drink this soup — just add a little more rock sugar for flavour. Note: “fo shou” (finger citron / Buddha’s hand) and “he zhang gua” (chayote squash, a vegetable) are completely different things — fo shou is a yellow, fragrant citrus fruit shaped like open fingers.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (yy): Is “fo shou” (finger citron) the same as “fo shou柑” (Buddha’s hand)? Can I use fo shou? Bro Niu: Yes, fo shou and fo shou gan are the same thing. Fresh fo shou is golden yellow and shaped like open fingers — quite different from chayote squash, which is a vegetable used in cooking.
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Q (yy): Can a 4-year-old child drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, a 4-year-old can drink it. Adding a little rock sugar makes it taste nicer.
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Q (Xiao Qian): I have had chronic bloating and a burning sensation in my stomach for two weeks, with constant belching — worse when hungry and when full. What can I do? Bro Niu: Persistent gastric discomfort like this may be gastritis or a Helicobacter pylori infection — it is best to see a doctor for a check-up. In the meantime, try cyperus tuber (xiang fu, 3 qian), cardamom (sha ren, 2 qian, crushed), and tangerine peel (chen pi, 1 piece, snipped) in 4 bowls of water, simmered down to 2 bowls, to help move qi and ease bloating.
Published August 23, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
