Soups
Glehnia Root and Hai Polygonatum Pork Soup
traditionally used to nourish yin, clear lung heat, and ease dryness and restlessness
Why people make this soup
Some people run perpetually warm — not quite ill, but chronically restless, easily irritated, with dry lips, a parched throat, and difficulty settling at night. In traditional Chinese food therapy, this is often described as yin-deficient rising fire: the body’s cooling, moistening aspect has become depleted, allowing heat to rise upward. This gentle soup is a practical everyday remedy for that feeling. Glehnia root (sha shen) and hai polygonatum — a variety of Solomon’s seal with a particularly good flavour — work together to replenish fluids, cool the lungs, and settle the spirit.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for anyone with dryness, restlessness, a tendency toward mouth ulcers, dry cough, or persistent thirst
- Good for the whole family, including young children (in smaller amounts) and pregnant women (one reader confirmed with Bro Niu that pregnant women may drink this)
- Can be made with spirula (luo tou) or cordyceps flower (chong cao hua) added — though introduce new mushroom-type ingredients cautiously for young children who may be sensitive
- Not suitable during active colds, flu, or fever — wait until fully recovered
- Those with eczema or phlegm-dampness constitution can still use this soup in moderate amounts
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Glehnia root (sha shen): A classic lung-nourishing herb; traditionally used to clear lung heat, resolve phlegm-heat, and generate fluids — particularly suitable for dry throat and cough
- Hai polygonatum (hai yu zhu): A variety of Polygonatum (yu zhu / Solomon’s seal) with a flavour that Bro Niu considers superior to plain yu zhu; similarly nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and generates fluids. It is related to huang jing (Siberian Solomon’s seal)
- Candied dates (mi zao): Balance the slight blandness of the two herbs and add gentle nourishment
- Lean pork: Provides a mild, grounding flavour and light protein that complements the yin-nourishing herbs
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glehnia root (sha shen) | ~19 g (5 qian) | Available at Chinese herb shops; soak and rinse |
| Hai polygonatum (hai yu zhu) | ~19 g (5 qian) | A variety of Solomon’s seal / yu zhu with excellent flavour |
| Candied dates (mi zao) | 3 pieces | |
| Lean pork | ~225 g (6 liang) | Blanch first |
| Water | 8 bowls | Simmer down to about 3–4 bowls over 2 hours |
Method
- Soak the glehnia root and hai polygonatum briefly, then rinse.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water, rinse, and drain.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 2 hours until about 3–4 bowls remain.
- Drink the soup and eat the pork. The whole family may share this.
Bro Niu’s tips
Yu zhu (plain polygonatum) and hai yu zhu are closely related. Hai yu zhu has a more pleasant flavour, which makes the soup noticeably tastier. Do note: this soup is unsuitable during colds or fever. Snow ear (xue er / Tremella) can be added to this soup for an even more moistening effect, particularly in summer. If cooking for a large family (8 people), scale up to sha shen 1 liang, hai yu zhu 1 liang, mi zao 4 pieces, lean pork 12 liang, and optionally add 2 carrots, 3 qian snow ear, and 1 liang lily bulb (bai he) for a richer soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Sammy): I have high blood pressure and cholesterol, am yin-deficient with internal heat, and keep getting mouth ulcers. Is this soup suitable for me? Bro Niu: This soup is suitable for you. You can add some dried oyster (hao chi) or dried conch (xiang luo gan) to the pot — both help nourish yin and reduce internal fire.
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Q (kiki): I am 9 weeks pregnant. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: Pregnant women can drink this soup. You can also make cooling, light soups such as carrot and corn with lean pork, or hairy melon with tofu and fresh fish — all are suitable during pregnancy.
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Q (Carcar): Can I add carrots to this soup? There are 8 people in our family — how should I adjust the quantities? Bro Niu: You can add carrots. For 8 people, use sha shen and hai yu zhu 1 liang each, mi zao 4 pieces, lean pork 12 liang, then add 2 carrots, 3 qian snow ear, and 1 liang bai he (lily bulb). Simmer together — it will be both tasty and deeply nourishing for yin and lungs.
Published January 8, 2013 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
