Soups
Hairy Fig Root (Wu Zhi Mao Tao) and Finger Citron Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen, moves qi and eases stomach discomfort
Why people make this soup
Hairy fig root (wu zhi mao tao) is nicknamed “southern astragalus” — its action resembles astragalus (bei qi) but gentler. It has a lovely clean fragrance with a faint coconut note. Simmered with finger citron and red dates in a lean-pork soup, it’s traditionally taken by people troubled by acid reflux: it’s associated with strengthening the spleen, moving qi and easing stomach discomfort.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Adults with acid reflux, a bloated or gassy stomach, mild gastritis, or stuck liver qi
- A 13-month-old can have a simpler version, but go easy on herbs for infants — a plain pork, sea-coconut and apple soup is more suitable for a baby
- For persistent reflux or stomach pain, please see a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Hairy fig root (wu zhi mao tao): “southern astragalus,” traditionally strengthens the spleen and moves qi gently.
- Finger citron (fo shou): traditionally soothes and regulates liver qi, easing a tight, bloated stomach.
- Red dates (hong zao): traditionally nourish and harmonise the soup.
- Lean pork: gives the soup body and savoury depth.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hairy fig root | ~37 g dried (or ~75 g fresh) | Soaked and rinsed |
| Finger citron (fo shou) | ~11 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Red dates | 6 | Can swap for nan zao if too warming |
| Lean pork | ~225 g | Blanched |
Method
- Blanch the pork; soak and rinse the other ingredients.
- Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 2 hours down to 3–4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup helps regulate liver qi and suits people with stuck liver qi, gastritis or a bloated, gassy stomach. If you tend to retain damp, you can add 3 qian each of poria (fu ling) and white atractylodes (bai zhu). Swap red dates for nan zao if they feel too warming, add a piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi), and it’s fine to make it without meat.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ling): With liver qi attacking the stomach, stomach-ache, and a damp, yin-deficient constitution, can I use this soup? Can I swap red dates for nan zao, add chen pi, and leave out the meat? Bro Niu: For damp, add 3 qian each of poria and white atractylodes. Swap red dates for nan zao, add a piece of chen pi, and it’s fine without meat.
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Q (Celine): Can a 13-month-old drink this soup? Can I add sea-coconut and apple? Bro Niu: I don’t recommend many herbs for infants — a sea-coconut, apple and lean-pork soup is more suitable for a baby.
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Q (Celine): Can I add snow pear or dried snow pear? Bro Niu: You can add duck pear (in season now); dried snow pear should be pitted before use.
Published October 21, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
