Soups
Lion's Mane, Fresh Yam & Codonopsis Chicken Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen-stomach and support digestion
Why people make this soup
When the stomach is run-down — after an illness, after surgery, or just from a weak constitution — Bro Niu likes a soup that’s nourishing without being heavy. Lion’s mane mushroom is the star here, long prized in traditional kitchens as a friend to the digestive system. Round it out with fresh yam, codonopsis, lotus seeds and red dates, all gentle spleen-stomach helpers, and simmer with free-range chicken for a clear, sweet, rebuilding pot the whole family can share.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people with weak digestion, poor appetite, or those recovering after illness or surgery.
- A good clear-and-sweet family soup for young and old.
- Not suitable while you still have an unresolved cold or external infection — wait until that has cleared.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lion’s mane (hou tou gu): Traditionally valued to support a sensitive stomach and digestive system, and associated with calming inflammation and supporting immunity.
- Fresh yam (huai shan): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen-stomach, generate fluids and settle the gut.
- Codonopsis (dang shen): Traditionally used to support spleen and lung function, nourish blood and generate fluids.
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): The “fruit of the spleen”; traditionally used to aid digestion, calm the mind and support sleep.
- Red dates (hong zao): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and nourish the blood.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lion’s mane mushroom (hou tou gu) | 3 | Soak and rinse |
| Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~150 g | Peel, rinse, cut into sections |
| Codonopsis (dang shen) | ~40 g | Soak and rinse |
| Lotus seeds (lian zi) | ~40 g | Soak and rinse |
| Fresh ginger (sheng jiang) | 3 slices | — |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 5 | Pitted |
| Free-range chicken (zou di ji) | half | Chop large, blanch |
Method
- Soak and rinse the lion’s mane; peel, rinse and cut the fresh yam into sections.
- Soak and rinse the codonopsis and lotus seeds; pit the red dates; chop and blanch the chicken.
- Put everything in a pot with 9 bowls of water and simmer for 2 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, sweet and tasty, suitable for young and old. It is especially helpful for those whose digestion has weakened after illness or surgery. But do not drink it while you still have an unresolved cold or infection.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (ada): My 6-year-old is getting a tonsillectomy — can we drink this soup right after surgery? Bro Niu: Right after surgery, first simmer 15 green olives (qing lan), 1 green radish, 40 g almonds (south & north) and 3 figs with lean pork to soothe the throat. After a couple of days, this nourishing soup is fine.
- Q (Angel1213): My 18-year-old daughter has long-term poor digestion and diarrhoea. What soup can I make to regulate her? Bro Niu: You can buy “four-spirit” (si shen) powder from the supermarket and give her a cup with hot water daily, traditionally good for weak digestion and loose stools. The four spirits are yam, poria, lotus seed and euryale — buy them yourself, 5 qian each, and simmer with red dates and lean pork too.
- Q (Ellen): A friend had a (benign) bowel-tumour removed and now gets frequent diarrhoea; anti-diarrhoea medicine swings her to constipation. They don’t eat meat but can have seafood. Bro Niu: “Four-spirit” fish soup is traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and firm the stool. The four spirits are yam, lotus seed, poria and euryale (5 qian each); add ginger and red dates and simmer with a small sea fish, about 2 servings a week.
Published June 2, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
