Xianmao, Epimedium and Organic Chicken Breast Soup

Why people make this soup

Statistics suggest that 75–85% of women experience some symptoms of menopause, from irregular periods and hot flushes to palpitations, insomnia and emotional changes. In Chinese medicine, menopause is understood as a natural but sometimes difficult transition in which the body’s reserves of yin and yang become gradually depleted, particularly in the kidneys. This soup is aimed specifically at women whose menopause presents with what practitioners call a “kidney yang deficiency” pattern: a dull or puffy complexion, swelling in the face and limbs, hot flushes followed by chills, diminished appetite, loose stools, frequent urination, and periods that arrive irregularly, too early or too late. Xianmao and epimedium (the latter also known in the West as “horny goat weed” for its traditionally recognized effects on sexual function) are two of Chinese medicine’s key kidney-warming herbs, combined here with longan flesh for nourishing the blood and free-range chicken breast for gentle nourishment. Nourilo notes these herbs are on the potent side, so this soup is not an everyday staple — once or twice a week is appropriate.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the xianmao and epimedium briefly.
2. Rinse the longan flesh.
3. Blanch the chicken breast in boiling water for 1–2 minutes; drain.
4. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 2 hours until reduced to 600 ml.
6. Drink the soup; eat the chicken and longan flesh as part of the meal.
7. One to two servings per week is appropriate for ongoing support.

Nourilo’s Tips

• This soup is for a specific body-type; it will not suit everyone. If you are the type who runs warm, tends toward dry mouth, redness in the cheeks or constipation, this soup is not for you — look for a yin-nourishing recipe instead (such as American ginseng, polygonatum or snow fungus soups).
• For women approaching menopause who want to nourish yin rather than yang, a better daily soup would be: polygonatum (huang jing), ligustrum berry (nv zhen zi), mulberry (sang shen zi) and goji berry with lean pork — gentler and more broadly applicable.
• Women who are unsure of their constitution type but want a reliable general support should look at the “wheat kernel (xiao mai), licorice root (zhi gan cao), red dates and lily bulb” formula, which is gentle, broadly calming and suitable for most menopausal patterns.