Soups
Hairy Fig Root, Chinese Yam, Dendrobium and Fox Nut Soup
Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, support recovery after illness or surgery
Why people make this soup
After a major illness or surgery, the body needs gentle support to recover well, especially for those with sinew or bone injuries where healing takes time and daily life is harder. Bro Niu shares this nourishing soup for people recovering from illness or post-operative sinew-and-bone injuries. The herbs are mild — supportive without being drying — making the soup suitable for the recovery period.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People recovering after illness or surgery, including sinew and bone injuries, who want a gentle, immune-supporting soup.
- Mild and tasty, suitable for young and old. Not suitable for those with an active cold and fever. After surgery, wait per your doctor’s advice (often a few days) before adding tonic soups.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Hairy fig root (wu zhi mao tao): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and lungs, move qi, drain damp and relax the sinews.
- Dendrobium (shi hu): Traditionally used to nourish yin and the blood and strengthen the sinews and bones.
- Chinese yam, fox nut, goji, red dates: Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, support the liver and kidneys, and nourish the blood and spirit.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hairy fig root | ~1 liang | Soaked and rinsed |
| Dendrobium | ~5 qian | Soaked and rinsed |
| Chinese yam | ~1 liang | Soaked and rinsed |
| Fox nut (euryale) | ~1 liang | Soaked and rinsed |
| Goji berries | ~3 qian | Rinsed |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
Method
- Soak and rinse each ingredient separately.
- Combine with 8 bowls of water.
- Cook for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is fragrant with little herbal taste, suitable for young and old. Adding some pork bone or pork shin makes it even tastier. Not suitable for those with an active cold and fever.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Mint): Can I drink this right after joint-replacement surgery? Bro Niu: You can cook and drink it about 3 days after surgery.
- Q (Vivian Fan): My child was hit by a bike, has wounds and a bone fracture with a screw placed; the wound isn’t closed yet. Besides notoginseng soup, is my approach right? Bro Niu: Children heal fast — balanced nutrition is key. With a fracture, avoid sour foods (plums, vinegar, hawthorn) and all pears, as they can hinder bone growth. You can cook astragalus and dang shen (3 qian each), yam (1 liang) and 5 red dates with pork shin or fresh fish to help recovery.
- Q (amy poon): For one person, do I halve the amounts? Bro Niu: You don’t need to halve it; cook it and drink over 2 days — without mushroom-type ingredients it keeps an extra day fine.
Published July 19, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
