Spatholobus and Chicken Breast Soup

Why people make this soup

Light or scanty periods — where the flow is noticeably reduced in volume or duration, or arrives as little more than spotting — are a common concern in Chinese gynaecological food therapy, often attributed to blood deficiency. Spatholobus stem (ji xue teng) is a classical herb for this purpose: its deep reddish-brown colour hints at its traditional role as a blood-nourishing, blood-moving ingredient, used for conditions where blood is both deficient and stagnant. Paired with the gentle nourishment of red dates and easily digested chicken breast protein, this simple soup is traditionally taken in the five days before menstruation, taken daily, to gradually support a fuller and healthier flow. Bro Niu recommends taking it consistently over several cycles.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suited to women with light, scanty periods associated with blood deficiency (often accompanied by a pale complexion, mild dizziness, or fatigue).
• Start drinking in the five days before the expected period; stop when menstruation begins. Repeat for one to three months and observe changes.
• Those with more heat in their constitution (tongue tends red, easily irritated) can modify: replace red dates with nan dates, and add bai he (lily bulb, 1 liang) to cool the formula.
• Not intended for use during menstruation itself; the soup is taken pre-period.
• If periods are consistently very light or absent for multiple cycles, see a doctor to rule out underlying causes.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Spatholobus stem (ji xue teng): One of the primary blood-nourishing, blood-activating herbs in Chinese food medicine; traditionally used for blood deficiency and blood stagnation presenting as irregular or scanty periods and pallor.
• Red dates (hong zao): A classic blood-nourishing ingredient; provides natural sweetness and gently tonifies qi and blood together.
• Chicken breast: A lean, easily digested protein that nourishes without being heavy; helps build the blood-generating capacity of the body.

Ingredients (2 bowls / 2 servings)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spatholobus stem (ji xue teng)	5 qian (~19 g)	Rinse; available at Chinese herb shops
Red dates	10 pieces	Pitted
Chicken breast	1 piece (~200 g)	Cut into pieces
Water	5 bowls (~1 L)	—

Method

1. Rinse the spatholobus stem.
2. Pit the red dates.
3. Cut the chicken breast into pieces.
4. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 5 bowls of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for about 40 minutes until the liquid reduces to 2 bowls.
6. Drink warm. Take once a day, starting 5 days before the expected period, for 5 consecutive days. Stop when menstruation begins.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup is particularly good for those with a pale complexion, blood deficiency, or mild dizziness. It is a simple, inexpensive recipe with easy-to-find ingredients. For best results, take it consistently — aim for 2–3 servings per week over one to three months, stopping when menstruation arrives. If you run hot or tend toward irritability, substitute nan dates for the red dates, or add 1 liang of lily bulb to moderate the warming nature.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (yuri): I have had a light period for three months now. My cycle is slightly late but lasts 5–6 days. This month it was even lighter and did not come at all. Can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is suitable for you.

• Q (Fiona): I tend to run hot — can I substitute something for the red dates? Bro Niu: If you tend toward heat, replace the red dates with nan dates (nan zao), or substitute 3–4 dried figs instead.

• Q (Sandy): Besides this soup, is there anything else that can help with very light periods? Bro Niu: I suggest also seeing a TCM practitioner, since there are multiple causes of scanty periods, and knowing your specific pattern will lead to more targeted recommendations. If the cause is kidney deficiency, a porridge or soup using rou cong rong (5 qian) and goji berries (3 qian) with lean pork or mutton can help — once or twice a week. Eating kidney-supportive foods like chives and prawns regularly is also beneficial.

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Published June 4, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.