Soups
Angelica Root, Codonopsis and Lamb Soup
traditionally used to warm the body, nourish qi and blood, and ease cold-related weakness
Why people make this soup
There is an old Chinese saying that translates roughly as: “Eating lamb in winter is like taking ginseng.” This warming soup is exactly what Bro Niu has in mind when the temperature drops and the body needs something substantial — not just warm in temperature, but warming in its effect on the whole system.
Angelica root (dang gui) is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese women’s herbal medicine, deeply associated with nourishing the blood, warming the uterus, and supporting recovery after childbirth. But raw dang gui has a strong, slightly drying quality on its own. Bro Niu adds codonopsis root (dang shen) deliberately, because codonopsis tempers dang gui’s intensity, making the combination gentler and more suitable for regular use. Together with ginger, red dates, and lean lamb, the result is a broth that warms from the inside out.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Particularly suited for postpartum women experiencing weakness, abdominal cold, insufficient milk production, or lingering blood loss
- Men and women with a cold constitution — always chilly, low energy, pale complexion — may also benefit
- Men with kidney-related weakness (aching lower back, always cold, low vitality) may use this soup too
- Do NOT use during an active cold, flu, or fever — warming herbs should not be taken during an active infection
- Those with a warm or heat constitution (prone to inflammation, redness, heat sensations) should avoid this soup
- Do not drink red wine alongside lamb or this soup — traditional food therapy considers this combination problematic
- Young children should generally avoid strong medicinal herb soups; plain vegetable soups are more appropriate for children
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lamb (yang rou): Warming in nature; in Chinese food therapy, considered one of the most effective foods for building warmth, supporting kidney yang, and nourishing qi and blood
- Angelica root (dang gui): One of the most celebrated herbs in Chinese women’s medicine; traditionally used to nourish and move blood, warm the uterus, and ease pain associated with cold
- Codonopsis root (dang shen): Supports the spleen and lung qi; moderates the drying quality of angelica; particularly suited for chronic, mild deficiency rather than acute conditions
- Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): Disperses cold; warms the stomach; reduces the gaminess of lamb
- Red dates (hong zao): Warm and sweet; traditionally used to nourish blood and harmonise the formula
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb leg or neck meat | ~300 g | Blanched to remove impurities |
| Angelica root (dang gui) | ~12 g (3 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Codonopsis root (dang shen) | ~15 g (4 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates | 6 pieces | Pitted |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.6 L) |
Method
- Blanch the lamb in boiling water for 3–5 minutes to remove impurities and reduce the gamey smell. Rinse and drain.
- Pit the red dates.
- Rinse the angelica root and codonopsis root; soak briefly in water.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 hours.
- Serve warm. Drink the broth and eat the lamb and date flesh.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is especially suited for anyone with a spleen-stomach cold deficiency or insufficient qi and blood — both men and women can drink it freely in cold weather. However, it is not for those with an active illness or a hot constitution. One important caution: do not drink red wine with lamb or this soup. Bro Niu notes that combining red wine with lamb produces an unfavourable chemical reaction in the body. White rice wine or clear broth is fine. For young children, Bro Niu recommends milder options like Chinese yam, poria, lotus seed, lily bulb, and coix seeds for spleen-strengthening — save the stronger medicinal soups for adults.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Meimei): Can a 12-year-old child drink angelica soup? Bro Niu: Angelica contains phytoestrogens and is not recommended as a single herb for young children. You can use it in small amounts combined with red dates (4 pieces) and codonopsis root (3 qian) in a light tea — once or twice a week is fine to support qi and blood gently.
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Q (Carmen): Is there a difference between fresh and frozen lamb for this soup? Bro Niu: Fresh lamb has a noticeably better flavour and less gaminess. Frozen lamb is also acceptable — the food-therapy value is much the same. Among frozen lamb, dark-coated grass-fed varieties tend to have less of the strong smell than white-skinned lamb.
Published December 17, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
