Soups
Wolfberry Leaf and Goji Berry Pork Soup
Traditionally used to clear liver heat, support eye health, and ease a persistent sour sensation in the mouth
Why people make this soup
If your mouth has a sour or acidic taste without having eaten anything acidic, traditional Chinese medicine would point to the liver meridian as a possible source. This pattern is often accompanied by a sensation of rising stomach qi — an acidic taste drifting up from the stomach toward the throat — along with bloating, mild dizziness, mood changes, easy irritability, and a tendency to belch. The liver is considered the organ most affected by stress and overwork in TCM theory.
This soup uses the fresh leaves of the wolfberry plant, which in Chinese food therapy are regarded as being even more potent than the berry for clearing liver toxins. Research cited by Bro Niu suggests that wolfberry leaves may have liver-protective capacity many times greater than the dried goji berry. The leaves are mild-tasting, slightly sweet, and produce a clean, light soup that is pleasant to drink even for those who are not feeling unwell.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to anyone who spends long hours in front of a computer screen, has tired or dry eyes, or notices a sour or acidic taste in the mouth.
- Also beneficial for those with high blood pressure who want a gentle, regular food-therapy option.
- Pregnant women can drink this soup.
- The soup is mild, not-cold and not-hot — suitable for most constitutions as a regular meal soup.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh wolfberry leaves (gou qi ye): Traditional Chinese medicine considers the leaves superior to the berries for clearing liver heat and toxins. They contain betaine, rutin, amino acids, and trace elements, and are associated with supporting liver function, softening blood vessels, and improving vision.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): The dried berries complement the leaves by gently nourishing the liver and kidneys. They are sweet and mild, and bring depth to the broth.
- Lean pork (shou rou): A neutral, easily digestible protein that gives the broth a savoury body without being heating or overly rich. The pork stem (stems of the plant) is used first to extract flavour, then removed, so the soup remains clear.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls / serves 2–3)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh wolfberry leaves (gou qi ye) | 150 g (4 liang) | Strip leaves from stems; keep stems for Step 1 |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Lean pork | 225 g (6 liang) | Rinse, slice thinly |
Method
- Strip the wolfberry leaves from their stems. Keep the stems — they will be used to flavour the broth first.
- Rinse the lean pork and cut into thin slices.
- In a pot, bring enough water to cover the pork and wolfberry stems. Add the pork slices and the stripped stems together. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove and discard the stems from the pot.
- Add the goji berries to the pot and simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the wolfberry leaves, bring back to a simmer, and cook for a further 15 minutes.
- Season lightly with salt if desired. Serve warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh wolfberry leaves are available at Chinese or Asian grocers and herbal medicine shops — look for bright, deep-green young leaves. The stems are not eaten but are worth simmering first: they extract the grassy, herbal essence of the plant into the broth before you remove them. This is a particularly good everyday soup for anyone who spends a lot of time looking at screens — the combination of wolfberry leaves and goji berries is a classic pairing for eye fatigue in Cantonese food therapy. As an alternative to pork, you can use grass carp (grass carp fillet) for a lighter, slightly different flavour.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (anonymous): Can pregnant women drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, pregnant women can drink this soup.
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Q (Wendy): I have a cold constitution and am in my menstrual period. Is this soup suitable for me? Bro Niu: This wolfberry leaf and goji soup is mild — not too cold and not too warming — so it is suitable for you. You can drink it.
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Q (anonymous): Can I use something other than pork? Bro Niu: You can use grass carp fish instead.
Published March 10, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
