Soups
Wu Zhi Mao Tao, Astragalus and Black-Bone Chicken Soup
Traditionally supports vital energy and eases fatigue
Why people make this soup
A friend gave Bro Niu a bag of five-finger fig root for soup. Also nicknamed “southern astragalus,” it has a quality somewhat like astragalus though a touch milder, and it gives the broth a faint, lovely coconut fragrance — which is why home cooks adore it. This soup is traditionally taken to support vital energy and build strength. It is regarded as helpful for those who feel weak all over, with a pale complexion and a soft, low voice from insufficient vital energy.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for those who feel tired and weak with a pale complexion and low, soft voice
- Bro Niu notes such constitutions often have a weak spleen and stomach, so energy-supporting foods are helpful
- Caution: best taken after a cold has fully cleared (no runny nose, no fever); if you suspect a thyroid issue, get a blood test and see a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Five-finger fig root (wu zhi mao tao): Nicknamed “southern astragalus,” traditionally regarded as supporting vital energy, with a pleasant coconut aroma.
- Astragalus (bei qi): Traditionally regarded as supporting vital energy and strengthening the body.
- Huang jing (Solomon’s seal) and black-bone chicken: Traditionally associated with nourishing and supporting overall vitality.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Five-finger fig root | ~38 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Astragalus root | ~23 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Huang jing (Solomon’s seal) | ~15 g | Soaked and rinsed |
| Black-bone (silkie) chicken | half a bird | Washed, blanched |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates | 8 |
Method
- Wash the black-bone chicken and blanch it. Soak and rinse the remaining ingredients.
- Place everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer until reduced to 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
People with a low-energy constitution often have a weak spleen and stomach and low stomach acid, so it helps to use more energy-supporting foods to improve how you feel.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Jenny): I’ve had my thyroid removed and take one thyroid pill daily — can I drink this soup often? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this soup after thyroid removal, about twice a week.
- Q (Lin Tai): Can I drink this five-finger fig root and black-chicken soup if I have a cold with a cough? Bro Niu: Five-finger fig root is nicknamed “southern astragalus” and is an energy-supporting food, so it is best taken after a cold clears. If there is no runny nose and no fever, only a cough, then it is fine to drink.
- Q (fatcat): Does a low thyroid condition also cause swelling and constant sleepiness? I have those, plus I get full from eating very little and have a lot of gas — could it be this? Bro Niu: A low thyroid condition can indeed bring swelling, fatigue and a weaker spleen-stomach, but you must get a blood test to know whether it is truly a thyroid problem — don’t guess. Go for a check-up. This soup is supportive and can be taken whether or not you are unwell.
Published February 27, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
