Soups
Solomon's Seal and Brain-Tonic Soup (Yu Zhu Yi Zhi Tang)
traditionally associated with calming restlessness and nourishing the mind in children
Why people make this soup
Children with attention difficulties often settle somewhat as they move through adolescence, but the journey there can be exhausting for the whole family. While food therapy is not a substitute for professional care, many parents in Chinese households use nourishing soups alongside other support to help calm a busy mind and build up a child’s vitality. This soup — combining Solomon’s seal with longan, goji berries, and red dates — is one such gentle recipe. It is thought to benefit children who seem scattered, pale, easily fatigued, or forgetful, and who struggle to settle. For a heartier version, a quail can be added to the pot: quail is known as the “animal ginseng” and is mild enough for virtually any constitution.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits children and adults who experience inattention, restlessness, forgetfulness, or low energy
- Quail can be added to make it suitable as a family soup
- Do not give this soup during an active cold or cough — wait until the child has recovered fully
- Not a replacement for medical assessment or therapy; always consult a paediatrician for ADHD concerns
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Solomon’s seal (yu zhu): Sweet and slightly cool, traditionally associated with nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and calming the nervous system — considered particularly useful for children who are mentally scattered or easily agitated.
- Longan flesh (gui yuan rou): Warm and sweet, traditionally regarded as a tonic for the heart and spleen, associated with calming the mind and supporting memory.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Gentle and nourishing, associated with supporting the liver and kidneys, replenishing vital essence, and brightening the eyes.
- Red dates (hong zao): Mildly sweet, traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach, nourish the blood, and calm the spirit.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solomon’s seal rhizome (yu zhu) | 5 qian (~18 g) | Available at Chinese herbal shops |
| Longan flesh (gui yuan rou) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Dried or fresh |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Rinse before use |
| Red dates, pitted (hong zao) | 4–6 pieces | Remove pits |
Method
- Rinse all ingredients thoroughly.
- Combine in a pot with 4 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Drink the broth warm. The longan, goji berries, and dates can be eaten as well.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you would like to turn this into a proper family soup, add a whole quail (or two) to the pot. Quail is known in Chinese food therapy as the “animal ginseng” — it strengthens the five organ systems and is mild enough for people of any constitution, from young children to the elderly. If cooking for a family, simply double all the ingredient quantities.
If the child has a cold or cough, put this soup aside until they are fully recovered — it is not suitable during an active illness.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (YAN): My child has hyperactivity disorder — how many times a week should I make this soup? Bro Niu: If the child drinks it twice without showing any sign of internal heat, you can increase to three times a week.
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Q (Lin): Can this soup be given during a cold or cough? Bro Niu: No — this soup is not suitable during an active cold or cough. Please wait until the child has recovered.
Published July 5, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
