Traditional Chinese Four Herbs Soup Recipe for Spleen and Dampness
Traditional Chinese Four Herbs Soup Recipe for Spleen and Dampness (Serves 3–4)
Ingredients
- 20 g Chinese wild yam (Huai Shan / dried)
- 15 g Poria cocos (Fu Ling)
- 20 g lotus seeds (Lian Zi), bitter core removed
- 20 g Euryale seeds (Qian Shi)
- 300–400 g pork ribs
- 2–3 slices fresh ginger
- 2 red dates (jujube)
- 6–7 cups water
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the ingredients
- Rinse all dried herbs under cold water.
- Soak lotus seeds and Euryale seeds for 30–60 minutes until slightly softened.
- Remove the bitter green core from lotus seeds if present.
2. Blanch the pork
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Add pork ribs and blanch for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities.
- Drain and rinse thoroughly.
3. Build the soup
- In a clean soup pot, combine:
- Pork ribs
- All prepared herbs
- Ginger slices
- Red dates
- 6–7 cups fresh water
4. Simmer
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Season and serve
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy the nourishing broth with ingredients.
Effects/Benefits
Chinese wild yam (Huai Shan / Dioscorea opposita): Supports digestion and spleen function while helping regulate blood sugar and energy levels (Chinese Pharmacopoeia; Bensky et al., Chinese Herbal Medicine).
Poria cocos (Fu Ling / Wolfiporia extensa): Promotes fluid balance, reduces dampness, and supports gut health and mild calming effects (Chinese Pharmacopoeia; NIH Natural Medicines Database).
Lotus seeds (Lian Zi / Nelumbo nucifera): Strengthen digestion, help reduce diarrhea, and support restful sleep due to mild calming properties (Bensky et al.; Journal of Ethnopharmacology).
Euryale seeds (Qian Shi / Euryale ferox): Tonify the kidneys, stabilize digestion, and help reduce excessive fluid loss (Chinese Pharmacopoeia; Journal of Food Composition and Analysis).
Pork ribs: Provide protein, collagen, and essential minerals that support muscle repair and overall nourishment (USDA FoodData Central).
Fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale): Aids digestion, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties (NIH; Food Chemistry journal).
Red dates (Jujube / Ziziphus jujuba): Nourish blood, support immune function, and provide antioxidants (NIH; Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry).
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy is a complementary approach and should not replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Individual responses to herbs and foods may vary.