Lung-Nourishing Sha Shen Yu Zhu Herbal Soup
Lung-Nourishing Sha Shen Yu Zhu Herbal Soup (4–5 servings)
Ingredients
- 0.8 oz white wood ear (bai mu er)
- 0.8 oz solomon’s seal root (yu zhu)
- 0.8 oz glehnia root (bei sha shen)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3–4 red dates (hong zao), pitted
- 1–2 dried figs or honeyed dates
- 1 lb lean pork or pork bones
- 1 tbsp goji berries (added later)
- 7–8 cups water
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
Soak the white wood ear in warm water for about 15–20 minutes until fully expanded, then trim off any tough stems and rinse well.
Pre-treat the pork:
Bring a small pot of water to a boil, briefly blanch the pork or bones for about 1 minute to remove impurities, then drain and rinse.
Rinse herbs:
Lightly rinse the solomon’s seal root and glehnia root under running water.
Start the soup base:
In a large pot, bring 7–8 cups of water to a boil. Add the pork, herbal ingredients, carrots, red dates, and figs.
Simmer gently:
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the flavors are well developed.
Finish with goji berries:
Add the goji berries during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking to preserve their texture and nutrients.
Season and serve:
Add salt to taste, skim off any excess fat if desired, and serve warm.
Effects/Benefits
White wood ear (bai mu er): Helps nourish yin, moisten dryness, and support skin hydration and circulation.
Solomon’s seal root (yu zhu): Gently nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, and helps relieve dryness and thirst.
Glehnia root (bei sha shen): Supports lung health, soothes dry coughs, and promotes fluid production.
Carrots: Strengthen digestion, support vision, and add natural sweetness while nourishing qi.
Red dates (hong zao): Tonify qi and blood, support digestion, and help harmonize the body.
Dried figs / honeyed dates: Moisten the lungs and intestines while helping relieve dryness and mild constipation.
Goji berries: Nourish liver and kidney, support eye health, and boost overall vitality.
Pork / pork bones: Provide protein, nourish yin, and help strengthen the body and replenish fluids.
Water: Hydrates the body and acts as a medium to extract and deliver the herbs’ benefits.
Salt: Enhances flavor and supports electrolyte balance when used moderately.
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.