Our Health & Wellness Herbal Formula is a great addition to any soup receipe to help support your body during this rough respiratory season. Just add in the herbs to your favorite soup while cooking and enjoy. See a yummy recipe below for inspiration!
The herbs in our Health & Wellnes Herbal Formula separately have their strengths, but together can help boost any weakness, listlessness, lingering cough, or digestive upset after an illness. They work as a team to boost overall Qi and health of the body!
Here's a description of each herb and its use:
Huang Qi (astragalus) is a powerhouse of an herb used for boosting Qi of the body. Qi is the "energy" or "force" that propels our body to work and function. It is vital to our health. So if someone is sick, they lose Qi and thus will need replenishing. This herb is like a gust of wind that will lift you up and fill you with a burst of energy.
Dang Sheng (codonopsis) is like a milder cousin of Ren Shen (ginseng). Its use is helpful to boost Qi, but also strengthens the Lungs, especially after a respiratory illness. Interestingly, it can rebuild blood and nourish the body. It is nourishing, supportive, and Qi boosting all at the same time.
Shan Yao (dioscoria) or Japanese yam, is a delicious tuber that can be eaten raw or fresh, or added into herbal formulas dried. It's known for its digestive support, aiding in both the functional capabilities as well as nourishing any fiery upset. It also helps rebuilt lung strength after an illness.
Long Yan Rou (longan) is a fruit that is often eaten during the heat of summer when it's ripe, but it's dehydrated and added into soups to sweeten the broth and support digestion.
Da Zao (jujube) is another fruit that's used to sweeten an herbal formula and support digestion. It's unique in that it can detoxify some of the side effects of other herbs, which is why it's found in many herbal formulas.
Gou Qi Zi (wolfberry) is another fruit that's used to gently support the lungs after an illness.
Soup Recipe
- Meat option: 6 chicken legs or thighs
- Plant-based option: 1 pound pre-cooked or canned black or kidney beans or barley
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon rice wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- Health & Wellness Herberal Formula
Place all ingredients in the pot, add water to cover the protein and herbs. Bring to a boil, skimming any scum off the top of the liquid, then cover the pot, turn down the heat to medium-low, then let it cook for another 45 - 60 minutes. The meat should be falling off the bone and easy to eat.
The soup will take on the flavor of the herbs, which will also make it mildly sweet and slightly herbal. Discard the astragalus and dioscoria, everything else is edible.
This herbal soup should warm the body, but be careful not to overheat. If you notice any lightheadedness or dizziness, avoid the broth and eat the protein. Refrigerate any leftovers and try to finish the rest within 3 days.
Tanya Zhu, LAc - To Tanya, health is about the intersection of mind, body and spirit. She strives to provide the best traditional Chinese medicine to patients, incorporating acupuncture, herbs, Asian massage and qigong as a means to balance both the physical and emotional aspects of health. When not working, Tanya enjoys the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, whether it's bathing in the sounds of nature, sampling the gastronomic abundance of the city, or connecting with family and friends.
Tanya Zhu, LAc
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