Poria Cocos, Euryale Ferox and Lean Pork Soup (Spleen-Strengthening Dampness-Relief Soup)

Main Ingredients

• Lean pork (tenderloin or shank) 300g
• Dried Poria cocos 30g
• Dried Euryale ferox seeds (Gorgon fruit) 30g
• Candied dates 2 pcs
• Fresh ginger 3 slices
• Goji berries 15g
• Salt to taste
• Water 2.5-3L

Steps

1. Cut pork into 2cm cubes. Blanch in boiling water with 2 ginger slices for about 3 minutes, skimming off foam. Rinse with warm water and drain. Soak Poria cocos and Euryale ferox separately in water for 2-3 hours, then drain. Rinse candied dates or red dates.

   

2. Place the blanched pork, soaked Poria cocos, Euryale ferox, dates (or red dates), and remaining ginger slices into a clay pot. Add water (approx. 2.8L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours until the Euryale ferox is fully cooked and the pork is tender.

   

3. 10 minutes before serving, add goji berries and salt to taste. Stir well.

   

4. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. The Poria and Euryale ferox are edible (though starchy in texture) and nutritious – or you may choose to consume only the broth.

   

TCM Notes

Spleen-strengthening & dampness-draining (core benefit): Poria polysaccharides and triterpenoids promote fluid metabolism and diuresis, reducing edema. Euryale ferox is rich in starch and vitamins, enhancing intestinal absorption and reducing diarrhea. Together, they relieve body heaviness, loose stools, and edema caused by spleen deficiency with dampness. Kidney-consolidating & urine-reducing: Euryale ferox acts on the spleen and kidney meridians with astringent properties – helping reduce frequent nighttime urination, lower back weakness, and excessive leukorrhea, especially beneficial for the elderly. Mind-calming & sleep-improving: Poria cocos enters the heart meridian, calming the mind and relieving palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, and restless dreams caused by heart-spleen deficiency. Immunity-boosting & gut-regulating: Poria polysaccharides enhance macrophage activity; Euryale ferox provides resistant starch and dietary fiber that promote beneficial gut microbiota. High-quality protein & minerals: Lean pork provides heme iron and quality protein; Euryale ferox offers calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron – nutrient synergy that supports overall health and anemia improvement.

Suitable for：Those with spleen deficiency and dampness excess – body heaviness, sticky stools, and edema Those with edema, puffy eyes in the morning, or swollen legs in the afternoon Middle-aged and elderly with frequent nighttime urination, weak knees, or declining kidney qi Office workers with sedentary lifestyles and accumulated internal dampness Those with gut dysfunction, chronic diarrhea, or poor digestion Those suffering from palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness, or restlessness Residents in humid climates requiring regular dampness-preventive care

Not suitable for：Those with constipation or dry hard stools (Use with caution!)：Both Poria cocos and Euryale ferox are astringent and diuretic, reducing intestinal moisture and worsening constipation. Reduce Euryale ferox to 15g and increase water and fiber intake. Those with severe fluid depletion or dry mouth/throat (Use with caution)：Poria's diuretic effect may worsen fluid loss – consider pairing with yin-nourishing herbs like adenophora or ophiopogon. Those with acute urinary tract infections with pain, dark urine, or fever (Avoid)：This warming, astringent tonic is unsuitable for acute damp-heat conditions. Those with excess internal heat – red face, bitter mouth, yellow greasy tongue coating, bloating (Avoid) Those with acute external colds or wind-heat – fever, chills, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion (Avoid): Tonics may trap pathogens and worsen illness. Pregnant women (Use with caution or under medical supervision)：Euryale ferox's astringent properties may affect the fetus – consult a TCM practitioner. Those allergic to Poria cocos ,Euryale ferox, or pork (rare).