Chinese Yam, Euryale Ferox and Free-Range Chicken Soup

Main Ingredients

• Free-range chicken (or old hen) half (approx. 600-700g)
• Chinese yam (iron yam preferred) 300g (peeled net weight)
• Dried Euryale ferox seeds (Gorgon fruit) 30g
• Fresh ginger 5 slices
• Goji berries 15g
• Red dates (pitted) 4-5 pcs
• Cooking wine 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Water approx. 2.5L

Steps

1. Cut chicken into pieces, remove the tail and excess skin fat. Soak in water for 30 minutes, changing the water 2-3 times to remove blood. Soak Euryale ferox in warm water for 2-3 hours. Peel the yam (wear gloves), cut into chunks, and soak in water. Slice ginger and rinse red dates and goji berries.

   

2. Place chicken pieces in a pot with cold water, add 2 slices of ginger and cooking wine. Bring to a boil, skimming off foam. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then remove and rinse with warm water. Drain.

   

3. Place the blanched chicken, soaked Euryale ferox, remaining ginger slices, and red dates into a clay pot. Add water (approx. 2.5L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5-2 hours (or 2.5 hours for an old hen) until the chicken is tender and the Euryale ferox is soft.

   

4. Add the drained yam chunks and continue simmering for 20-25 minutes until the yam is soft and tender.

   

5. Add goji berries and salt 10 minutes before serving. Stir well and serve hot.

   

TCM Notes

Spleen-strengthening & digestive support (core benefit): Yam is rich in diastase and polyphenol oxidase, which support digestive function. Euryale ferox strengthens the spleen and stops diarrhea. Together, they improve weak digestion, poor appetite, and loose stools. Kidney-consolidating & urine-reducing: Euryale ferox acts on the spleen and kidney meridians, consolidating kidney qi and reducing frequent nighttime urination and lower back weakness; yam also nourishes the kidneys, doubling the effect. Strengthening & immunity support: Chicken provides high-quality animal protein and heme iron for vital energy. Yam and Euryale ferox offer plant protein, dietary fiber, and minerals – a balanced nutritional combination. Lung-moistening & yin-nourishing: Yam generates fluids and benefits the lungs, relieving dry cough and throat dryness without promoting dampness.

Suitable for：Those with weak spleen and stomach, poor appetite, or indigestion Middle-aged and elderly with frequent nighttime urination, weak knees, or declining kidney qi Those recovering from illness or surgery needing gentle nourishment Those with low immunity or prone to colds Growing children and adolescents Health-conscious individuals seeking gentle seasonal nourishment

Not suitable for：Those with food stagnation or abdominal bloating (Avoid!): Euryale ferox is astringent, which may worsen bloating and indigestion. Those with severe constipation or dry hard stools (Use with caution!): The astringent properties may reduce intestinal moisture and worsen constipation. Reduce Euryale ferox amount or temporarily avoid. Those with acute colds or fevers (Avoid!): Symptoms include fever, sore throat, or cough – tonics may trap pathogens and worsen illness. Those with damp-heat excess or yellow greasy tongue coating (Use with caution): The soup is warming and may aggravate damp-heat. Those with hyperuricemia or acute gout (Limit): Chicken is moderate in purines – avoid during acute attacks, limit clear broth during remission. Those with kidney dysfunction (Under medical supervision): Chicken is high in protein – kidney patients should control intake. Those allergic to yam or chicken (Avoid).