Astragalus and Codonopsis Lean Pork Soup (Huang Qi Dang Shen Shou Rou Tang)

Main Ingredients

• Lean pork (tenderloin preferred) 250-300g
• Astragalus root (Huang Qi) 15-30g
• Codonopsis root (Dang Shen) 15-25g
• Fresh ginger 2-3 slices
• Goji berries 5-10g
• Red dates (pitted) 3-5 pcs
• Salt to taste
• Water approx. 1.5-2L

Steps

1. Soak astragalus and codonopsis in cold water for 30 minutes to soften. Cut lean pork into large chunks. Slice ginger and pit red dates.

   

2. Place pork in a pot with cold water and 1 slice of ginger. Bring to a boil, skim off foam, and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove and rinse with warm water. Drain.

   

3. Place the blanched pork, astragalus, codonopsis, red dates, and remaining ginger slices into a clay pot. Add water (approx. 1.5-2L). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours.

   

4. Add goji berries and salt 10 minutes before serving, then simmer for another 10 minutes. Eat the meat and drink the broth.

   

TCM Notes

Tonifying the middle qi, strengthening the spleen & benefiting the lungs (core benefit): Astragalus tonifies qi and raises yang, relieving mental fatigue and dizziness. Codonopsis tonifies the middle and nourishes the spleen and stomach. Together, they significantly improve poor appetite, indigestion, and post-meal bloating caused by spleen qi deficiency. Securing the exterior, strengthening immunity & stopping sweating (core benefit): Astragalus "secures the exterior" and strengthens defensive qi, helping those who sweat easily or catch colds frequently. Modern research shows astragalus enhances immune function, protects the liver, promotes diuresis, and has anti-aging, anti-stress, and blood pressure-lowering effects. Codonopsis also helps regulate immunity. Nourishing blood and generating fluids: Codonopsis contains iron, amino acids, and polysaccharides that increase hemoglobin and support hematopoiesis. Combined with astragalus, it nourishes qi and blood, relieving dizziness, pale complexion, and fatigue. Anti-fatigue and memory support: Helpful for those with chronic fatigue, low energy, and poor memory.

Suitable for：Those with spleen qi deficiency – chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, lethargy Those with weak defensive qi – excessive sweating, frequent colds Those with poor appetite, indigestion, or post-meal bloating Those with qi-blood deficiency – sallow or pale complexion, dizziness Elderly individuals with low immunity and sub-healthy populations Those recovering from illness or postpartum Office workers with chronic fatigue from desk jobs Those prone to colds during seasonal changes or with allergic rhinitis due to lung qi deficiency

Not suitable for：Those with colds, fevers, or acute inflammation (Strictly avoid!): These tonic herbs may trap pathogens in the body and worsen the condition. Those with excess heat or heat constitution (Avoid!): Symptoms include dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, yellow greasy tongue coating – these warming tonics will worsen internal heat. Those with yin deficiency with fire-excess (Avoid!): Symptoms include hot palms/feet, dry mouth and throat, night sweats, red tongue with little coating. Those with high blood pressure (Use with caution or avoid!): May affect blood pressure – reduce dosage if consuming. Pregnant women (Use with caution or under medical supervision!): Should only consume after TCM syndrome differentiation. Those with damp-heat or phlegm-heat constitution (Avoid!): Symptoms include thick greasy tongue coating, bitter sticky mouth. Those taking anticoagulant medication (Note): Maintain a 2-hour interval between consumption and medication. If bloating or heat symptoms occur after consumption (Stop use): Pause and consult a TCM practitioner. Those allergic to astragalus or codonopsis (Avoid).