Honeysuckle and Old Duck Soup

Main Ingredients

• Old duck (or water duck) 1 whole
• Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua) 25g
• Dried figs 3 pieces
• Dried tangerine peel (Chenpi) 1 piece
• Fresh ginger 3 slices
• Goji berries 20g
• Water 2500ml
• Salt to taste
• Ground white pepper a pinch

Steps

1. Honeysuckle: Rinse thoroughly under running water – place in a sieve and shake in water for effective cleaning. For a clearer soup, put honeysuckle in a disposable tea bag. Tangerine peel: Rinse, soak in warm water until soft, and scrape off the white pith (reduces bitterness). Old duck: Remove internal organs and excess fat, rinse, and cut into large pieces. Figs: Rinse and cut in half to release flavor.

   

2. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the duck pieces and boil for about 5 minutes until the surface changes color and scum rises. Remove, rinse with warm water, and drain.

   

3. Place the blanched duck in a clay pot or soup pot with approximately 2000-2500ml of water. Add the tangerine peel, figs, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours.

   

4. After 1.5-2 hours, when the duck is tender, add the honeysuckle (with or without tea bag). Continue simmering over low heat for 30 minutes.

   

5. Add salt to taste and a pinch of white pepper if desired. Remove the honeysuckle tea bag if used, and serve warm.

   

TCM Notes

Honeysuckle (Jinyinhua) : Cold in nature and sweet in taste, acts on the Lung and Stomach meridians. Rich in chlorogenic acid and flavonoids, it has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and immunomodulatory effects. In TCM, it is known to clear heat, detoxify, and disperse wind-heat – effective for fever from warm pathogens, heat-toxin bloody dysentery, and carbuncles. Old duck (water duck) : Cool in nature with a sweet and salty taste, acts on the Spleen, Stomach, Lung, and Kidney meridians. Duck meat contains 16-25% protein – higher than livestock meat – with moderate, easily digestible fat. Rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, and zinc. It nourishes the stomach and yin, clears the lungs and heat, greatly tonifies deficiency, and promotes diuresis to reduce edema. Dried figs: Strengthen the stomach, clear the intestines, reduce swelling, and detoxify – rich in dietary fiber and trace minerals. Tangerine peel (Chenpi) : Regulates qi, strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm – removes the gamey taste of duck and harmonizes the formula. The soup collectively achieves the effects of clearing heat, reducing fire, nourishing yin, moistening dryness, strengthening the spleen, and promoting diuresis. One serving (approx. 300ml) provides about 150-200 kcal, rich in high-quality protein and minerals.

Suitable for：Those suffering from summer heat with thirst, excessive sweating, and dry mouth Those with internal heat,上火 (excessive internal heat), sore throat, or mouth ulcers Those with yin-deficiency dryness – poor appetite, stomach-yin deficiency, or lung-heat cough Those with low fever, weakness, poor appetite, dry stools, or edema Those recovering from illness or postpartum with deficiency, night sweats, or scanty menstruation Hypertensive patients (in moderation) General population for summer heat relief and wellness

Not suitable for：Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold: Symptoms include frequent abdominal pain, diarrhea, cold sensitivity, and loose stools – both honeysuckle and duck are cold/cool in nature and may worsen gastrointestinal discomfort Pregnant women (especially first trimester) : Honeysuckle is cold in nature; pregnant women have sensitive constitutions – consumption may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, and severe cases may stimulate uterine contractions – avoid or use with extreme caution Menstruating women: Those with deficiency-cold constitution or during menstruation should avoid honeysuckle as it may cause menstrual irregularities Those with qi deficiency and thin pus from sores: Avoid when sores have thin, clear discharge Those with wind-cold colds: Colds caused by cold exposure with chills and clear nasal discharge – avoid this cold-nature soup Those allergic to honeysuckle or duck: Discontinue immediately and seek medical attention if rash or breathing difficulties occur Those with obesity, arteriosclerosis, or chronic enteritis: Consume in moderation despite duck's lower fat content Those without heat conditions in winter: Long-term excessive consumption in winter may damage the spleen with cold-nature ingredients