Astragalus and Dried Shrimp Soup

Main Ingredients

• Astragalus root (Huangqi) 30g
• Dried small shrimp (Xiapi) 60g
• Fresh ginger 3g
• Spring onion 3g
• Salt 3g
• Cooking oil as needed
• Water 2000ml

Steps

1. Rinse the astragalus briefly under running water to remove dust (do not soak for long to prevent loss of active compounds). Rinse the dried shrimp 2-3 times to remove surface salt and impurities, then drain. If the shrimp is particularly salty, extend the soaking time.

   

2. Place the rinsed astragalus in a clay pot or stainless steel pot (avoid iron pots). Add approximately 600-1000ml of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

   

3. Turn off the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the astragalus solids, reserving the liquid.

   

4. Return the liquid to the pot and add the rinsed dried shrimp. Add approximately 600ml more water (total approx. 1200ml). Add ginger slices and spring onion sections. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the shrimp is flavorful.

   

5. Add salt to taste (about 3g). Drizzle with a little cooking oil for aroma before turning off the heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion.

   

6. Serve as a soup with meals. One dose daily. Recommended 3 times per week for 2-3 consecutive months.

   

TCM Notes

Astragalus (Huangqi) : Sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, acts on the Spleen and Lung meridians. Known to supplement qi, strengthen the spleen, and promote diuresis. Modern research shows that astragalus contains polysaccharides and saponins with estrogen-like effects, which can effectively prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. It also boosts immunity. Dried shrimp (Xiapi) : A dried product of small shrimp, highly nutritious. Every 100g of dried shrimp contains 991-2000mg of calcium, along with rich protein. It also helps tonify the kidneys, strengthen yang, and fortify bones. The daily calcium requirement for adults is about 800mg – regular consumption of dried shrimp is an excellent way to supplement calcium. Together, they achieve the synergistic effects of tonifying the spleen and kidneys, supplementing qi and calcium, strengthening bones, and preventing osteoporosis

Suitable for：Middle-aged and elderly individuals with osteoporosis Postmenopausal women (astragalus's estrogen-like effects help reduce bone loss) Those with qi-blood deficiency and weak constitution Those with poor appetite, pale complexion, and cold sensitivity Those with kidney-yang deficiency type osteoporosis Children and adolescents needing calcium supplementation General population as a daily wellness soup

Not suitable for：Those with colds or fever Those with excess or heat patterns Those with kidney-yin deficiency (astragalus is warm and may aggravate yin deficiency) Those with yin deficiency with fire excess or prone to internal heat Those allergic to shrimp or astragalus