The Four Herbs Soup, or sì shén tāng (四神汤), is believed to have several health benefits. Here are some of the potential benefits associated with the four main ingredients:
- 1. Dried Fox Nut Barley (芡实, qiànshí) : It is believed to tonify the kidneys, strengthen the spleen, and promote digestion. It is also thought to have diuretic properties and may help with urinary problems.
- 2. Lotus Seeds(莲子, liánzǐ): Lotus seeds are considered to be a good source of essential nutrients and are believed to nourish the heart and spleen. They are also thought to have calming properties and may help with insomnia and anxiety.
- 3. Chinese Yam( 山药,shānyào): Chinese yam is believed to tonify the spleen and stomach, nourish the lungs and kidneys, and promote overall vitality. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestive issues.
- 4. Poria Cocos Mushrooms (苻苓, fú líng): Poria cocos mushrooms are believed to strengthen the spleen, calm the mind, and promote diuresis. They are also thought to have immune-boosting properties and may help with fatigue and water retention.
As for the recipe, here is a basic version of the Four Herbs Soup:
Ingredients:
- 30g dried fox nut barley (芡实, qiànshí)
- 25g dried lotus seeds (莲子, liánzǐ; make sure bitter green centers are removed; look for a brand that has already removed the centers!)
- 30g dried Chinese yam slices (山药, shānyào)
- 35g poria cocos mushrooms (苻苓, fú líng)
- 2 pounds pork neck bones (or 100g dried soybeans as a vegetarian option)
- 5 slices of ginger (about ⅛-inch/3mm thick and 2 inches/5cm long)
- 6 ounces of carrot (about 1 medium-sized carrot, cut into 1½-inch/4cm chunks)
- 12 ounces of daikon radish (about 1 small-sized radish, cut into 1½-inch/4cm chunks)
- 10 cups of water
- salt to taste
You can find all of these ingredients in their dried form at a well-stocked Chinese grocery store near you.
Instructions:
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Rinse the dried fox nut barley, dried lotus seeds, dried Chinese yam slices, and poria cocos mushrooms under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
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In a large pot, add the pork neck bones (or dried soybeans for a vegetarian option) and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse the bones (or soybeans) under cold water to remove any impurities.
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In the same pot, add the rinsed bones (or soybeans), ginger slices, dried fox nut barley, dried lotus seeds, dried Chinese yam slices, and poria cocos mushrooms.
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Add the carrot and daikon radish chunks to the pot.
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Pour in 10 cups of water, or enough to cover all the ingredients.
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Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the ingredients are tender and the flavors have melded together.
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Season with salt to taste.
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Serve the Chinese herbal soup hot and enjoy its nourishing and comforting flavors.
Please note that this is a basic recipe, and you can adjust the quantities of the herbs and cooking time according to your preference. It is also recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for personalized advice and guidance.