In Traditional Chinese Medicine, food is medicine. These healing soups are slow-simmered with herbs, roots, and nourishing ingredients that restore energy, improve digestion, clear heat, and strengthen immunity. Below are 9 powerful Chinese healing soups you can easily make at home.
1. Ginseng Chicken Soup (Boosts Energy & Immunity)
Ingredients
- Whole chicken – 800 g (cut into pieces)
- Dried ginseng – 10 g
- Red dates – 6
- Goji berries – 1 tbsp
- Fresh ginger – 5 slices
- Water – 2 liters
- Salt – to taste
Method
Add all ingredients to a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours until chicken is tender. Season with salt before serving.
2. Lotus Root & Peanut Soup (For Digestion & Blood Health)
Ingredients
- Lotus root – 300 g (sliced)
- Raw peanuts – 100 g
- Red dates – 6
- Dried tangerine peel – 1 small piece
- Water – 1.8 liters
- Salt – to taste
Method
Rinse all ingredients, bring to a boil, then simmer for 1.5 hours until lotus root is soft and soup is fragrant.
3. Winter Melon & Barley Soup (For Bloating & Water Retention)
Ingredients
- Winter melon – 400 g
- Pearl barley – ½ cup
- Ginger – 4 slices
- Water – 1.8 liters
- Salt – to taste
Method
Boil barley for 20 minutes first, then add melon and ginger. Simmer another 40 minutes. Season and serve.
4. Black Chicken Herbal Soup (Deep Nourishment)
Ingredients
- Silkie (black) chicken – 1 whole (800 g)
- Chinese yam – 100 g
- Goji berries – 1 tbsp
- Red dates – 6
- Ginger – 5 slices
- Water – 2 liters
Method
Simmer everything together for 2–3 hours on low heat until the broth turns rich and dark.
5. White Radish & Pear Soup (For Dry Cough & Lungs)
Ingredients
- White radish – 300 g
- Asian pear – 2, chopped
- Water – 1.5 liters
- Honey – 1 tbsp (after cooking)
Method
Boil radish and pear for 45–60 minutes. Turn off heat, then stir in honey before drinking.
6. Red Bean & Tangerine Peel Soup (For Bloating)
Ingredients
- Adzuki beans – ¾ cup
- Dried tangerine peel – 1 piece
- Ginger – 4 slices
- Water – 1.8 liters
Method
Simmer all ingredients for 1.5 hours until beans are soft.
7. Mung Bean Detox Soup (For Heat & Acne)
Ingredients
- Mung beans – 1 cup
- Dried lily bulb – 20 g
- Rock sugar – 1–2 tbsp (optional)
- Water – 2 liters
Method
Simmer everything for 45–60 minutes until beans break down.
8. Dang Gui Blood-Building Soup (NEW)
Ingredients
- Chicken – 500 g
- Dang Gui (Angelica root) – 10 g
- Goji berries – 1 tbsp
- Red dates – 6
- Ginger – 5 slices
- Water – 2 liters
Method
Simmer on low heat for 2 hours. Ideal for women, fatigue, and low blood energy.
9. Chinese Yam & Red Date Soup (NEW – Hormone & Energy Support)
Ingredients
- Chinese yam – 200 g
- Red dates – 8
- Goji berries – 1 tbsp
- Water – 1.5 liters
Method
Simmer for 1 hour. Drink warm to support digestion, hormones, and fertility.