08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups

Homemade Chinese Soups. It's Magical!

Custom Search

Home
Recipes
Techniques
Stories
Updates

Astragaloside iv powder - king-tiger.com

98% 90% 50% High quality Best Price Manufacturer, sales@king-tiger.com
king-tiger.com

A List of Chinese Herbs Used in Chinese Soups

Astragaloside iv powder - king-tiger.com
98% 90% 50% High quality Best Price Manufacturer, sales@king-tiger.com
king-tiger.com

Home > List of Chinese Herbs

19.1K 646 6 525

Use this list of Chinese herbs to get to know some common ones used to make Chinese herbal soups.

Want to make a herbal soup but intimidated by the chinese herbs in them? These herbs are added to long
simmering soups to extract the natural substances in them that help regulates various bodily functions.

Voos de Rio de Janeiro a partir de

Para R$ 2.728,26*
Barcelona
Ida + Volta Reservar

a partir de
Voos de Rio de Janeiro
R$ 2.686,42*
Para Madri
Ida + Volta
Reservar

Find out more about these special ingredients in

this list of Chinese herbs. I know that pictures would help so I try to include as many as I could. This is not
a comprehensive list but of those commonly used to make soups for everyday consumption. I do not
features herbs or recipes meant as medical decoctions. Those require training and an in-depth
knowledge.

You may also want to read up on some preparation tips for chinese herbal soups.

American Ginseng 花旗参 (hua qi shen)

花旗参 (hua qi shen) is reputed to be a gentle cooling herb. This ginseng is found growing wild in the
Northeast America. But due to over-harvesting, they are now grown commercially for consumption.

Western scientists are now finding interesting compounds and substances that have impact on bodily
functions. Traditional Chinese medicine prizes it for its ability to balance the yin and yang forces in the
body.

Astragalus root 黄芪 (huang qi) or Milkvetch root

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 1/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups

Astragaloside iv
powder - king-tiger.com
98% 90% 50% High quality Best
Price Manufacturer, sales@king-
tiger.com
king-tiger.com

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Astragalus is a root with a mild licorice-like taste.

It possesses manifold benefits for a wide range of illnesses, which is why it is featured frequently in
chinese soups and gentle tonic drinks. Read more of its benefits and find some recipes.

Chinese Angelica Root 当归 (dang gui)

Photo by Phoebe Lim

The Chinese angelica root has a very important place in women's health. It is highly valued for the
treatment for a host of women's illnesses. It is supposed to strengthen the blood, nourish the female
reproductive organs, regulate menstruation and alleviate period pains.

Chinese medicinal shops sell chinese angelica root as dried unprocessed pieces of root. Some health
shops also sell them in capsule form.

In its dried state, chinese angelica root emits a certain woody aroma that develops into a strong flavour
when cooked.

It is usually steamed or simmered with a combination of chicken, mutton, pork and some other herbs,
depending on the nature of the ailments to be addressed.

The angelica root requires no preparation before cooking. Dang gui is usually not eaten. Just drink the
soup.

Chinese pearl barley or Coix seeds 薏仁 (yi mi)

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 2/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups

Photo by Phoebe Lim

The chinese believes that the coix seeds are diuretic, anti-swelling, pus-expelling and cooling. It is
therefore most commonly recommended to people suffering from stiff and painful joints, rheumatism, warts
and eczema. Read on for more information and recipes with chinese pearl barley.

Chinese wolfberries ( 枸杞子 gou ji zi)

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Chinese wolfberries or boxthorn fruit and is more commonly known as dried goji berries. They are small
bright red fleshy fruits. Goji berries sold in dried form in many Asian grocery stores or chinese medicinal
halls. Dried goji berries are known as gou ji zi in mandarin and kei chi in cantonese.

They are quite sweet and are found as an ingredient in many chinese soups, sweet teas and tonic drinks. It
is one of the most popular chinese herbs. Not very expensive either.

It is a natural supplement for improving eyesight especially if poor eyesight is caused by malnutrition,
vessel expansion and inflammation. Consuming goji berries may help if you experience eye strain from
staring at computer screens and documents for long periods of time.

Goji berries are also beneficial for the liver. A healthy liver manifests in better looking eyes and vision.
Traditional chinese medicine taught that any sickness in the liver can be observed from the eyes. For
instance, people suffering from hepatitis or jaundice have very yellowish eyes.

In recent years goji juice has been marketed widely as a natural remedy, like some wonder drug. However,
it is not a panacea. In fact, people who have diabetes should take it in moderation. Dietary therapy
emphasizes balance, moderation and combination in the use of chinese herbs in soups and other foods.
This goes the same for goji berries.

The berries can be eaten and they can be quite sweet.

Chinese yam 淮山 (huai shan)

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 3/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Also known as huai shan (medicinal name), dried chinese yam has a modest appearance ... it looks like
chalk. It is also tasteless. Extolled for its wide-ranging health benefits, chinese yam has been recorded as
having the ability to enhance vigour, promote muscle growth and repair worn-out tissue, and alleviate
bodily weakness after a long-term illness.

This Chinese herb has also been used to counter diabetes, diarrhoea, kidney defects, coughing and
dehydration. It can, however, cause frequent urination and perspiration. So be careful not to over-use.

Chinese yam is usually used in conjunction with meats and other chinese herbs to aid digestion, regulate
body's sugar level and control inflammation of the uterus. Here are some recipes.

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Chinese yam can also be found in its fresh form. It is known as 山药 (shan yao) in mandarin. Prepare as
you would potato. This fresh form can and should be eaten.

Codonopsis root 党参 (dang shen)

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Codonopsis root has many tonic uses.

1. Promotes salivation and aid digestion

2. Relieves diarrhoea and severe coughing
3. Reduces nausea and weakness after severe bleeding

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 4/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups
4. Activates metabolism and improves blood circulation
5. Stabilizes nervousness
6. Counters extreme mental and physical fatigue

The root is usually cooked with meats and other chinese herbs in soups and stews to promote general
good health. To use, cut pieces of the root into 3-cm length if they are too long and add to the pot.

Codonopsis root is usually not eaten.

Cordyceps 东虫夏草 (dong chong xia cao)

cordyceps picture

The Chinese name for cordyceps literally means winter worm, summer grass. It can also be translated as
chinese caterpillar fungus. The weird name arises because cordyceps is actually a hybrid chinese herb
made up of a type of parasitic fungus growing within a caterpillar. The fungus invade the bodies of the
young caterpillars when they are hibernating in the ground and grew their way out, killing the caterpillars in
the process.

Harvesters spot them through the tiny shoots that stick out from the ground.

There are basically 3 ways of preparing cordyceps. TCM decoctions, simmered soups and alcoholic
infusion. In soups, it is usually paired with ducks but it works well with chicken and pork.

Cordyceps is usually prescribed to people who have weak constitution. It enjoyed a good reputation as an
anti-aging ingredient and is popular among ladies.

Like the ginseng, it is highly prized and therefore fairly expensive. There are many imitations in the
markets. Buy from reputable shops.

I don't think it taste very nice but because it is expensive and many people think it has more efficacy if it is
eaten, so it is up to you whether to eat it or not.

Dried lily bulbs 百合 (bai he)

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Dried lily bulbs, also known as bai he, are the scales of the bulbs of the tiger lily flower. It is believed to be
good for the lungs and it appears in many anti-flu recipes. It is most commonly found in sweet congee and
sweet soupy desserts.

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 5/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups
The fresh version is also quite popular amongst chinese but they are not that easy to find. If you do find
some, make sure you parboil them to get rid of the bitterness / spiciness before adding to your dishes.

The dried lily bulbs should not be mistaken with the dried lily buds which is a different part of the tiger lily
plant.

Can be eaten.

Dried tangerine peel 陈皮 (chen pi)

Dried tangerine peel is simply the peels of tangerines (not oranges) that are dried in the sun. It aids
digestion and absorption and soothes the tummy. It is especially good with feeling of bloatedness and
nausea. Many chinese pregrant ladies like to buy and eat the preserved version (<i>that is, saltier
version</i>) to ease their morning sickness.

If you are feeling nauseous or bloated, you can steep 2 small pieces of dried tangerine peels in hot water
and drink it like tea. The preserved version is also a great remedy for motion sickness. Some of my friends
always pack a few packets when they travel. I should try to remember to do that too (^-_^).

They are not usually eaten when used in soups. Probably soggy by then.

Euryale seeds / fox nuts 芡实 (qian shi)

Euryale seeds like many other chinese herbs have a lot of name variations. Such as fox nuts or gorgon or
qian shi in mandarin.

It is the seed of a certain water lily plant. The plant grows in water and have bright purple flowers. This
explains why it resembles lotus seeds.

Euryale seeds are mostly used in soups or roasted so that they pop (like pop corn). They are very hard
and requires long simmering to soften them. Not that they are that tasty.

Fox nuts are believed to strengthen the kidneys and enhance sperm production.

They can be eaten but can be powdery.

Ginkgo nuts ( 白果 bai guo)

ginkgo nuts picture

Photo by babeinthecitykl.blogspot.com

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 6/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups
Gingko nuts are known to be good for women who experience excessive white discharge and children with
weak bladders. It seems to have an effect on the regulation of urination.

I used to help my mother to de-shell the nuts. It is not easy as it is a delicate balance between breaking the
shells and smashing the soft flesh within. There is also a thin layer of brown skin covering the yellow flesh.
Peel the layer off carefully.

Alternatively, buy them de-shelled.

The pith is bitter and should be removed before cooking.

Actually I don't know if ginkgo nuts can be categorized as a Chinese herb as it is usually taken fresh. I
have not come across any in dried or processed form.

Ginseng 人参 (ren sheng)

Photo by Gootrip.com

Hailed as the King of chinese herbs, ginseng is greatly prized. There are a few types such as white
ginseng, red ginseng, American ginseng and the Korean ginseng.

Scientific studies on cancer have found that moderate consumption of ginseng seems to help. For
example, american ginseng has been observed to alleviate the side-effects of radiotherapy especially
fever.

The tiny ginseng "beards" growing on the surface of the chinese herb can be used an a cheaper alternative
to make soup tonics. You can also find ginseng tea, ginseng candies and ginseng wine.

Ginseng are not usually eaten but people like to chew them.

He shou wu / fo-ti 何首乌 (he shou wu) Dried Fleeceflower root

Photo by 1m1m.com

He shou wu, which means black hair Mr Wu, is known as fo-ti in english. It is the dried root of polygonum
multiflorum. It is most commonly used to treat greying hair. A lot of chinese ladies prepare he shou wu
soups for their husbands (^_^).

Please note that fo-ti will react with metal, please do not cook it in metal pots, including thermal
cookers. Do not eat the he shou wu, it would be like eating dirt.

Indian bread / Poria 茯苓 (fu ling)

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 7/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups

Indian bread is actually a solid fungus which grows on the roots of pine trees. It is dried and sliced into thin
white slices. Read more about poria and get some poria recipes.

Red dates ( 红枣 hong zao)

Photo by Phoebe Lim

Also known as jujubes, red dates are widely considered as the "living vitamin pill" by the Chinese. It
contains Vitamin B, C, E, P, phosphorus, calcium, iron and more.

Scientists have also found that cyclic adenosine monophosphate found in red jujubes can slow down the
growth of cancer cells.

Tonic soups made from a combination of chinese herbs like red dates, astragalus, dried goji berries,
ginseng, and dang gui were fed to those recovering from surgery to improve immunity, strengthen the body
and prevent relapses.

Red dates must be cored before cooking. The piths make it heaty.

Solomon's seal ( 玉竹 yu zhu)

Photo by Phoebe Lim

http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 8/19
08/07/2017 A List of Chinese Herbs for Chinese Soups

Solomon's seal is sold in thin curly slices in most chinese medicinal halls. It is light yellowish in colour. It
contains Vitamin A and is believed to be moisturizing and therefore an excellent chinese herb for use in dry
winters where skin tends to become very dry.

It is also used in the lowering of blood sugar levels and prevention of hardening of the arteries. Solomon's
seal is believed to be excellent for alleviating a host of ills, including throat and lungs ailments. Excellent for
diabetic patients suffering from thirst and dryness.

Not usually eaten.

I hope this list has been helpful. Let me know if there are any herbs you would like me to add.

Where can I buy Chinese herbs online?

When I first wrote about chinese herbs, I didn't foresee this question. Perhaps it was because of the place I
live. Chinese medicinal halls are ubiquitous here in Singapore and even supermarkets carry pre-packed
herbal soups. So, I never thought I needed to say where to buy them.

But it became a frequently asked question. Initially, I tell visitors to go to their chinatowns or look for asian
grocery shops to buy their chinese herbs. However I didn't feel very comfortable about that because I can't
tell whether they will have a good shopping experience or get good quality herbs.

So, I started searching for a good online retailer who also do international shipping. Many that I came
across were only selling herbal powder and pill supplements, not the dried and cut herbs themselves.
There isn't any real good place to buy Chinese herbs online.

2017 Update
You can now buy individual herbal soup kits from root + spring, a modern Chinese herbal shop operating
out of Los Angeles, California. I tried 2 of the kits and found them to be excellent. They are also gluten-
free, additive-free and vegan. They ship internationally too. Click here for review and pictures.

Happy Souping, Phoebe

19.1K 646 6 525

73 Comments homemade chinese soups 

1 Login

Sort by Newest
 Recommend 75 ⤤ Share

Join the discussion…

LOG IN WITH

OR SIGN UP WITH DISQUS ?

Name

Derek Chan • a year ago − ⚑

Quick question for anyone. My friend's family owns an established Chinese herb business in US,
so he has a large supply. If I were to set up an online store, what type or products would you like
to see? I am thinking of starting with only 3 products and seeing how it can progress into a fully
fledged online store.

Thanks!
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›

Phoebe Mod > Derek Chan • a year ago − ⚑

You might want to ask this question at my FB page - https://www.facebook.com/ch...
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›

mony • 3 years ago − ⚑

what names of herbal or foods for good eyesight n`vision ?.
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›
http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/chinese-herbs.html 9/19