Notoginseng and red date chicken soup
Notoginseng is the classic herb for moving blood. Double-boiled with chicken and red dates, the soup is clear and sweet with a faint bitterness — warming to the core.
- 2 hr 15 min
- Serves 3
- Double-boil
- Easy
Why it suits you: Blood-stasis types often have a dull complexion, bruise easily or pass clots during periods, and Grain Rain's damp slows circulation further. Notoginseng moves blood, disperses stasis and eases pain, while chicken and red dates build qi and blood — with enough qi, the blood flows smoothly. Double-boiling keeps it gentle.
Method
Prep 15 min · Cook 120 min- 1Blanch the chicken for 3 minutes and rinse off any scum. Rinse the notoginseng and red dates.
- 2Put the chicken, notoginseng, dates and ginger in a double-boiling pot and fill it four-fifths full with boiling water. Cover.
- 3Stand the pot in a large saucepan with water halfway up its sides, bring to the boil, then double-boil over low heat for 2 hours, topping up the water as needed.
- 4Add the goji berries for the last 10 minutes and season with salt. Drink the soup and eat the chicken.
Cautions
- Not for pregnant women, people with heavy periods, or anyone taking blood-thinning medication.
Chef's tips
- Skinning the chicken keeps the soup clear and light. No double-boiler? Simmer directly on low heat for 1½ hours.
The TCM view
Notoginseng is sweet, slightly bitter and warm; it disperses stasis, stops bleeding and relieves swelling and pain. Chicken is sweet and warm, warming the middle and building qi. Red dates are sweet and warm, boosting qi and nourishing blood; goji berries are sweet and neutral and nourish the liver and kidneys. Moving and nourishing together, so circulation improves without depletion.
