Banish Bloat, Boost Vitality: The Ultimate Anti-Swelling, Anti-Xu Pang Herbal Soup

Last winter, I found myself feeling unusually sluggish and bloated, no matter how much I rested or ate well. My ankles would swell by the end of the day, and I constantly felt cold, even under layers of blankets. My energy was at an all-time low, and I knew something was off.

I went to see my TCM doc and she did her usual pulse taking, tongue checking, and said that my Spleen was weak, leading to dampness accumulation, and my Kidney yang was deficient, leaving me feeling cold and drained.

Based on this, I handpicked some herbs and started to prepare the dinner soup. After the soup simmered for an hour or so, the aroma of herbs like Dang Shen, Bai Zhu, and Fu Ling with warming cinnamon bark and Du Zhong filled my kitchen with a comforting, earthy fragrance that instantly lifted my spirits. I really love the scent of herbal herbs. They go perfectly with meat or specific types of fungus as a vegetarian replacement.

The first sip was transformative. The broth was subtly sweet, deeply nourishing, and warming to the core. Within days of enjoying this soup regularly, I noticed my swelling had reduced, my energy levels improved, and that persistent chill began to fade. It felt like my body was coming back to life, one bowl at a time.

This soup isn’t just a recipe, it’s a remedy, a ritual, and a reminder of the power of food as medicine. Whether you’re feeling swollen, fatigued, or just in need of a comforting boost, this soup is here to warm your body, soothe your spirit, and restore your balance.

Let me share this healing recipe with you, so you too can experience its magic.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

• 500g pork ribs or chicken (bone-in) – for a light, nourishing base
• 10g Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root) – tonifies Spleen and Qi
• 10g Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) – strengthens Spleen and resolves dampness
• 10g Fu Ling (Poria) – promotes diuresis and reduces swelling
• 5g cinnamon bark – warms the Kidneys and promotes circulation
• 5g Fu Zi (Aconite Root) – tonifies Kidney yang (use sparingly, as it is potent)
• 10g Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) – tonifies Kidney and strengthens bones
• 2-3 slices of fresh ginger – warms the stomach and dispels cold
• 1-2 dried red dates (optional) – adds sweetness and nourishes blood
• 1.5L water – for simmering
• Salt to taste – for seasoning

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Rinse the pork ribs or chicken under cold water. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and set aside.
   • Rinse all the herbs (Dang Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, cinnamon bark, Fu Zi, Du Zhong) briefly under cold water to remove any dust.
2. Cook the Soup:
   • In a large pot, add the blanched meat, herbs, ginger slices, and dried red dates (if using).
   • Pour in 1.5L of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape.
3. Season and Serve:
   • After simmering, skim away any excess fat or impurities from the surface of the soup.
   • Season with a pinch of salt to taste (if I have guests, I would usually leave salt out of the cooking and present it on the table separately; many guests would find the soup flavorful enough even without the salt!)
   • Remove the herbs and ginger slices before serving or leave them in for a more medicinal flavor.
4. Enjoy:
   • Serve the soup hot as a nourishing meal or as a tonic. The broth should be fragrant, slightly sweet, and deeply comforting.

Key Benefits:

• Dang Shen, Bai Zhu, and Fu Ling: These herbs work together to tonify the Spleen, resolve dampness, and reduce swelling.
• Cinnamon Bark, Fu Zi, and Du Zhong: These herbs warm the Kidneys, tonify yang energy, and support overall vitality.
• Ginger: Helps to warm the body and improve digestion.

This soup is perfect for those experiencing fatigue, swelling, or a feeling of coldness due to Spleen and Kidney deficiencies. Enjoy it regularly for its healing and restorative properties!