Astragalus Immunity Soup

Name: Astragalus Immunity Soup
Prep time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: Dried astragalus slices — 10 slices; Chicken pieces or pork ribs — 1 lb; Red dates — 6 pieces; Dried goji berries — 1 tbsp; Ginger — 3 slices; Water — 8 cups; Salt — to taste

Earth Element · 土 Sweet Warm

Huang qi means "yellow leader" — named for its color and its reputation as the herb that leads the body's defenses. My aunt never entered autumn without it.

Prep 120 min

Servings 4 servings

Element Earth 土

Total 120 min

By FiveFlavor Kitchen Reviewed by Dr. M. Wu, L.Ac. Updated August 17, 2026

Why This Elixir Works

Astragalus is sweet and warm, entering the Spleen and Lung. In traditional practice it supports the body's surface defenses (wei qi) — the first line of resilience against seasonal change.

Earth element · Sweet phase of the five-flavor cycle

Ingredients

Dried astragalus slices 10 slices
Chicken pieces or pork ribs 1 lb
Red dates 6 pieces
Dried goji berries 1 tbsp
Ginger 3 slices
Water 8 cups
Salt to taste

Find these at Asian markets, Whole Foods, or through our Herb Grimoire. Some links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing and keep the kitchen running.

The Refining Process

Step 1
Blanch the meat briefly, then rinse.
Step 2
Combine meat, astragalus, red dates, ginger, and water. Bring to a boil.
Step 3
Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook 90 minutes.
Step 4
Add goji berries and simmer 15 more minutes.
Step 5
Season with salt. Remove the astragalus slices before serving (they are for flavor, not eating).

Alchemist's Note

Warming — traditionally drunk in autumn and early winter. Not for active fevers or inflammatory conditions. Educational purposes only.

Astragalus (huang qi) is the most famous herb in the Chinese kitchen for supporting the body’s defenses. Simmered into a simple pork or chicken soup, it lends an earthy, slightly sweet depth.