I went to a local farm shop and bought a pack of very fresh quail, which inspired me to prepare a nourishing yin-tonifying soup using Huang Jing (Polygonati Rhizoma, 黄精) (1,2), goji berries (Lycium barbarum, 枸杞子) (3,4), and Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula, 党参) (5,6).
This is not a “quick fix” kind of soup; it is traditionally used when the body is quietly depleted rather than acutely unwell, and it works best when taken once or twice a week over time to gently rebuild strength.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, quail is valued for tonifying qi and blood while helping to expel heat, resolve dampness, and regulate water metabolism. It is sweet in flavour, neutral in temperature, and is said to enter the Stomach, Spleen, Large Intestine, and Liver channels, making it nourishing without being cloying.
Combined with Huang Jing, which deeply nourishes yin while also supporting qi, Dang Shen, which gently strengthens the middle burner and aids absorption, and goji berries, which enrich Liver and Kidney yin and blood, this soup is designed for steady, balanced nourishment. Overall, it strengthens the body in a calm, gradual way, supporting yin and qi without causing dryness or heaviness, and is particularly suitable for long-term depletion, dryness, or post-illness recovery once acute symptoms have resolved.
Huang Jing, Goji and Dang Shen Stewed Quail
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
- Fresh quail × 2 (cleaned, skin on for nourishment)
- Huang Jing (黄精) 10g
- Dang Shen (党参) 10g
- Goji berries (枸杞子) 8g
- Dried Lily bulbs (乾石合) 4g
- Maimendong (麥冬）4g
- Water
Stewed in a pressure cooker:
- Clean and blanch the quail briefly for 1–2 minutes, then rinse.
- Quickly rinse Huang Jing, Dang Shen, and also Goji Berries, dried Lily bulbs and Maimendong.
- Place all the ingredients and water into a clay pot.
- Put the clay pot with a cover and place in the pressure cooker.
- Put a high setting in 'Stew' mode for 30 minutes.
This method shortens cooking time while still producing a deeply nourishing, gentle tonic suitable for regular use.
Caution: this soup is not ideal for
- Acute colds, fever, or damp-heat conditions
- Heavy phlegm, greasy tongue coating, or severe digestive stagnation
4) Health benefits and applications: Other scientific reviews highlight goji’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and eye-health related activities based on phytochemical content and human/animal studies: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868247/?utm_source
5) Systematic review on Codonopsis pilosula: Published research reviews the multiple biological actions of Codonopsis, including immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and support of gastrointestinal and endocrine systems in animal models and cell studies: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11128667/?utm_source
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