Herbal Chicken Soup with Shiitake, Goji & Ginger

A winter tonic to nourish Qi, Blood & Kidney energy

Settling Into the Heart of Winter

Mid-winter invites us to slow down, warm up, and nourish the deeper layers of our vitality. The world outside is still, quiet, and inward-turning—and our bodies naturally follow suit. During this time, even simple daily activities can feel more taxing, making it important to eat foods that strengthen our reserves rather than deplete them.

This Herbal Chicken Soup is one of those grounding winter companions: warm, restorative, and full of ingredients that gently replenish the systems Chinese medicine associates with longevity, resilience, and core energy.

Why This Soup Belongs in Winter

According to Chinese medicine, winter corresponds to the Water element and the Kidney system—the home of our deepest energy stores, known as Jing. Winter is the season to protect and rebuild this foundational essence through rest, warmth, and nutrient-dense, slow-cooked foods.

This soup checks all of those boxes. It's rich without being heavy, warm without being overly spicy, and full of ingredients traditionally used to strengthen Kidney Qi, Blood, and overall vitality.

How These Ingredients Nourish You from Within

Chicken

Considered a Qi- and Blood-building food, chicken offers steady nourishment that supports the Spleen—the organ system responsible for transforming food into usable energy.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake are revered for strengthening the immune system and supporting the body's defensive Qi (Wei Qi). They're grounding, earthy, and excellent for winter resilience.

Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi)

A classic tonic herb. Goji berries nourish the Kidneys, Liver, and Blood, support vision, and provide a gentle lift without overstimulation.

Ginger (Sheng Jiang)

Warming, invigorating, and digestion-supportive. Perfect for cold weather and for keeping internal warmth circulating.

Jujube (Hong Zao) — optional

Another traditional herb-food, wonderful for calming the spirit, strengthening digestion, and building Blood.

Greens (Spinach, Chard, or Bok Choy)

Added at the end for color, minerals, and Liver nourishment—balancing the tonic quality of the soup.

Together, these ingredients create a bowl that is warming, grounding, and deeply fortifying—ideal for sustaining energy through the coldest weeks of winter.

Recipe

Herbal Chicken Soup with Shiitake, Goji & Ginger

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 whole chicken or 2–3 lbs chicken thighs/drumsticks

• 8–10 cups water or broth

• 1 cup dried shiitake or 8 oz fresh shiitake, sliced

• 2–3 tablespoons fresh ginger, sliced

• 2–3 garlic cloves, smashed

• ¼–½ cup goji berries, rinsed

• 3–5 jujube dates (optional)

• 1 medium onion, quartered

• 1–2 tablespoons rice wine or cooking wine (optional)

• Sea salt to taste

• A handful of greens (spinach, chard, or bok choy)

• Scallions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the base:
   Add chicken, water/broth, onion, garlic, and ginger to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes, skimming off any foam.

2. Add mushrooms and herbs:
   Stir in shiitake mushrooms, goji berries, and jujube dates (if using). Continue to simmer for 45–60 minutes, allowing flavors to deepen.

3. Season:
   Add salt to taste and a splash of rice wine if desired. Adjust broth levels as needed.

4. Add greens:
   Stir in greens during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, just until wilted.

5. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with scallions or cilantro. Serve warm.

---

Winter is the most natural time to slow down and rebuild. By choosing deeply nourishing, warming meals, you support the Kidney system and the reserves that will carry you into spring with strength and clarity.

This soup is not just comforting—it’s a seasonal tonic that aligns your body with nature’s rhythms, helping you stay balanced and resilient through the coldest months.

HEALTH TIP

In winter, try to warm the body from the inside by sipping hot teas, eating slow-cooked meals, and avoiding excessive cold or raw foods. Even small choices—like warming leftovers on the stove instead of eating them chilled—make a meaningful difference to your energy and digestion.