Sea Cucumber, Goji Berry, and Quail Egg Soup，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Nourishes the liver and kidneys. Suitable for iron-deficiency anemia caused by liver and kidney yin deficiency, characterized by a sallow complexion or flushed cheeks, dizziness and vertigo, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, a dry and sore throat, low-grade fever and night sweats, heat in the palms and soles, insomnia with frequent dreams, and in women, a tendency toward excessive menstrual bleeding or uncontrollable uterine bleeding. The tongue is pale with little coating, and the pulse is fine and rapid.
in those with yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity, excess liver fire, or internal damp-heat, this warming formula may fuel fire and should be avoided; those who are robust with internal accumulated heat are not suited to this formula; warming tonics readily stir heat and burden the spleen; caution is advised where dampness-heat or food stagnation accumulates in the middle; the formula is somewhat cloying; avoid overuse in those with spleen deficiency and dampness, poor appetite, or abdominal distension
Commentary
With sea cucumber as the sovereign, of warm nature and salty flavor, entering the Kidney, Heart, it tonifies the kidney, enriches essence and moistens dryness, and this opening sets the main therapeutic direction. The ministerial layer, goji berries (neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, with Liver, Kidney tropism, nourishes the liver and kidney, and brightens the eyes), and quail eggs (nature neutral, flavor sweet, channeled into the Spleen, Stomach, tonifies qi and blood and nourishes the middle), lends support that reinforces the sovereign’s main effect. The combined effect is tailored to the yin deficiency pattern.