Astragalus and Cassia Twig Five-Ingredient Chicken: Benefits & Recipe

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

“Astragalus and Cinnamon Five-Ingredient Chicken” is a medicinal diet derived from the classic formula “Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Five-Ingredient Decoction)” from Zhang Zhongjing’s *Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber*. The original formula is used to support conditions of insufficient Qi and Blood, as well as to help maintain comfortable sensation in the skin and muscles and a normal response to wind and cold. This medicinal diet combines the five core herbs—Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Cinnamomum cassia (Guizhi), Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao), Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang), and Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao)—with warming and nourishing chicken, enhancing the herbal effects through food and transforming a bitter decoction into a delicious dish. It is a classic nourishing medicinal diet that simultaneously supports the replenishment of Qi and Blood and the warming of meridians.

This nourishing medicinal dish features chicken as the main ingredient, utilizing its properties of warming the center and supporting vital energy, as well as supplementing essence and marrow. It is paired with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi) to support the protective Qi and strengthen the exterior, *Cinnamomum cassia* (Guizhi) to warm the meridians and promote yang circulation, *Paeonia lactiflora* (Baishao) to nourish the blood and harmonize the nutritive level, and *Zingiber officinale* (Shengjiang) with *Ziziphus jujuba* (Dazao) to harmonize the Spleen and Stomach. When these five ingredients are combined, they help support the replenishment of Qi and blood, and promote the smooth flow of yang energy through the collaterals. The broth is clear with a slight yellow tint, and its aroma is fragrant with a mild pungent note. The chicken is tender and well-infused with flavor; the soup tastes savory with a hint of sweetness and a subtle spicy undertone. This dish may be served as a daily nourishing soup, and is also suitable for autumn and winter seasons, or as a restorative dietary option for individuals with a deficiency-cold constitution.

Origin and Evolution

The original formula, “Huangqi Guizhi Wu Wu Tang (Five-Ingredient Decoction with Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig)”, originates from “Jinkui Yaolue (Synopsis of Golden Chamber): Pulse, Pattern and supports of Blood Stagnation and Consumptive wellness”. Zhang Zhongjing formulated it with Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) 3 liang, Cinnamomum cassia (Guizhi) 3 liang, Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao) 3 liang, Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) 6 liang, and Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) 12 pieces, primarily for addressing a state of “Blood Stagnation with dual deficiency of Yin and Yang”. Later physicians reduced the dosage and added ingredients such as chicken and Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao) to transform it into a medicinal food, making it more suitable for long-term nourishment. This practice has passed down through folk tradition as a soup that supports the body’s vitality and promotes comfortable meridian flow.

Medicinal Cuisine: How It supports wellness

“The overall function of ‘Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five-Ingredient Chicken’ focuses on supporting the replenishment of Qi and Blood, and warming the meridians and unblocking the collaterals. Astragalus (Huangqi) is a key herb for supporting Qi, helping to strengthen the body’s exterior defense and elevate Yang Qi. Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) is acrid and warm, supporting Yang circulation; it helps warm and promote blood vessel function, and assists with occasional cold-related discomfort and relaxation. White Peony Root (Baishao) is sour and cold, supporting Blood nourishment and Liver relaxation, helping to helps with occasional occasional tension. Chicken (Ji) is sweet and warm, entering the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney meridians; it excels at supporting recovery from fatigue and weakness, and strengthening the Qi of the five Zang organs. When combined together, these five ingredients support the replenishment of Qi, the nourishment of Blood, the release of cold stagnation, and the smooth flow of meridians and collaterals.”

Modern nutritional and pharmacological studies indicate that *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi) is rich in Astragalus polysaccharides and astragalosides, which help support immune function and microcirculation. *Cinnamomum cassia* (Guizhi) contains cinnamaldehyde, which helps maintain healthy blood vessel function and promotes healthy blood circulation. *Paeonia lactiflora* (Baishao) contains paeoniflorin, which helps support calm and relaxation. Chicken provides high-quality protein, amino acids, and various trace elements. When combined with these herbs, it works synergistically to help support peripheral circulation, helps with occasional occasional muscle fatigue, and enhance the body’s ability to maintain warmth. This combination is especially beneficial for individuals who wish to support healthy Qi and Blood, maintain warmth in the extremities, and promote overall limb comfort.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

supports Qi and secures the exterior, helping to maintain Wei Qi (defensive Qi) to support the body’s natural resistance.

In this formula, Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) serves as the sovereign herb and is used in a relatively heavy dosage. Its nature is sweet and warm, and it enters the Spleen and Lung Meridians. It is proficient in supporting the Qi of the Spleen and Lung Meridians, helping to maintain normal sweating patterns and external defense. For individuals experiencing occasional tiredness, lack of vitality, spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, or a tendency to catch colds due to temporary imbalance, Huangqi helps strengthen the defensive (Wei) Qi and firm the interstitial spaces (cou li), thereby supporting the body’s natural resilience against external environmental influences. Chicken also benefits the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach; when used together, the Qi-supporting effect is more focused.

supports warming the meridians and promoting yang circulation, and helps disperse cold to helps with occasional the collaterals.

Cinnamomum cassia (Guizhi) is acrid, sweet, and warm in nature, making it a key herb for unblocking Yang Qi. It warms and promotes circulation in the meridians, helps disperse cold, and provides soothing support—particularly for supporting normal limb sensation and joint comfort when cold and stagnation are factors. When combined with Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang), which also has acrid and warm properties, they work together to help disperse wind-cold, warm the Middle Jiao, and helps with occasional occasional nausea. Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao), sweet and warm, supplements the Spleen, harmonizes the Stomach, supports Qi production, and nourishes fluids. Together with Shengjiang, it helps regulate the Nutritive and Defensive (Ying and Wei) Qi and protect the Middle Jiao. These four herbs work in concert to warm the meridians, dispel cold, unblock Yang Qi, and relax the collaterals. They help ensure that Qi and Blood flow freely when warmed, and that open meridians support overall comfort and helps with occasional of movement.

Nourishes blood and harmonizes the nutritive (Ying) aspect, supports comfortable sinew and tendon function and helps maintain normal flexibility.

Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao, White Peony Root) has a sour and cold nature. It helps support blood nourishment, Yin conservation, and promotes Liver comfort while assisting with occasional tension. When combined with Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon Twig, Gui Zhi), one disperses and one astringes, working together to help maintain harmony between defensive and nutritive Qi (Wei Qi and Ying Qi) and helps maintain excessive dispersion from disturbing Yin balance. For occasional muscle discomfort, tension, and tightness in the hands and feet associated with blood deficiency and inadequate nourishment, Bai Shao aids in supporting blood and nutritive Qi, promotes relaxation, and ensures that tonification does not lead to stagnation while dispersion does not cause harm.

Suitable Individuals

This medicinal food is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly people with Qi and Blood Deficiency or Yang Qi Deficiency, as well as those with weak constitution and frequent wellness. Common manifestations include: sallow or pale complexion, shortness of breath and fatigue, weak voice, aversion to cold, cold extremities, cold hands and feet in autumn and winter that are difficult to warm up, susceptibility to catching cold when exposed to wind and cold, or spontaneous sweating. For numbness of the skin and muscles due to Blood Deficiency combined with Wind pathogen—such as early signs of diminished peripheral nerve function, limb numbness following a temporary circulatory disturbance, or finger numbness due to spinal compression—it can be used as a supportive dietary regimen under professional guidance.

Meanwhile, it can also be consumed in moderation by women who have experienced significant postpartum depletion of Qi and Blood, disharmony between nutritive and defensive Qi (Ying and Wei), and increased susceptibility to wind-cold, as well as by sub-healthy individuals—such as those engaged in prolonged physical labor or those who sit for long hours in an office, leading to sluggish Qi and Blood circulation, shoulder and neck stiffness with occasional discomfort. This medicinal food is mild in nature, supports nourishment without causing excessive warmth, and is suitable as a family-strengthening soup during cold seasons such as autumn and winter or during lingering spring chills. Consuming it 1–2 times per week helps to gently nourish Qi and Blood and supports overall vitality.

Contraindicated Populations

For individuals with a constitution of Yin Deficiency with Blazing Fire, this should be used with caution or avoided. These individuals commonly present with emaciation, dry mouth and throat, sensation of heat in the chest, palms, and soles, tidal fever and night sweats, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin, rapid pulse. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) is warm in nature and raises Yang, while Cinnamomum cassia (Gui Zhi) is pungent and warm, promoting heat; taking such herbs may further consume yin fluids and aggravate the deficient fire. Those with internal Damp-Heat Excess are also unsuitable, commonly presenting with epigastric distension and fullness, sticky stools, a yellow, thick, greasy tongue coating, and dark urine. Warming tonics tend to promote dampness and generate heat, which in turn can allow pathogenic factors to linger.

During the period of acute externally-contracted heat patterns—such as wind-heat common cold, influenza with high fever, sore throat, cough with yellow sputum, and skin sores with redness, swelling, heat, and pain in a state of unresolved excess heat—this medicated diet should not be consumed, as it may “close the door and trap the pathogen,” thereby exacerbating the condition. In addition, individuals allergic to chicken, *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi), *Cinnamomi Ramulus* (Guizhi), or other herbs, as well as pregnant women (especially during the first trimester), should use it with caution under the guidance of a TCM practitioner and avoid blind self-administration. Patients with hypertension accompanied by manifestations of Liver Yang Ascendant pattern (such as dizziness, headache, flushed face, red eyes, irritability, and easy anger) should also use *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi) with caution.

Proportion of Ingredients in the Formula

The following is a standardized recipe suitable for home preparation (serves 3–4 people). It is recommended to use authentic medicinal herbs and high-quality ingredients.

• Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi): 30 grams (raw, sliced; preferably with yellowish-white cross-section and thick slices)
• Cinnamomum cassia (Guizhi): 15g (tender cassia twigs, cut into sections or slices; those with strong aroma are preferred)
• Paeonia lactiflora (White Peony Root): 15g (raw, sliced; those with firm texture and sufficient powdery quality are preferred)
• Zingiber officinale (Fresh Ginger): 30 g (fresh, sliced, unpeeled)
• Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese date): 7-10 pieces (remove pits; choose those with thick flesh and sweet taste for best quality)
• Hen: 1 (about 1000-1250 grams; it is recommended to choose free-range chicken or silkie chicken, remove head, feet, and internal organs, cut into large pieces).
• Plain water: approximately 2500-3000 milliliters
• Yellow rice wine: 30 ml (optional, to remove fishy odor and enhance aroma)
• Salt: appropriate amount (for final seasoning, it is recommended to use less salt)

Preparation Method

Step One: Herb Preparation

Rinse Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi), and Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao) quickly with clean water to remove dust, then drain. Remove the pits from Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) and set aside. Wash Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) and cut into thick slices with the skin on. Note that Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi) should not be soaked for too long to avoid loss of volatile components.

Step 2: Blanch the chicken.

Place the chopped chicken pieces into cold water, add a few slices of ginger and 10 ml of Shaoxing wine. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue boiling for 2–3 minutes, skimming off any foam. Remove the chicken pieces, rinse off any surface blood residue with warm water, and drain well. Blanching effectively removes the fishy odor and excess fat from the chicken, resulting in a clear and clean broth.

Step 3: Stew the Medicinal Diet

After blanching, place the chicken pieces into a clay pot or ceramic stew pot. Add *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi), *Cinnamomum cassia* (Guizhi), *Paeonia lactiflora* (Baishao), sliced fresh *Zingiber officinale* (Shengjiang), and *Ziziphus jujuba* (Dazao). Pour in the remaining yellow rice wine (Huangjiu) and enough clean water (add all at once, approximately 5 cm above the ingredients). Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to low heat, cover tightly, and slow-cook for 1.5–2 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and a chopstick can easily pierce the thigh meat.

Step 4: Season and serve

Ten minutes before turning off the heat, remove the lid and skim off excess oil from the surface. Add a small amount of salt for flavor (recommended no more than 3 grams per person). Note that the residue of Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) and White Peony Root (Baishao) can be discarded, while the Chinese Dates (Dazao), chicken, and Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) slices are edible. Enjoy the rich and savory soup while it is hot. For added flavor, the chicken can be dipped in light soy sauce or a little Sichuan pepper salt.

Drinking Tips

1. Consumption Frequency and Timing: This medicated dietary supplement supports a warm and nourishing effect on the body. It is recommended for consumption during cold autumn/winter seasons or during spring when temperatures alternate between cold and warm. Limit intake to 1-2 times per week at most to avoid excess. The optimal time is half an hour before lunch or dinner, taken warm on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Avoid consuming large amounts before bedtime, as cassia twig (Guizhi) may invigorate yang Qi and affect restful sleep.

2. Constitution identification points: Before consumption, please confirm that you have a constitution of Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, or Blood Deficiency with Cold Congealing. A simple assessment: if you usually feel cold, have cold hands and feet, a pale and puffy tongue with thin white coating, and a deep and weak pulse, then it is suitable. If you often experience dry mouth and throat, red tongue, constipation, or are prone to “excessive internal heat,” it indicates internal heat and consumption is not recommended. If in doubt, consult a TCM practitioner.

3. Reheating and Pairing Suggestions: This soup is best consumed on the day it is prepared. If you need to eat it in separate servings, separate the herbal residue from the broth and store it refrigerated. Be sure to bring it to a full boil before each serving. Avoid repeated reheating. For staple food pairing, choose ingredients that are neutral or slightly warm in nature, such as rice porridge (jing mi zhou), Chinese yam (shan yao), or pumpkin (nan gua). Avoid consuming large amounts of raw, cold fruits or cold-natured seafood at the same time, as this may counteract the warming and circulation-supporting effects of the medicated diet.