Astragalus and Cimicifuga Chicken Soup: A Nourishing Recipe to Support Vital Energy

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

“Astragalus and Cimicifuga Simmered with Old Hen” is a nourishing medicinal food derived from classic TCM herbal combinations, with the core function of supporting qi and promoting upward energy. It is commonly used to help with various deficiency symptoms associated with internal qi imbalance and sluggish energy flow. This tonic dish uses an old hen as the base, leveraging its property of warming the middle and supporting qi, as well as nourishing and replenishing the body. It is combined with the two key herbs, Astragalus (Huangqi) and Cimicifuga (Shengma), and complemented by a small amount of auxiliary ingredients, then slowly simmered. The resulting soup is clear and golden in color, with the chicken meat tender and falling off the bone. The aroma of the herbs and the meat blend together, preserving the gentleness of food therapy while highlighting the precision of herbal synergy.

In traditional dietary therapy wisdom, chicken is considered sweet and warm in nature, entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It can help nourish the five Zang organs and support Qi strength. Astragalus root (Huangqi, *Astragalus membranaceus*) is regarded as a supreme herb for supporting Qi, excelling in promoting Spleen Yang. Cimicifuga (Shengma, *Cimicifuga foetida*) is light and ascending, specifically assisting clear Qi to rise upward. When combined, these three ingredients greatly enhance the lifting and ascending power. This combination is especially suitable for individuals who experience a heavy sensation in the body, occasional dizziness and blurred vision, shortness of breath and fatigue, or internal discomfort. In folk medicine, this medicinal food is commonly used as a supportive dietary supplement for postpartum wellness, post-surgical recuperation, and constitutional debility in the elderly. It also serves as a vivid embodiment in the kitchen of the TCM principle of “lifting the sunken.”

Supportive Effects of Medicinal Diet

The main effects of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) and Cimicifuga foetida (Bugbane) stewed with hen lie in helping to supplement the center and boost qi, as well as promoting upward yang energy. Here, Astragalus strongly supports the qi of the spleen and lung, helps maintain healthy sweating function, and may help alleviate occasional fatigue, lack of strength, and poor appetite; Bugbane guides the medicinal substances upward, supporting the rising of clear qi, and provides significant support for patterns such as internal discomfort and feelings of weakness. The hen provides high-quality protein and various amino acids, enhancing the body’s repair capacity and making the supportive effect more lasting.

From a modern nutritional perspective, *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus root) contains polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, which can help support immune function, combat fatigue, and promote protein synthesis. The triterpenoid saponins in *Cimicifuga foetida* (Shengma) exhibit anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, and may help maintain smooth muscle tone. Old hen is rich in collagen, iron, zinc, and other trace elements, helping to support healthy red blood cells and blood pressure levels. Through the synergistic combination of herb and food, this entire medicinal diet supports comprehensive effects of strengthening constitution, boosting vitality, and promoting internal stability.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Support Qi and promote upward Yang, help regulate the Qi mechanism

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the fundamental motive force of life activities, and the Spleen is the source of Qi and Blood transformation. When Spleen Qi is deficient, the clear Yang Qi cannot ascend, manifesting as occasional dizziness and blurred vision, scant Qi and disinclination to speak, abdominal bearing-down distention, and digestive discomfort. Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus) is sweet and warm, specifically enters the Spleen and Lung meridians, greatly supports the Original Qi, and helps restore the Spleen’s transportation and transformation function. Shengma (Cimicifuga foetida, Bugbane) is pungent and slightly cold, light and ascending in nature, and excels at guiding the clear Qi to ascend and the turbid Qi to descend. The combination of these two herbs—one supporting and one raising—complements each other perfectly, allowing the sinking Qi to return to its proper place.

Nourish Yin and Blood, help consolidate the root and cultivate the primordial.

In TCM, the hen is considered a “blood-and-flesh substance with affinity.” Its nature is sweet and warm, and it enters the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen meridians, serving to nourish yin, enrich the blood, warm the Middle, and support vitality. For conditions of dual Qi and Blood Deficiency resulting from chronic overstrain or convalescence after a severe illness, the hen provides direct nourishment. When combined with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus) and *Cimicifuga foetida* (Bugbane), which promote the movement of the qi mechanism, the nourishing quality of the chicken meat helps maintain balance. The entire medicinal food acts gently, focusing on restoring the pivotal function of the Middle Jiao, thereby enabling smooth communication between the upper and lower body and harmonizing yin and yang.

Indications for Use

This medicinal diet is most suitable for individuals who experience sensations associated with “internal energy sinking” and “Qi Deficiency Constitution.” Specific indications include: those who frequently experience occasional dizziness and blurred vision, worsened upon standing and alleviated when lying flat; individuals with internal discomfort such as digestive heaviness or pelvic pressure due to chronic overwork or prolonged illness; individuals with postpartum or post-surgical qi and blood deficiency, presenting with shortness of breath, fatigue, and slow wound healing. Elderly people with weakened spleen and stomach function, often manifesting as limb weakness, poor appetite, and occasional difficulty with defecation, may also benefit from moderate consumption. Additionally, individuals who commonly experience occasional dizziness and palpitations may find that stewed chicken with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus root) and *Cimicifuga foetida* (Bugbane) offers support for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall vitality.

For those experiencing occasional fatigue resulting from high work pressure and prolonged desk work, presenting with low spirits, a heavy sensation in the shoulders and back, and susceptibility to spontaneous sweating, this can also be used as a periodic constitutional dietary support. It should be noted that individual constitutions vary significantly; it is recommended to begin with a small dose when first consuming and to observe the body’s response.

Contraindicated Populations

It is not recommended for individuals with Yin Deficiency with internal heat, Internal Accumulation of Damp-Heat, or Liver Yang Ascending patterns. Specific manifestations include: heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and tongue, night sweats, red tongue with scanty coating. Because Shengma (Cimicifuga foetida) is acrid and dispersing in nature, and Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus) is sweet and warm, they may aggravate internal heat symptoms. During External Infection with acute heat patterns such as common cold with fever, sore throat, or cough with yellow phlegm, use should be suspended to avoid assisting pathogenic factors. Individuals with occasional headache and dizziness, flushed face and eyes, or irritability are also unsuitable. Use with caution in pregnant women, especially during early pregnancy, as Shengma has a mild stimulating effect on uterine smooth muscle; it should be used under the guidance of a qualified professional. Additionally, it is not suitable for those with allergies to chicken, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), or Shengma (Cimicifuga foetida).

After consumption, if signs of internal warmth such as dry mouth, sore throat, occasional constipation, or restlessness with heat appear, it indicates that the medicinal diet is too warming. Reduce the dosage or combine it with cooling herbs such as Ophiopogon japonicus (dwarf lilyturf) and Polygonatum odoratum (fragrant Solomon’s seal). For children, it is generally not recommended to consume tonic medicinal diets indiscriminately unless there are clear signs of imbalance and after professional pattern differentiation.

Proportions of ingredients in the formula

The standard ratio for this medicinal food (serves 3-4 people) is as follows: 1 old hen, approximately 1200-1500g; 30g raw Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi); 9g Cimicifuga foetida (Shengma); 5 slices fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale, about 10g); 4 pitted jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, about 12g); 10g goji berry (Lycium barbarum); 15ml yellow rice wine; and salt to taste (for final seasoning, about 3-5g). Huangqi and Shengma are the core herbs, with a classic traditional ratio of approximately 3:1. To enhance the upward supporting effect, Shengma may be increased to 12g, but should not exceed 15g to avoid excessive acrid dispersion.

Among the auxiliary ingredients, ginger (Zingiber officinale) warms the middle and helps disperse cold, balancing any cloying nature; jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) supports the spleen and nourishes blood, enhancing the sweet and moistening taste; goji berry (Lycium barbarum) nourishes the liver and kidney, allowing the raising of yang without drying. Yellow wine (Huangjiu) removes fishy odors and enhances aroma, while also promoting the extraction of active herbal constituents. All medicinal herbs should be purchased from a reputable Chinese pharmacy, selecting high-quality, sulfur-free decoction pieces.

Cooking method

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Slaughter and pluck the old hen, remove the internal organs (if keeping the heart and gizzard, process them separately). Rinse clean and chop into pieces about 3–4 cm square. Place the chicken pieces in cold water, add two slices of fresh ginger and a small amount of Shaoxing wine. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, remove the chicken pieces, rinse with warm water, and drain. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the herbs. Quickly rinse Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus root) and Cimicifuga foetida (Lift up hemp) under clean water to remove surface dust, then place them in a gauze bag and tie it securely for easy removal later. Remove the pits from Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese date/jujube), soak Lycium barbarum (Goji berry/wolfberry) briefly in warm water until softened, and slice Zingiber officinale (Fresh ginger).

Step 3: Stewing. Place the blanched chicken pieces, herb sachet, ginger slices, and jujubes (Fructus Jujubae) together in a clay pot or stewing casserole. Add enough clean water (approximately 2500 ml) so that the liquid covers the ingredients by 3–5 cm. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich. If the liquid level decreases during cooking, add a small amount of boiling water as needed.

Step 4: Seasoning and finishing. Remove and discard the herb sachet, then add Lycium barbarum (goji berries) and yellow wine (huangjiu). Continue simmering for 10 minutes. Finally, adjust seasoning with an appropriate amount of salt according to personal taste, stir well, and turn off the heat. Note: Do not add salt too early, as this may affect the tenderness of the meat and the extraction of herbal properties.

Tips for Administration

1. 【Frequency Recommendation】 As a dietary supplement for regulation, consume 1–2 times per week, and do not take continuously for more than 3 weeks. If long-term regulation is needed, it is recommended to adjust the formula under the guidance of a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Excessive supplementation may easily lead to internal stagnation, manifesting as chest oppression, abdominal distension, and other discomforts.

2. 【Optimal Consumption Time】 It is best consumed hot in the morning or at noon, when the body’s yang qi is ascending, which facilitates the absorption of the herbal benefits. It should not be eaten in large quantities in the evening, as this may impair the spleen and stomach’s transportation and transformation functions and disturb sleep. Drink 200–300 ml of the soup each time, and consume an appropriate amount of chicken.

3. 【Combinations and Contraindications】During the consumption period, avoid consuming raw, cold, or greasy foods, as well as radish and other Qi-dispersing substances, so as not to weaken the Qi-supporting effect of Astragalus (Huang Qi). If concurrently taking other Qi-supporting herbs such as Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Codonopsis (Dang Shen), pay attention to the total dosage to avoid excessive warm supplementation. Those with sensitive constitutions may try a small dose first and observe for two days before resuming normal consumption.