Cordyceps and Silkie Chicken Soup: Benefits, Recipe, and TCM Wisdom

Introduction to Medicinal Food

Origin and Transmission

Cordyceps and Silkie Chicken Soup is a classic nourishing delicacy originating from traditional Chinese medicinal cuisine, with a history of several hundred years. It primarily features Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps) and Silkie chicken (black-boned chicken), complemented by ingredients such as Ziziphus jujuba (red dates) and Lycium barbarum (goji berries), which are recognized as both food and medicinal herbs, presented in the form of a soup. Cordyceps has been highly regarded since ancient times as the “king of all herbs” and is documented in classics such as the Compendium of Materia Medica, while Silkie chicken is considered by Traditional Chinese Medicine to be a top-class ingredient for nourishing Yin and supporting vitality.

Modern research indicates that this medicated diet is rich in multiple amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, which help support the body’s natural functions. Its preparation requires meticulous care, with slow simmering over gentle heat to allow the active components to fully dissolve into the broth, thereby maximizing its benefits. The Black-Bone Chicken Soup with Cordyceps sinensis (Dongchongxiacao) was once a delicacy in the imperial court and remains a common recipe in folk tradition for supporting postpartum recovery and post-surgical rehabilitation, embodying the profound wisdom of TCM’s principle of “medicine and food homology.”

Health-supporting functions of medicinal diet

Comprehensive nourishment to support the body’s natural defenses.

Cordyceps and black chicken (Silkie) soup offers multiple wellness benefits. First, it strongly supports Kidney health and helps maintain vitality, which may assist with occasional lower back and knee discomfort, as well as occasional dizziness and ringing in the ears related to Kidney function. Second, it helps nourish Qi and Blood and supports healthy blood circulation, contributing to a balanced menstrual cycle and a healthy complexion in women. Additionally, it supports Lung health and respiratory comfort, helping with occasional cough and shortness of breath.

From an immunological perspective, the Cordyceps polysaccharides in Cordyceps sinensis (Dongchongxiacuo) and the high-quality protein in black-bone chicken work synergistically to help maintain healthy macrophage activity, thereby supporting the body’s natural defenses. Regular consumption may help reduce occasional fatigue, support restful sleep, and promote healthy aging. Numerous clinical observations indicate that this soup also plays a supportive role in the body’s natural recuperation following surgery and during physical recovery after chemotherapy.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Enters the Lung (LU) and Kidney (KI) Meridians, gently tonifies both Yin and Yang.

In the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Dongchongxiacao) is sweet and neutral in nature, and returns to the Lung (LU) and Kidney (KI) meridians. It supports Lung and Kidney health, helps maintain normal respiratory function, and supports healthy blood flow. It can simultaneously support both yang and yin aspects, making it a balanced tonifying herb. Gallus gallus domesticus (Silkie chicken) is sweet and neutral, entering the Liver (LV) and Kidney (KI) meridians. It is known for nourishing yin and maintaining a balanced internal environment, supporting Liver and Kidney health, and aiding digestive function. When these two ingredients are combined, one tonifies and the other moistens, allowing the formula to support the balance of yin and yang as well as promote harmonious blood and Qi circulation.

Specifically, Cordyceps and Black Chicken Soup nourishes Lung Yin and gently warms Kidney Yang, supporting normal respiratory function and helping to maintain comfort during occasional cough with thin sputum related to internal deficiency. For fatigue and loss of appetite associated with Spleen and Kidney deficiency, this soup also helps strengthen the Spleen and replenish Qi. The formula often includes Red Dates (Hongzao) to support blood nourishment, Goji Berries (Gouqizi) to nourish the Liver, and Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) to harmonize the Stomach, making the overall effect more balanced. Modern medical research has also confirmed that its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to cardiovascular wellness.

Suitable for

Deficiency and Consumption Constitution and Special Periods

Cordyceps and Black-Bone Chicken Soup is primarily suitable for the following groups: 1. Individuals in suboptimal health due to prolonged fatigue and late nights, such as office workers and students, who experience low energy and occasional immune challenges. 2. Those in the recovery phase of chronic conditions, helping to support the body’s natural supports process after issues like chronic bronchitis, asthma, or tuberculosis. 3. People needing to restore vitality after surgery, wellness, or childbirth. 4. Middle-aged and elderly individuals who experience age-related imbalance in Lung and Kidney function. 5. Women with insufficient Qi and Blood, which may manifest as a dull complexion and lighter menstrual flow.

In addition, regular consumption of Chongcao Wuji Tang (Cordyceps and Silkie Chicken Soup) can provide beneficial supporting effects for individuals seeking to maintain a healthy immune system, those who experience occasional respiratory discomfort, as well as people under high work stress or aiming to enhance their physical vitality. It is mild in nature without being drying, suitable for consumption throughout the four seasons, and is especially beneficial as a nourishing support during autumn and winter.

Contraindicated Populations

Dietary therapy based on syndrome differentiation helps avoid improper tonification.

Although the Cordyceps sinensis (Dongchongxiacao) and black-bone chicken soup is rich in nutrients, it is not suitable for everyone. Contraindicated individuals include: those with externally-contracted fever, cold with cough, or yellow, thick phlegm—in such cases, nourishing may inadvertently support unwanted influences, so consumption should be paused; those with internal damp-heat (manifested as a yellow, greasy tongue coating and loose, foul-smelling stools) should avoid such tonics to helps maintain aggravating dampness stagnation; those with Yin Deficiency Fire (e.g., night sweats, heat in the chest, palms and soles, dry mouth, sore throat) may find that while Cordyceps provides mild nourishment, the black-bone chicken is warm in nature and could trigger heat-related discomfort—caution is advised or the amount should be reduced.

Additionally, individuals concerned with maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels should remove the chicken skin and control salt intake. Those with compromised Kidney function need to limit protein intake and should not consume excessively. Pregnant women and children should take under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. Due to the high cost of Cordyceps, some individuals may over-supplement; it is recommended to limit each dosage to 3-5 grams, taken 1-2 times per week. Those allergic to Cordyceps or chicken are strictly prohibited from consuming.

Food ingredient formula ratio

Exact Gram List

Basic formula: Half a black-bone chicken (approximately 500–800 g), 3–5 g of *Ophiocordyceps sinensis* (Dongchongxiacao; depending on market availability, *Cordyceps militaris* can be used as a substitute, though the effect is inferior), 5–8 red dates (approximately 20 g), 10 g of goji berries (Gǒuqǐ), 3 slices of fresh ginger (approximately 5 g), 10 ml of yellow rice wine (Huángjiǔ), 1500 ml of purified water, and an appropriate amount of salt (approximately 2 g, added last). This recipe yields 2–3 servings. For larger groups, adjust the ingredients proportionally.

Instruction: It is recommended to use free-range Silkie chicken (Wuji) with firm meat. For Cordyceps sinensis (Dongchongxiacao), both broken and whole pieces are acceptable, but ensure quality. Removing the pits from red dates (Fructus Jujubae, Hongzao) can help maintain a cooler internal environment. Adding goji berries (Fructus Lycii, Gouqi) at the end helps retain more nutrients. To support Qi (vital energy) enhancement, you may add 10g of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi); to improve the taste, you can add a small amount of Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita, Shanyao) chunks. The overall proportion should be balanced and moderate, not excessive.

Cooking Method

Step-by-Step Explanation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Wash the black-bone chicken and cut into pieces. Place in cold water with a few slices of fresh ginger and one tablespoon of yellow rice wine. Blanch to remove impurities and foam, then remove and rinse with warm water. Gently rinse the *Cordyceps sinensis* (Dongchongxiacao) under cool water without rubbing to preserve active ingredients. Wash the red dates and goji berries. Slice the ginger.

Step 2: Simmer. Place the blanched black-boned chicken pieces (Wuji) into a clay pot or a stewing vessel. Add Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao), Ziziphus jujuba (Hongzao), and Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) slices. Pour in purified water, enough to submerge the ingredients by about 3 cm. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and maintain a gentle simmer for 1.5 hours. If using a regular pot, monitor the water level to avoid drying out.

Step 3: Flavor adjustment and finishing. Once the time is up, open the lid, add Lycium barbarum (Gouqi), and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes. Finally, add an appropriate amount of salt for seasoning, then turn off the heat. Before serving, skim off any floating oil to achieve a clear broth. You may also drizzle a small amount of sesame oil according to preference. It is recommended to use double-boiling (steaming in a sealed pot) for better nutrient retention and a smoother, more mellow soup flavor.

Drinking Tips

Precautions and Recommendations

1. Optimal Consumption Time: It is recommended to take it warm in the morning after breakfast or between 3-5 PM (the peak time of the Bladder Meridian), when absorption is most efficient. Avoid consuming large amounts before bedtime to helps maintain increased nighttime urination. Take 2-3 times per week, and do not consume continuously for more than two weeks; you may resume after a one-week interval.

2. Dietary Contraindications: While consuming Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao) and Black Chicken Soup, avoid raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods. Do not consume together with radish or green tea, as these may interfere with the nourishing effects. If mild discomfort such as dry mouth or sensations of internal heat occurs, reduce the amount of Cordyceps or add 10g of Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) to harmonize the formula.

3. Storage method: If you make a larger quantity at one time, you can separate the soup and meat, refrigerate, and consume within 3 days. When reheating, do not use a microwave oven; instead, steam over water or pour into a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao) should not be repeatedly boiled, so it is recommended to prepare and consume it fresh.

4. Special Notes: For children, the elderly, and those who have recently undergone surgery, the amount of salt should be reduced by half. For individuals with chronic health conditions, it is recommended to adjust the ratio under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Cordyceps sinensis (Dongchongxiacao) is expensive and varies greatly in quality; it is advised to purchase from authorized sources. If using cultivated Cordyceps flower (Chongcaohua) as a substitute, the dosage may be increased to 10–15 grams.