Prunella Vulgaris Chicken Feet Soup: A Nourishing Blend for Liver Support

Introduction to Herbal Soup

Prunella Vulgaris and Chicken Feet Soup is a classic dietary soup originating from the Lingnan region, featuring Prunella vulgaris (common self-heal) and chicken feet as main ingredients, supplemented with honey dates (Ziziphus jujuba var. inermis, candied) and fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) for flavor, offering dual benefits of dietary nourishment and wellness support. Prunella vulgaris consists of the dried fruit-spikes of the Lamiaceae plant Prunella vulgaris, so named because it withers shortly after the summer solstice. Already classified as a medium-grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), it is a commonly used botanical for supporting liver health and promoting overall wellness. Chicken feet are rich in collagen and various amino acids, which help support sinew and bone strength and nourish the skin. The combination allows the botanical to leverage the food’s power and the food to amplify the botanical’s effect, making it a seasonal delicacy for nourishing the liver in spring and supporting comfort in summer.

In Guangdong’s herbal tea shops and home kitchens, Prunella vulgaris (selfheal) and chicken feet soup is often used as a cooling and nourishing soup. Its broth is clear and slightly yellow, with a sweet and moist taste, carrying the unique light herbal aroma of selfheal and the sweetness of honey dates. The chicken feet are stewed until tender, releasing collagen into the soup, which not only gives a rich mouthfeel but also ensures a gentle and lasting effect. This herbal soup may seem simple to prepare, but it embodies the core principle of “food and botanical sharing the same origin.” It is especially suitable for modern people seeking support for occasional eye discomfort and overall wellness due to lifestyle factors such as staying up late and high stress.

Benefits of This Soup

The most prominent benefit of Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) stewed with chicken feet is to support liver health and promote visual comfort, as well as to help maintain normal tissue function. Prunella vulgaris is traditionally considered cooling in nature, with bitter and pungent flavors, and is associated with the Liver (LR) and Gallbladder (GB) meridians. It can help promote normal liver function and maintain a calm digestive system. It has a significant soothing effect on occasional eye redness, temporary discomfort, and occasional eye strain. The collagen and calcium in chicken feet help support microvessel health in the eyes and promote visual comfort. The synergistic effect of the two makes supporting liver function and nourishing the eyes mutually reinforcing.

Additionally, this dietary soup helps support normal tissue softness and promotes cardiovascular wellness. The active constituents in *Prunella vulgaris* (common selfheal), such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, are known to support a healthy inflammatory response and promote antioxidant activity, as well as help maintain normal blood pressure levels already within a healthy range. Meanwhile, chicken feet are rich in collagen and elastin, which help support vascular elasticity and maintain cardiovascular wellness. For individuals with occasional discomfort in the neck or throat area associated with stress, regular consumption of this soup may serve as a complementary approach for daily wellness.

Supporting Skin Health and Joint Comfort

The collagen in chicken feet is an important ingredient for maintaining skin elasticity and joint cartilage health. Regular consumption of this soup can help promote skin moisture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and support the resilience of ligaments and tendons. The cooling properties of Prunella vulgaris (Self-heal) can help soothe occasional skin irritations and promote a clearer complexion.

The role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of TCM flavor and channel theory, Prunella vulgaris (selfheal) has a bitter and pungent flavor, cool nature, and specifically enters the Liver (LR) and Gallbladder (GB) channels. It can both support the body’s natural cooling processes and help disperse stagnant Qi in the Liver channel. The *Bencao Gangmu* records that Prunella vulgaris “supports eye comfort during nighttime,” exerting a dual regulatory effect on occasional eye discomfort caused by various factors. Chicken feet have a sweet flavor, neutral nature, and enter the Spleen (SP), Stomach (ST), and Kidney (KI) channels. They help nourish the middle and support energy, and promote marrow and sinew strength. Together, one supports cooling and the other nourishes, allowing cooling and draining without impairing body’s natural defenses, and nourishing without contributing to heat.

In terms of compatibility, the addition of honeyed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba, honeyed jujube) and fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe, ginger) carries subtle TCM intentions. Honeyed jujube is sweet and warm in nature, capable of supporting spleen and stomach function, harmonizing the properties of the formula, and mitigating the stomach-damaging effect of the bitter-cold selfheal (Prunella vulgaris L., selfheal); fresh ginger is acrid and warm, able to support a healthy response to cold, promote the absorption of beneficial compounds, and simultaneously remove the fishy odor of chicken feet. These four ingredients together create a pattern of balanced warming and cooling, and mutual support of ascending and descending, rendering the overall nature of this herbal soup moderate and suitable for long-term consumption by a broader population.

Who May Benefit

Prunella vulgaris stewed chicken feet is most suitable for those seeking support for occasional eye discomfort and overall wellness. First, office workers and students who stay up late and overuse their eyes, presenting with dry eyes, occasional redness, blurred vision, and other signs of occasional eye strain – this soup can help support liver function and nourish the eyes. Second, individuals with a tendency toward occasional headaches in spring, or those seeking to maintain healthy blood pressure levels already within normal range – the cooling properties of Prunella vulgaris can help support a calm and balanced constitution.

Additionally, women with occasional breast tenderness and those experiencing stress-related discomfort in the neck area are also suitable to take this soup as a dietary supplement under healthcare professional guidance. For menopausal women experiencing occasional irritability, hot flashes, and dry mouth, as well as men who frequently engage in social drinking leading to occasional irritability, consuming it 2-3 times per week can likewise support liver health and promote overall well-being.

Cautions

Individuals with cold-pattern digestive weakness should use this herbal soup with caution or avoid it altogether. *Prunella vulgaris* (common self-heal) is cooling in nature. For those who typically present with manifestations of digestive yang deficiency such as occasional stomach discomfort, loose stools, poor appetite, sensitivity to cold, consuming it may aggravate these signs, leading to occasional digestive upset. Similarly, individuals experiencing early stages of temporary signs such as clear nasal discharge, sensitivity to cold, headache and body pain should not consume cooling herbal soups prematurely, as this may interfere with the body’s natural response.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should also exercise caution. *Prunella vulgaris* (Selfheal) has properties that may affect normal tissue function, and its effects during pregnancy are not yet fully understood. For safety reasons, it should be avoided during pregnancy. If a breastfeeding mother presents with signs of occasional irritability, she may consult a TCM practitioner and switch to a milder herbal tea substitute. Additionally, individuals whose blood pressure is already on the lower side should be aware that *Prunella vulgaris* (Selfheal) may promote healthy blood pressure levels already within normal range, and excessive intake may further lower blood pressure, leading to discomforts such as dizziness and fatigue.

Ingredient Ratio for a Formula

Main ingredients: 15 g of Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) (dried, preferably with long spikes, reddish-brown color, and free from impurities), 8–10 fresh chicken feet (approx. 300 g). Supplementary ingredients: 2 pieces of honeyed jujube (pitted, approx. 20 g), 4 slices of fresh ginger (approx. 10 g), 5 g of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) (optional, to enhance the effect of supporting visual comfort).

Seasoning: salt to taste, 5 ml cooking wine, 2–3 drops white vinegar (helps extract collagen from chicken feet). All ingredient ratios can be adjusted according to individual constitution: if a stronger cooling effect is desired, increase Prunella vulgaris (selfheal) to 20 g; if the digestive system is relatively sensitive, reduce it to 10 g and add one additional honeyed jujube and one slice of fresh ginger to buffer the cooling nature.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the chicken feet – Trim the nails off the chicken feet, wash them clean, then place them in a pot of cold water. Add cooking wine and 2 slices of ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue blanching for 3 minutes. Skim off any foam, remove the chicken feet, and rinse them with warm water. Set aside. This step effectively removes the fishy odor and blood from the chicken feet, resulting in a clear soup.

Step 2: Soak the Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) – Gently rinse the Selfheal under cold water twice to remove dust, then place it in a gauze bag and tie it tightly, or wrap it in a strainer bag to prevent the herb particles from dispersing into the soup and affecting the taste. Wash and pit the honeyed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), slice the fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale), and if using, briefly soak the goji berries (Lycium barbarum) in cold water.

Step 3: Simmer the soup — Place the pre-prepared chicken feet, the Prunella vulgaris (Common Selfheal) sachet, honey dates, and the remaining ginger (Zingiber officinale) slices into a clay pot or ceramic soup pot. Add enough clean water (approximately 2000 ml). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. If the water level decreases during simmering, replenish with an appropriate amount of boiling water.

Step 4: Seasoning and finishing—After simmering until the chicken feet become tender and gelatin is released, remove and discard the Prunella vulgaris (Common Selfheal) sachet. Add Goji Berries (Lycium barbarum) and white vinegar, then continue simmering over low heat for another 5 minutes. Before turning off the heat, season with salt (since chicken feet have natural umami, use salt sparingly). Stir well and remove from heat. Serve and enjoy.

Tips for Consumption

First, optimal consumption time and frequency: It is recommended to take it warm at 3-5 PM (the time when the Bladder Meridian (BL) is in command) or 2 hours before sleep. At these times, the body’s metabolism is relatively active, which facilitates the absorption of beneficial compounds. Consume 2-3 times per week, and do not take it continuously for more than 4 weeks. Then pause for 1-2 weeks before resuming, to avoid excessive cooling affecting the body’s natural warmth.

Secondly, seasonal variations and modifications: It is most effective when taken during spring when liver qi is ascending. In summer, add 200g of winter melon (Benincasa hispida) to the decoction to enhance the cooling effect. In autumn, it is suitable to combine with 30g of fresh lily bulb (Lilium brownii) to also support moisture and nourishment. Note: during consumption, avoid spicy, greasy, and raw or cold foods to allow the body to best utilize the beneficial components.

Third, storage and reuse methods: It is recommended to prepare and consume the soup on the same day. If it must be kept overnight, strain out the herbal dregs thoroughly, refrigerate the liquid, and bring it to a full boil before drinking. Do not reheat more than twice to prevent bacterial growth and loss of nutrients. For chicken feet, if you prefer not to eat the skin and bones, you may remove them after the soup is cooked and retain only the liquid for consumption.