Polygonatum and Field Mouse Soup: Benefits, Recipe & TCM Uses

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Polygonatum Sibericum and Field Mouse Soup is a traditional medicinal dish originating from Lingnan folk culture, combining both medicinal and dietary nourishment. Its main ingredients are Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomonseal) and field mouse, supplemented with various warming ingredients, slowly simmered to perfection. This soup has long been prevalent in the rural medicinal cuisine cultures of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. Not only is it delicious and aromatic, but it also embodies the TCM concept of medicine-food homology, making it an excellent choice for nourishing and fortifying vital qi during autumn and winter.

Huangjing (Polygonatum sibiricum) is praised in the *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) as “the immortals’ surplus grain,” capable of supplementing qi and nourishing yin, strengthening the spleen, and moistening the lungs. Field mouse meat has been recorded in traditional food therapy for supplementing deficiency and impairment, strengthening the spleen, and dispersing accumulation. Combined, the soup is clear with a slight yellow hue, rich and mellow on the palate, with a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. It is especially suitable as a restorative for those with high physical exertion and a predominantly deficient constitution. In recent years, as the public has rediscovered traditional medicinal cuisine, this soup has gradually emerged from the countryside and become known to more people.

Medicinal Food Efficacy

The primary therapeutic effect of *Polygonatum sibiricum* (Solomon’s Seal) and field mouse meat soup lies in “supplementing deficiency and rectifying the upright [qi].” *Polygonatum sibiricum* tonifies Spleen qi, nourishes Lung yin, and enriches Kidney essence; it significantly alleviates fatigue, shortness of breath, dry mouth, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees resulting from overexertion, chronic consumptive diseases, or frailty due to aging. Field mouse meat is rich in high-quality protein and various trace elements, with a low fat content; it fortifies qi and blood, strengthens the Spleen, and promotes transportation. The combination of these two ingredients ensures that supplementation does not cause stagnation and nourishment does not lead to cloying greasiness.

In addition, this soup has mild effects of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, as well as calming the spirit and enhancing cognition. The polysaccharides in Huang Jing (Polygonatum sibiricum, Solomon’s seal) positively regulate the immune system and strengthen the body’s resistance to disease. Field mouse meat is traditionally used in folk medicine to improve pediatric malnutrition (infantile gan ji) and loss of appetite caused by Spleen and Stomach deficiency in adults. Therefore, regular consumption of this soup not only helps restore physical strength but also improves overall anti-fatigue ability and sleep quality.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Medicinal Value of Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon’s Seal)

Polygonatum Rhizoma (Huangjing) has a neutral nature and a sweet taste, entering the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney meridians. It is one of the representative herbs in TCM for tonifying qi and nourishing yin. It gently tonifies both qi and blood without causing dryness, making it especially suitable for individuals with qi and yin deficiency. In Huangjing and Vole Soup (Huangjing Tian Shu Tang), Huangjing serves as the sovereign herb, exerting the core actions of tonifying the middle and replenishing qi, as well as moistening the Lung and generating fluids. It is highly effective in improving fatigue and lack of strength due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency, poor appetite, and dry cough caused by Lung deficiency.

Medicinal Value of the Field Mouse (Microtus spp.)

Field mouse meat is recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica* and other classical texts as “sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, and nontoxic,” capable of “tonifying deficiency and consumption, strengthening the spleen, and dissipating accumulation.” In traditional Chinese medicine, field mouse meat enters the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians, excelling in supplementing the qi of the spleen and stomach, while also promoting digestion and eliminating stagnation. For conditions such as infantile malnutrition, chronic illness with deficiency in adults, and postpartum qi and blood deficiency, field mouse meat is frequently used as an important dietary remedy. When stewed with *Polygonatum sibiricum* (Solomonscal), the combination—one tonifies and the other moves—renders the nourishing effect of the soup more balanced and profound.

Indicated Population

Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon’s Seal) and field mouse soup is most suitable for individuals with deficiency patterns, particularly those with qi and yin deficiency, spleen and stomach deficiency, or lung deficiency with dry cough. For example, white-collar workers who experience chronic overtime, sleep deprivation, and energy depletion; patients in the recovery stage after prolonged illness or post-surgery convalescence; and middle-aged or elderly individuals presenting with general weakness and fatigue, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, and memory decline due to declining visceral functions—all such persons may consume this soup in moderate amounts for tonification and regulation.

Furthermore, this soup is also beneficial for infantile malnutrition (ganji) (i.e., pediatric dyspepsia, sallow complexion with emaciation, distended abdomen with visible veins, etc.), and is often used as a supportive dietary remedy in folk medicine. For individuals with a Yin deficiency constitution (Yin xu ti zhi) who frequently experience dry mouth and throat, dry skin, and dry stool, the Huangjing (Polygonatum sibiricum, Solomon’s seal rhizome) and field mouse soup can also achieve the effects of moistening dryness and engendering fluids (run zao sheng jin), helping to restore the balance of Yin and Yang within the body.

Contraindicated Populations

Although Huangjing (Polygonatum sibiricum, Solomon’s seal) and Field Mouse Soup has notable tonic effects, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with interior Excess Heat, Damp-Heat, or Phlegm-Fire should avoid consumption. Specific manifestations include: a yellow, thick, and greasy tongue coating; bitter taste and halitosis; sticky, sluggish stools; frequent acne on the face or back; and dark yellow urine. If individuals with these conditions take this tonic soup, it may instead promote dampness and generate heat, thereby aggravating their condition.

Additionally, individuals allergic to wild animal meat, pregnant women, and infants should consume with caution. Pregnant women have a unique constitution during pregnancy and should avoid medicinal diets of unclear properties; infants have delicate zang-fu organs and are not suitable for early exposure to tonifying soups. Furthermore, those with high cholesterol or severe liver and kidney dysfunction should consult a professional TCM practitioner or nutritionist before consumption to avoid aggravating the body’s burden.

Ingredient formula proportions

Main ingredients: Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon’s Seal) 30 g, field mouse meat 300 g (approximately 1 medium-sized field mouse, remove fur and internal organs, wash and set aside).

Supplementary ingredients: 15 g Lycium barbarum (Goji berry), 6 Ziziphus jujuba (Red dates), pitted, 5 slices of Zingiber officinale (Fresh ginger), 3 g Citrus reticulata (Tangerine peel), and salt to taste. 2000 ml (approximately 8 bowls) of water, after simmering yields approximately 1500 ml of soup, serves 3 to 4 people.

Cooking method

Step 1: Ingredient Preparation

Rinse the Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon’s seal) quickly under clean water to remove surface dust, then soak it in warm water for about 20 minutes until slightly softened, allowing its active constituents to be better extracted during simmering. Cut the field mouse meat into bite-sized pieces (approximately 3–4 cm cubes), soak in cold water for 15 minutes, and change the water twice during the process to remove blood and gamey odor. Wash the Lycium barbarum (goji berries) and Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese red dates) separately; remove the pits from the red dates. Slice the fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale). Soak the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (dried tangerine peel) in warm water until softened, then scrape off the white pith from the inner side.

Step 2: Simmering Instructions

Pour the soaked Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon’s seal) and its soaking water into a stew pot (clay pot or ceramic pot is ideal), then add enough water to reach 2000 ml. Add the field mouse meat pieces, ginger slices, and dried tangerine peel (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium). Bring to a boil over high heat, then skim off any foam. Reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 1.5 hours, until the meat is tender and the broth turns slightly yellow and thickens. Finally, add goji berries (Lycium barbarum) and red jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba), and continue simmering for another 15 minutes. Season with an appropriate amount of salt and turn off the heat. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld.

Drinking Tips

1. The Polygonatum and Field Mouse Soup is best consumed during autumn and winter or when the weather is cool, as during these times the body’s Yang Qi is stored internally, making it most receptive to the essence of nourishing ingredients. It is recommended to drink one to two servings per week, each serving being one small bowl (approximately 200 ml), with a continuous course of three to four weeks constituting one regulation cycle.

2. When consuming this soup, avoid simultaneously eating raw, cold, greasy, or pungent/spicy foods, as these may interfere with the absorption of the medicinal effects. Additionally, it is not advisable to consume it together with radish or strong tea, as radish has the effect of descending qi and promoting digestion, which can weaken the tonifying effect of Polygonatum sibiricum (Solomon’s seal); the tannic acid in strong tea may affect the absorption of protein and iron.

3. If consumed by children with infantile malnutrition syndrome or spleen-stomach weakness, the stewed soup should have the floating oil skimmed off, and only the clear soup taken. The amount of Huangjing (Polygonatum sibiricum, Solomon’s seal rhizome) should be reduced to 15 grams to avoid being overly cloying. The field mouse meat in the soup can be dipped in a small amount of soy sauce or pepper-salt, but not in excess, to avoid increasing the digestive burden.