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

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

“Astragalus and Cassia Twig Five-Ingredient Chicken” is a medicinal diet derived from the classic formula “Astragalus and Cassia Twig Five-Ingredient Decoction” (Huangqi Guizhi Wu Wu Tang) from Zhang Zhongjing’s *Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber* (Jin Gui Yao Lue). The original formula was specifically designed for “blood bi” (blood impediment), primarily treating symptoms such as numbness and insensitivity of the skin and muscles, as well as mild aversion to wind and cold, resulting from underlying qi and blood deficiency combined with external invasion of wind pathogen. This medicinal diet combines the core five herbs from the decoction—Astragalus root (*Astragalus membranaceus*), Cassia twig (*Cinnamomum cassia*), White Peony root (*Paeonia lactiflora*), Fresh Ginger (*Zingiber officinale*), and Chinese Jujube (*Ziziphus jujuba*)—with warm-nourishing chicken meat. Through this combination, the medicinal properties are enhanced by the food’s nourishing power, while the food amplifies the herbs’ therapeutic effects, transforming a bitter medicinal formula into a delicious table dish. It is a classic nourishing medicinal food that simultaneously supplements qi and blood and warms and unblocks the channels and collaterals.

This medicinal food features chicken as the main ingredient, leveraging its properties of warming the middle burner, supplementing qi, and replenishing essence and marrow. It is combined with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus) to supplement qi and secure the exterior, *Cinnamomum cassia* (Cassia Twig) to warm the channels and unblock yang, *Paeonia lactiflora* (White Peony) to nourish blood and harmonize the nutritive, and fresh *Zingiber officinale* (Ginger) with *Ziziphus jujuba* (Jujube) to harmonize the spleen and stomach. Together, these five ingredients achieve the effects of supplementing qi and nourishing blood, unblocking yang, and moving impediment. The broth is clear, bright yellow, with an aromatic and slightly acrid fragrance. The chicken is tender and well-infused, while the soup is savory with a hint of sweet moistness and acrid aroma. It is suitable both as a daily nourishing soup and as a restorative dietary preparation for autumn and winter seasons or for individuals with a deficiency-cold constitution.

Origins and Evolution

The original formula “Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang” (Astragalus and Cinnamom Twig Five Substances Decoction) originates from the chapter “Pulse, Syndrome, and Treatment of Blood Impediment and Consumptive Disease” in the *Jin Gui Yao Lüe* (Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber). Zhang Zhongjing composed it with *Astragali Radix* (Huangqi, Astragalus root) 3 *liang*, *Cinnamomi Ramulus* (Guizhi, Cinnamom twig) 3 *liang*, *Paeoniae Radix Alba* (Shaoyao, White Peony root) 3 *liang*, *Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens* (Shengjiang, Fresh Ginger) 6 *liang*, and *Jujubae Fructus* (Dazao, Chinese Date) 12 pieces, primarily treating “blood impediment with deficiency of both yin and yang” (blood bi with dual yin-yang vacuity). Later physicians modified the formula by reducing the dosages and adding food ingredients such as chicken (*Gallus gallus domesticus*) and *Dioscoreae Rhizoma* (Shanyao, Chinese Yam), transforming it into a medicinal diet. This adaptation made it more suitable for long-term restorative care, and it has since become a widely circulated folk decoction for tonifying deficiency and unblocking impediment.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

“Astragalus and Cinnamom Twig Five-Ingredient Chicken” has overall functions centered on supplementing qi and nourishing blood, warming the channels and unblocking the collaterals. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, Astragalus root) is the foremost qi-supplementing herb; it can secure the defensive exterior and raise sunken yang. Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi, Cinnamom twig) is acrid and warm, unblocking yang; it can warm and unblock the blood vessels, dissipate cold and alleviate pain. Radix Paeoniae (Shaoyao, Peony root) is sour and cold, nourishes blood and softens the liver, relaxes tension and alleviates pain; paired with Cinnamom twig, one scatters and one astringes, harmonizing the nutritive and defensive. Chicken meat is sweet and warm, enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney channels, excels at supplementing deficiency fatigue and emaciation, and boosts the qi of the five viscera. The five ingredients combined with chicken meat enable qi deficiency to be supplemented, blood deficiency to be nourished, cold congealing to be dispersed, and the channels and collaterals to be unblocked.

Modern nutritional and pharmacological studies have shown that *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus root) is rich in astragalus polysaccharides and astragalosides, which can enhance immune function and improve microcirculation; *Cinnamomum cassia* (Cassia twig) contains cinnamaldehyde, which dilates blood vessels and promotes blood circulation; *Paeonia lactiflora* (White Peony root) contains paeoniflorin, which has sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Chicken provides high-quality protein, amino acids, and various trace elements, working synergistically with the herbs to help improve peripheral circulation, relieve muscle fatigue, and enhance the body’s cold resistance. This combination is especially suitable for individuals with Qi and Blood Deficiency, cold hands and feet, and limb numbness.

The Actions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tonify qi and secure the exterior, strengthen the defensive qi to ward off pathogens.

In this formula, *Huangqi* (Astragalus membranaceus, Milkvetch Root) serves as the sovereign herb with a notably heavy dosage. Its nature is sweet and warm, and it enters the Spleen (SP) and Lung (LU) meridians, excelling at supplementing the Qi of the Spleen and Lung while securing the exterior and arresting sweating. For symptoms such as mental fatigue and lack of strength, spontaneous sweating with aversion to wind, and susceptibility to common colds due to Qi deficiency, *Huangqi* can strengthen the defensive Qi, solidify the interstices, and make it difficult for external pathogens to invade. *Chicken meat* also benefits the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach. When combined, their Qi-supplementing effect becomes more focused.

Warm the channels and unblock yang, disperse cold and relieve bi (painful obstruction) syndrome.

Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), acrid, sweet, and warm, is a crucial herb for unblocking yang. It warms and unblocks the channels and collaterals, disperses cold, and alleviates pain, and is especially effective for numbness of the limbs and cold joint pain caused by cold congealing with blood stasis. Combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang), which is acrid, dispersing, warm, and unblocking, it assists Guizhi in dispersing wind-cold, warming the middle burner, and stopping vomiting. Jujubae Fructus (Dazao), sweet and warm, tonifies the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, boosts qi, and engenders fluid. Together with Shengjiang, it harmonizes the nutritive and defensive aspects and protects the middle burner. These four medicinals together achieve the effects of warming the channels, dispersing cold, unblocking yang, and relieving bi pattern, ensuring that qi and blood flow smoothly when warmed, and that the channels are free from pain when unblocked.

Nourish blood and harmonize the nutritive (Ying), relax tension and stop pain.

Paeonia lactiflora (White Peony) is sour and cold in nature. It nourishes the blood, astringes the yin, softens the liver, and alleviates tension. When combined with Ramulus Cinnamomi (Cinnamon Twig), one disperses and the other astringes, regulating the balance of the Nutritive Qi (Ying) and Defensive Qi (Wei), preventing the excessive dispersing nature of Cinnamon Twig from consuming the Nutritive Qi (Ying) and damaging the yin. For muscular aching, pain, and cramping of the hands and feet due to Blood Deficiency (Xue Xu) with loss of nourishment, causing tension and contraction of the channels and vessels, White Peony nourishes the Nutritive Qi (Ying) and harmonizes the blood, alleviates tension and stops pain, ensuring that supplementation does not cause stagnation and dispersion does not cause damage.

Indications

This medicinal food is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals with qi and blood deficiency or yang qi deficiency, as well as those who are frail and frequently ill. Common manifestations include: sallow or pale complexion, shortness of breath and fatigue, low voice, aversion to cold, cold limbs, icy hands and feet in autumn and winter that are slow to warm up, susceptibility to common cold upon slight exposure to wind-cold, or incessant spontaneous sweating. For numbness and insensitivity of the skin due to blood deficiency with wind invasion—such as early-stage diabetic peripheral neuropathy, limb numbness as a post-stroke sequela, or finger numbness caused by nerve compression in cervical spondylosis—it may be used as an adjunctive dietary therapy under the guidance of a physician.

Meanwhile, postpartum women with massive deficiency of qi and blood, disharmony between nutritive and defensive qi, and susceptibility to wind-cold, as well as sub-healthy individuals—such as those engaged in prolonged manual labor or sedentary office work with insufficient physical activity, leading to unsmooth qi and blood circulation and stiff, sore shoulders and neck—may also consume it in moderation. This medicinal dietary is mild in nature, tonifying without causing dryness, and is suitable as a nourishing family soup during the cold seasons of autumn and winter or during late spring cold snaps. Consuming it 1–2 times per week helps warm and nourish qi and blood, and strengthen the body.

Contraindicated Populations

For individuals with a constitution of Yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity (阴虚火旺), this should be avoided or used with caution. Such persons commonly present with emaciation, dry mouth and throat, vexing heat in the five centers (chest, palms, and soles), tidal fever and night sweats, a red tongue with scanty coating, and a thin, rapid pulse. Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) is warm in nature and raises yang, while Ramulus Cinnamomi (Guizhi) is acrid and warm, promoting heat. Ingesting these may further damage yin fluids and aggravate deficient fire. Those with internal exuberance of damp-heat (湿热内盛) are also unsuitable, presenting with epigastric and abdominal distention and fullness, sticky stools, a yellow, thick, and greasy tongue coating, and dark yellow urine. Warming and supplementing medicinals easily assist dampness and generate heat, instead causing the pathogen to linger.

During acute exogenous febrile conditions such as Wind-Heat Common Cold, influenza with high fever, sore throat, cough with yellow phlegm, as well as skin sores with redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and various unrelieved Excess Heat patterns, this medicinal diet should not be consumed, as it may “close the door to trap the pathogen” and exacerbate the disease. Additionally, individuals allergic to chicken, *Astragalus membranaceus* (Huangqi), *Cinnamomi Ramulus* (cassia twig, Guizhi), or other medicinal ingredients, as well as pregnant women (especially during the first trimester), should use it cautiously under the guidance of a TCM practitioner and avoid blind self-administration. Patients with hypertension presenting with Liver Yang Rising pattern, manifested as dizziness, headache, red face and eyes, irritability, and a tendency to anger, should also use Huangqi with caution.

Ingredient formula proportions

The following is a standard formula suitable for home preparation (for 3-4 servings). It is recommended to use authentic medicinal herbs and high-quality ingredients:

• Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus): 30 g (raw, sliced; preferably thick strips with a yellowish-white cross-section)
• Ramulus Cinnamomi (Cinnamon Twig): 15 g (young cinnamon twig, cut into sections or slices; those with a fragrant aroma are preferred)
• Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora, White Peony root): 15 g (raw, sliced; those with firm texture and sufficient powdery quality are preferred)
• Zingiber officinale Roscoe (fresh ginger): 30 g (fresh, sliced, unpeeled)
• Chinese date (Ziziphus jujuba): 7-10 pieces (seed removed, preferably those with thick flesh and sweet taste).
• Mother chicken: 1 (about 1000-1250 grams; it is recommended to use a free-range chicken or Silkie chicken; remove head, feet, and internal organs; cut into large pieces)
• Plain water: approximately 2500-3000 ml
• Yellow wine: 30 ml (optional, to remove fishy smell and enhance aroma)
• Salt: appropriate amount (use for final seasoning, recommend less salt)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Pretreatment of Medicinal Materials

Quickly rinse the Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus), Cinnamon twig (Ramulus Cinnamomi), and White peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) in clean water to remove any dust, then drain. Remove the pits from the Chinese dates (Ziziphus jujuba) and set aside. Wash the fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cut it into thick slices with the skin on. Note that the Cinnamon twig should not be soaked for too long to prevent loss of its 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 yellow wine. Bring to a boil over high heat and continue boiling for 2–3 minutes. Skim off the foam, remove the chicken pieces, rinse off any blood residue on the surface with warm water, and drain for later use. Blanching effectively removes the fishy odor and excess fat from the chicken, resulting in a clear broth.

Step 3: Simmer the medicinal food.

Place the blanched chicken pieces into a clay pot or ceramic casserole. Add Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), fresh ginger slices, and Jujubae Fructus (Dazao). Pour in the remaining yellow wine and enough clean water (add all at once, about 5 cm above the ingredients). Bring to a rapid boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to low heat. Cover tightly and simmer slowly for 1.5–2 hours, until the chicken is tender and a chopstick can easily pierce the leg meat.

Step 4: Season and remove from the pot.

Ten minutes before turning off the heat, uncover and skim off any excess surface fat. Season with a pinch of salt to taste (recommend no more than 3 g of salt per serving). Note that the residues of Ramulus Cinnamomi (Cinnamomum twig) and Radix Paeoniae Alba (White Peony Root) can be discarded, while Fructus Jujubae (Chinese Date), chicken meat, and Radix Astragali (Astragalus root) slices are edible. Serve warm, enjoying the rich, savory broth. For enhanced flavor, dip the chicken in light soy sauce or a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorn salt.

Drinking Tips

1. Dosage Frequency and Timing: This medicinal膳食 has a warm-tonifying nature. It is recommended to consume during cold autumn and winter seasons or when the weather turns warm and cold in spring, 1–2 times per week at most, avoiding excessive intake. The optimal time is half an hour before lunch or dinner, taken warm on an empty stomach to enhance absorption of the medicinal effects. Avoid consuming large amounts before bedtime, lest the *Ramulus Cinnamomi* (Cassia Twig) stimulate yang qi and disrupt sleep.

2. Key points for constitution pattern differentiation: Before consumption, confirm that one’s constitution is indeed of Qi Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, or Blood Deficiency with Cold pattern. Simple assessment: if one usually feels cold, has cold hands and feet, a pale and enlarged tongue body with thin white coating, and a deep, weak pulse, then it is suitable; if one often experiences dry mouth, a red tongue, constipation, and a tendency to “heatiness,” it indicates internal heat and is not suitable for consumption. If unsure, it is recommended to consult a TCM practitioner.

3. Reheating and Pairing Suggestions: This medicinal soup is best consumed on the day it is prepared. If consumed in portions, separate the herbal residue from the soup, store it refrigerated, and reheat to a rolling boil before each serving. Avoid repeated reheating. When pairing with staple foods, choose ingredients with a neutral or slightly warm nature, such as rice congee (粳米粥), Chinese yam (山药), or pumpkin (南瓜). Refrain from consuming large quantities of raw/cold fruits or cold-nature seafood concurrently, as this may counteract the warming and unblocking effect of the medicinal food.