Astragalus and Cimicifuga Chicken Soup: A Tonic for Qi Deficiency

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 tonifying qi and raising yang. It is commonly used to improve various deficiency symptoms caused by middle qi insufficiency and sinking of clear yang. This tonic dish uses an old hen as the base, leveraging its property of warming the middle and tonifying qi, as well as supplementing deficiency and filling the marrow. 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 medicinal treatment.

In traditional dietary therapy wisdom, chicken is considered sweet and warm in nature, entering the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians. It can tonify the five Zang organs and boost Qi strength. Astragalus root (Huangqi, *Astragalus membranaceus*) is regarded as the “supreme Qi-tonifying herb,” excelling in raising 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, dizziness and blurred vision, shortness of breath and fatigue, or visceral prolapse. In folk medicine, this medicinal food is commonly used as a supportive dietary supplement for postpartum recovery, post-surgical recuperation, and constitutional debility in the elderly. It also serves as a vivid embodiment in the kitchen of the TCM therapeutic principle of “lifting the sunken” (陷者举之).

Therapeutic Effects of Medicinal Diet

The main effects of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) and Cimicifuga foetida (Bugbane) stewed with hen lie in “supplementing the center and boosting qi” and “ascending yang and raising the fall.” Here, Astragalus strongly supplements the qi of the spleen and lung, secures the exterior and stops sweating, and alleviates fatigue, lack of strength, and poor appetite; Bugbane guides the medicinal substances upward, raising the fallen lucid yang qi, and provides significant alleviation for patterns such as gastroptosis, rectal prolapse, and uterine prolapse due to middle qi sinking. The hen provides high-quality protein and various amino acids, enhancing the body’s repair capacity and making the supplementing effect more lasting.

From a modern nutritional perspective, *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus root) contains polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, which can regulate immunity, combat fatigue, and promote protein synthesis. The triterpenoid saponins in *Cimicifuga foetida* (Shengma) exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and smooth muscle tone-enhancing effects. Old hen is rich in collagen, iron, zinc, and other trace elements, helping to improve anemia and hypotension. Through the synergistic combination of herb and food, this entire medicinal diet achieves comprehensive effects of strengthening constitution, boosting vitality, and stabilizing internal organ position.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tonify Qi and raise Yang, regulate and smooth the Qi mechanism

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the fundamental motive force of life activities, and the Spleen (SP) is the source of Qi and Blood transformation. When Spleen Qi is deficient, the clear Yang Qi cannot ascend but instead sinks, manifesting as dizziness and blurred vision, scant Qi and disinclination to speak, abdominal bearing-down distention, chronic diarrhea, and rectal prolapse. Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus) is sweet and warm, specifically enters the Spleen (SP) and Lung (LU) meridians, greatly tonifies the Original Qi, and restores 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 tonifying and one raising—complements each other perfectly, just like the principle of “lifting the lid of a teapot” (ti hu jie gai), allowing the sinking Qi to return to its proper place.

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

In TCM, the hen is considered a “blood-and-flesh substance with affinity” (xuè ròu yǒu qíng zhī pǐn). Its nature is sweet and warm, and it enters the Liver (LR), Kidney (KI), and Spleen (SP) meridians, serving to nourish yin, enrich the blood, warm the Middle, and tonify deficiency. For conditions of dual Qi and Blood Deficiency (qì xuè liǎng xū) resulting from chronic overstrain or convalescence after a severe illness, the hen provides a direct material basis. When combined with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus / Huángqí) and *Cimicifuga foetida* (Shengma / Bugbane), which promote the movement of the qi mechanism, the nourishing quality of the chicken meat counteracts the potentially drying-heat sensation that may arise from pure qi-tonifying herbs. The entire medicinal food acts gently, focusing on restoring the pivotal function of the Middle Jiao (Zhōng Jiāo), thereby enabling smooth communication between the upper and lower body and harmonizing yin and yang.

Indications

This medicinal diet is most suitable for individuals with “Sinking of Middle Qi” (Central Qi Sinking) and “Qi Deficiency Constitution.” Specific indications include: those who frequently experience dizziness and blurred vision, worsened upon standing and alleviated when lying flat; patients with visceral prolapse such as gastroptosis, nephroptosis, rectal prolapse, or uterine prolapse 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 difficulty with defecation, may also benefit from moderate consumption. Additionally, patients with hypotension who commonly experience dizziness and palpitations may find that stewed chicken with *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus root) and *Cimicifuga foetida* (Bugbane) offers a supportive effect in raising blood pressure and promoting health.

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 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 therapy. 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 contraindicated in individuals with Yin Deficiency with Effulgent Fire, Internal Accumulation of Damp-Heat, and Liver Yang Ascending Hyperactivity. 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, promoting heat, they may aggravate Yin Deficiency symptoms. During External Infection with Excess Heat patterns such as common cold with fever, sore throat, or cough with yellow phlegm, administration should be suspended to avoid assisting pathogenic factors. Hypertensive patients presenting with Liver Yang Hyperactivity type (headache and dizziness, red face and eyes, irritability and anger) 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 physician. Additionally, it is contraindicated in those with allergies to chicken, Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), or Shengma (Cimicifuga foetida).

After consumption, if signs of heat such as dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, and restlessness with heat appear, it indicates that the medicinal diet is too warm in nature. Reduce the dosage or combine it with yin-nourishing 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 definite signs of middle qi deficiency 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 ascending and lifting 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 disperses cold, counteracting any cloying or greasy nature that may arise from the medicinal properties; jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) fortifies 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 harming yin. Yellow wine (Huangjiu) removes fishy odors and enhances aroma, while also promoting the extraction of active medicinal 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 medicinal 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 Qi stagnation (Qi obstruction), 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 medicinal properties. 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 medication period, avoid consuming raw, cold, or greasy foods, as well as radish and other Qi-dispersing substances, so as not to weaken the Qi-tonifying effect of Astragalus (Huang Qi). If concurrently taking other Qi-tonifying 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.