Astragalus and Euryale Seed Sea Bass Soup: A Restorative Medicinal Diet

Introduction to Medicinal Cuisine

North Qi (Astragalus membranaceus, Huang Qi) and Gordon Euryale Seed (Euryale ferox, Qian Shi) Sea Bass Soup is a traditional restorative medicinal diet originating from the Lingnan region. It is prepared by slow-simmering the Qi-tonifying herb North Qi (Astragalus root), the Kidney-securing Gordon Euryale seed, and fresh sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) as the main ingredients, supplemented with fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale), goji berries (Lycium barbarum), and other adjuncts. The soup has a clear, bright broth and a rich, mellow flavor that harmoniously blends the sweet fragrance of the herbs with the delicate sweetness of the fish. It is a classic soup for daily home health maintenance and post-illness recovery.

Bei Qi (Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Huang Qi) is a primary herb for tonifying qi; Qian Shi (Euryale ferox, Gordon Euryale seed) is known as the “ginseng of water,” capable of benefiting the kidney and consolidating essence; sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) has tender flesh and is rich in protein and multiple vitamins. The combination of these three ingredients gives this soup the effects of simultaneously fortifying the spleen and supplementing qi, consolidating the kidney and astringing essence, and promoting urination to reduce edema. It is especially suitable for sub-health states in modern people, such as healthy qi deficiency and low vitality, caused by overwork and increased pressure.

Characteristics of Medicinal Diets

This soup has a balanced formula, neither drying nor greasy, preserving the savory flavor of fish soup while exerting the restorative effects of the herbal ingredients. Compared to ordinary fish soup, it carries a subtle medicinal aroma and less fishy odor; compared to pure herbal decoctions, it is more readily accepted by the general public. Truly achieving the principle of “medicine borrows the power of food, and food enhances the potency of medicine.”

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The soup of Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus, Huang Qi), Euryale ferox (Gordon Euryale seed, Qian Shi), and Lateolabrax japonicus (sea bass) exhibits three major core actions: strengthening the Spleen and boosting Qi, consolidating the Kidney and arresting seminal emission, and promoting urination to reduce edema. Specifically, Astragalus membranaceus significantly tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Lung, enhancing the body’s immune function; Euryale ferox tonifies the Spleen and dispels Dampness, benefits the Kidney and secures essence, improving conditions such as spermatorrhea and frequent urination caused by Kidney deficiency; Lateolabrax japonicus tonifies the Liver and Kidney, benefits the Spleen and Stomach, transforms Phlegm and stops cough, and also provides auxiliary regulation for threatened abortion and postpartum insufficient lactation.

From a modern nutritional perspective, this soup is rich in high-quality protein, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and bioactive substances such as Astragalus polysaccharides (from *Astragalus membranaceus*) and Gordon Euryale seed starch (from *Euryale ferox*). Regular consumption can help increase plasma protein levels, promote tissue repair, and regulate fluid metabolism. It serves as an excellent adjunctive dietary therapy for hypoproteinemia and mild edema caused by conditions such as chronic nephritis and nephrotic syndrome.

Comprehensive Regimen

This decoction does not function as a “targeted therapy” for a single disease. Instead, it works by regulating and tonifying the Spleen, Kidney, and Lung to restore the body’s normal generation and transformation of qi and blood, as well as the transportation and transformation of body fluids. It is especially suitable for conditions of “mixed deficiency and excess” that require both supplementing qi and securing astringency, such as Spleen deficiency with dampness exuberance combined with Kidney qi not secure.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus, commonly known as Bei Qi) has a sweet taste and slightly warm nature, and enters the Spleen (SP) and Lung (LU) meridians. It is regarded as the “chief of qi-tonifying herbs,” capable of raising yang and lifting prolapse, boosting defensive qi and securing the exterior, and promoting urination to reduce edema. *Euryale ferox* (Gordon Euryale seed, commonly known as Qian Shi) has a sweet and astringent taste and neutral nature, and enters the Spleen (SP) and Kidney (KI) meridians. It excels at tonifying the spleen and draining dampness, as well as boosting the kidney and securing essence, making it a key herb for treating Spleen deficiency diarrhea and Kidney deficiency seminal emission. *Lateolabrax japonicus* (Japanese sea bass, commonly known as bass or weever) has a sweet taste and neutral nature, and enters the Liver (LR), Spleen (SP), and Kidney (KI) meridians. It harmonizes the five viscera, fortifies the sinews and bones, regulates the stomach and intestines, and treats water qi (edema).

The combination of these three medicinals employs the three methods of “supplement, secure, and disinhibit” simultaneously: North Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus, Huangqi) raises and lifts yang qi, promoting the movement of water-dampness; Foxnut (Euryale ferox, Qian Shi) astringes and secures, preventing the loss of essential substances; and Sea Bass (Lateolabrax japonicus, Lu Yu), as a “substance of flesh and blood,” replenishes protein and other essential substances, promoting bodily repair. Ginger (Zingiber officinale, Sheng Jiang) warms the middle and dissipates cold, removes fishy odor and harmonizes the stomach, ensuring that the entire formula is warming but not drying, supplementing but not causing stagnation.

Classical Formula Thinking

This decoction can be regarded as a dietary modification of the “Astragalus and Euryale Kidney-Strengthening Decoction” (芪实固肾汤). In the original formula, the combination of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Euryale ferox (Qianshi) originates from the “Astragalus and Euryale Powder” (芪实散) recorded in the *Compendium of Materia Medica* (《本草纲目》), which was used to treat seminal emission and turbid urine due to Spleen-Kidney deficiency pattern. In this formulation, the sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) serves as both a carrier and a therapeutic agent, as it performs the basic functions of tonifying the Liver and Kidney, and benefiting the Spleen and Stomach, thereby facilitating better absorption and utilization of the medicinal properties by the body.

Indications

This soup is suitable for daily regulation of the following groups: First, those with Spleen Qi Deficiency manifesting as fatigue, sallow complexion, poor appetite, and loose stools—Astragalus (北芪, *Astragalus membranaceus*) and Gordon Euryale Seed (芡实, *Euryale ferox*) can fortify the Spleen and boost Qi, raise Yang, and stop diarrhea. Second, those with Kidney Deficiency with Failure to Consolidation presenting with seminal emission or spermatorrhea, frequent nocturia, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees—Gordon Euryale Seed and Sea Bass (鲈鱼, *Lateolabrax japonicus*) supplement the Kidneys to astringe and secure the Lower Origin (下元). Third, patients in the recovery phase of chronic nephritis or nephrotic syndrome, showing mild edema, proteinuria, and hypoproteinemia—this soup can promote urination to reduce edema and elevate plasma protein levels.

Additionally, this soup is also suitable for postpartum women with dual deficiency of qi and blood and insufficient lactation, as well as for mental workers who suffer from shortness of breath, fatigue, and memory decline due to prolonged late nights and excessive mental exertion—it is recommended to consume every other day. For children with developmental delay and adults experiencing premature aging due to spleen-kidney deficiency, this soup can serve as an auxiliary dietary therapy.

Key Points for Pattern Differentiation

For those suitable to consume this soup, the tongue presentation is often pale and enlarged with teeth marks on the edges and a thin white coating; the pulse is fine and weak or deep and fine. If signs of yin deficiency with fire effulgence, such as a red tongue with scant coating and a fine, rapid pulse, are observed, caution should be exercised, or a small amount of Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) and Adenophora stricta (Shashen) may be added to moderate the formula.

Contraindicated Populations

During the course of a common cold with fever, or while an exterior pattern due to external pathogens has not yet resolved, consumption should be postponed to avoid trapping the external pathogen and prolonging the disease course. For those with exuberant interior damp-heat, presenting with bitter taste and sticky sensation in the mouth, yellow and greasy tongue coating, sticky and sluggish stool, and scanty dark urine, it is not suitable to take, as both Astragali Radix (Astragalus membranaceus, Milkvetch root) and Euryales Semen (Euryale ferox, Gordon Euryale seed) possess astringent properties that may aggravate damp-heat.

Individuals with a constitution of Yin deficiency with Fire hyperactivity (manifesting as five-center heat, tidal fever and night sweats, red tongue with little coating) and those with Liver Yang hyperactivity (presenting with headache, dizziness, irritability, and anger) should also use this soup with caution. It may be combined with Yin-nourishing substances such as Dendrobium (Shihu) and Solomon’s Seal (Yuzhu) to balance the medicinal properties. Additionally, this soup is contraindicated for those allergic to fish or freshwater seafood. For patients experiencing a gout attack (perch has a moderate purine content), consumption should be limited under medical guidance.

Precautions

Pregnant women may consume it in moderation (sea bass has a fetus-calming effect), but the dosage of *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus) should not exceed 15 grams, and contraindications such as Excessive Fetal Fire must be strictly ruled out. For those with unresolved postpartum lochia, Astragalus should be temporarily avoided, as it may lead to persistent lochia.

Herbal Formula Ingredient Ratio

Main ingredients: 1 fresh perch (approx. 500 g), 30 g Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus root, raw), 30 g Euryale ferox (Fox nut), 3 slices fresh ginger (approx. 15 g), 10 g Lycium barbarum (Goji berry).

Seasoning: a pinch of salt (approx. 3g), 1 tablespoon cooking wine (approx. 10ml), and a pinch of white pepper powder (optional). This recipe serves 2–3 people, and can be adjusted proportionally according to the number of servings. Both *Astragali Radix* (Astragalus Root) and *Euryales Semen* (Gordon Euryale Seed) should be genuine cut pieces purchased from a pharmacy. It is recommended to use raw *Astragalus* (raw Astragalus Root) for better effect in strengthening the exterior and promoting water metabolism. If the pattern is more towards Qi deficiency and there is a need to tonify strength, honey-fried *Astragalus* (honey-fried Astragalus Root) may also be used.

Description of Adjuvant Materials (Excipients)

Fresh ginger not only removes fishy odor but also warms the middle and disperses cold, counteracting the cold-natured properties of fish and medicinal herbs. Goji berries (Fructus Lycii) tonify the liver and kidney, brighten the eyes, and enhance the color and nutritional value of the soup. Cooking wine is used for initial marination to eliminate fishy odor; white pepper can invigorate yang qi, but should not be used excessively to avoid compromising the medicinal efficacy.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the sea bass. Scale the sea bass, remove the gills and entrails, and rinse away any blood. Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish. Marinate with a small amount of cooking wine and ginger slices for 15 minutes to remove any fishy odor. After marinating, pat dry with a kitchen paper towel and set aside.

Step 2: Soak the herbs. Quickly rinse Astragalus membranaceus (Milkvetch root) and Euryale ferox (Gordon Euryale seed) to remove surface dust, then soak them separately in warm water for 30 minutes. Gordon Euryale seeds are relatively hard; you may extend the soaking time or soak them overnight in advance to allow their flavor to release more easily during simmering.

Step 3: Pan-fry the fish. Heat the wok, add a small amount of vegetable oil, then stir-fry Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (fresh ginger) slices until fragrant. Add the Lateolabrax japonicus (sea bass) and pan-fry over medium-low heat until both sides turn golden yellow (about 2 minutes per side). Do not flip the fish frequently during frying; wait until one side is set before turning to prevent the skin from breaking and to achieve a whiter broth.

Step 4: Simmering. Place the pan-fried sea bass into a soup pot, add the soaked Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Euryale ferox (Qianshi) seeds (along with the soaking water), then pour in enough boiling water (approximately 1500 ml). Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 40 minutes. At this point, add Lycium barbarum (Gouqizi) berries and continue simmering for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Seasoning. Before turning off the heat, add a small amount of table salt to taste (since sea bass has a natural savory flavor, use salt sparingly), then sprinkle in a little white pepper powder and stir well. If there is any oil floating on the surface, gently skim it off to keep the soup clearer and more refreshing.

Key Processing Points

When frying fish, make sure to pat it dry to prevent oil splatter. Using boiling water throughout the stewing process instantly emulsifies the fish soup, giving it a milky white color. Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) should not be cooked for too long; add them 10 minutes before serving. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 20 minutes after the steam builds up.

Drinking Tips

1. Frequency Recommendation: This decoction is a medicated dietary supplement, not for daily consumption. It is generally taken 1–2 times per week, with a continuous intake not exceeding 2 weeks, followed by a 1-week break to observe the body’s response. In autumn and winter, the frequency may be appropriately increased, while in summer, the dosage should be reduced, or the decoction can be prepared together with winter melon (Benincasa hispida).

2. Best time for administration: It is recommended to take it warm between 9–11 am (when the Spleen Meridian (SP) is in command) or between 5–7 pm (when the Kidney Meridian (KI) is in command). At these times, the body’s qi and blood flow through the corresponding meridians, making the medicinal effects more readily absorbed. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach; it is best to eat some staple food before drinking the decoction.

3. Combinations and Adjustments: For pronounced Spleen Deficiency (Spleen Qi Deficiency), add Fu Ling (Poria, sclerotium of Poria cocos) 15g and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala, rhizome) 10g. For pronounced Kidney Deficiency (Kidney Qi or Yang Deficiency), add Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia oxyphylla, fruit) 10g and Hu Tao Ren (Juglans regia, seed) 30g. To enhance water-draining and edema-reducing effects, add Yu Mi Xu (Zea mays, stigma) 10g and Dong Gua Pi (Benincasa hispida, exocarp) 20g. Each adjustment should include no more than two herbs to avoid an overly complex formula.

4. Emphasize Both Eating the Fish and Drinking the Soup: The nutritional components in the soup primarily come from the fish and the medicinal herbs. Do not discard the fish and consume only the soup. Even after prolonged simmering, the sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) retains a tender texture and is easy to digest, so it can be eaten together with the fish. The herbal residues, such as Gordon Euryale Seed (Semen Euryales) and Astragalus Root (Radix Astragali, Huangqi), need not be consumed, but the Gordon Euryale Seed, having become soft and glutinous, can be eaten in small amounts if desired.