Introduction to Medicinal Diet
Black Fungus and Red Date Soup (Hei Mu Er Hong Zao Tang) is a classic medicinal food (yao shan) passed down over millennia, with black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) and red dates (Ziziphus jujuba, Jujube) as its primary ingredients, complemented by brown sugar or rock sugar for balance. It is simple to prepare, with a sweet and moistening taste, and can be enjoyed both as a daily dessert and for its therapeutic properties. Black fungus is rich in colloids and trace elements, while red dates are highly regarded in Chinese medicine for tonifying the blood (bu xue). Together, they create a synergistic effect, each enhancing the other.
This soup is widely popular in Chinese folk medicine, especially during autumn and winter, when people often choose it as a dietary therapy to moisten dryness and nourish blood. It is not only a common soup on family dining tables but is also frequently recommended for individuals with constitutional weakness, those undergoing postpartum regulation, and those suffering from chronic fatigue. The mild nature of Black Fungus and Red Date Soup makes it suitable for long-term consumption, though attention must be paid to individual constitution differences.
Efficacy of Medicinal Diet
The most notable effect of black fungus and red date soup is to nourish blood and beautify the complexion. Black fungus is rich in iron, which promotes hemoglobin synthesis and improves iron-deficiency anemia; the cyclic adenosine monophosphate in red dates helps regulate metabolism, resulting in a rosy complexion. Their synergistic action can alleviate symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness, and fatigue caused by qi and blood deficiency.
In addition, this medicinal food has the effects of nourishing yin and moistening the lung, as well as moistening the intestines to promote bowel movements. The plant colloids in black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) can adsorb impurities in the intestines, facilitating defecation, making it suitable for those with constipation or sluggish bowel movements. Red dates (Ziziphus jujuba, Chinese jujube) supplement qi and generate fluids, providing auxiliary relief for lung dryness symptoms such as dry cough with scant sputum, dry throat, and thirst. Long-term consumption can also enhance the body’s immune function.
Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to TCM theory, Black Fungus and Red Date Decoction (Mù’ěr Hóngzǎo Tāng) has “nourishing blood and moistening dryness” as its core function. Black fungus (Auricularia auricula) is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, entering the Stomach (ST) and Large Intestine (LI) meridians. It can cool blood and arrest bleeding, supplement Qi and strengthen the body, and is especially adept at clearing stagnant heat from the interior. Red date (Ziziphus jujuba, Fructus Jujubae) is sweet in flavor and warm in nature, entering the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians. It has the actions of supplementing the middle and boosting Qi, nourishing blood and calming the spirit. The combination of one cooling and one warming herb ensures that the decoction is neither too cold nor too hot, achieving a well-balanced formula.
This medicinal food is especially suitable for individuals with a constitution marked by both “Blood Deficiency” and “Dry-Heat”. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Blood Deficiency leads to insufficient nourishment, resulting in symptoms such as dry and withered skin, lusterless nails, insomnia, and excessive dreaming; while internal Dry-Heat tends to cause cough and constipation. The Black Fungus and Red Date Soup (Mù’ěr Hóngzǎo Tāng) works by supplementing blood and moistening dryness, thereby promoting smooth blood circulation and the distribution of body fluids, thus improving the related patterns.
Indications
Black Fungus and Red Date Soup (Auricularia auricula-judae and Ziziphus jujuba decoction) is suitable for individuals with qi and blood deficiency pattern, presenting with sallow complexion, pale lips and nails. Such individuals often experience dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations and shortness of breath, and in women, scanty and pale menstrual flow. For those with chronic anemia, during post-operative recovery, or with postpartum weakness, regular consumption of this soup can speed up physical recovery and improve the debilitated state.
Individuals who frequently stay up late, overexert their minds, or maintain a sedentary lifestyle are also suitable to consume this. Black fungus (Auricularia auricula) can clear the lungs and remove dust, while red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) can calm the mind and tranquilize the spirit, positively alleviating fatigue and improving sleep quality. Additionally, those with dry skin, constipation, or a dry, itchy throat with a dry cough without phlegm may also obtain good moistening effects after consumption.
Contraindicated Populations
Those with dampness excess and middle fullness should not consume in large amounts. If symptoms of heavy dampness are present—such as abdominal distension and discomfort, a thick and greasy tongue coating, loose stools, or copious sticky sputum—excessive intake of red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) can promote dampness and generate phlegm, further burdening the spleen and stomach. Although black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) is neutral in nature, overconsumption may still lead to indigestion or loose stools.
Diabetic patients should consume with caution. Red dates (Fructus Jujubae) have a relatively high sugar content, and brown sugar is also a refined sugar, which can easily cause blood glucose fluctuations. It is recommended that diabetic patients drink small amounts under medical supervision, or substitute part of the sugar with a sugar alternative. In addition, individuals with diarrhea, those with a constitution of severe deficiency-cold (aversion to cold), and those with bleeding disorders (such as thrombocytopenia) should consult a TCM practitioner based on their specific condition before deciding whether to consume.
Ingredient ratio for the food formula
Main ingredients: 15 g dried black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae, about a small handful, yields approximately 150 g after rehydration), 10 red dates (Ziziphus jujuba, about 30 g, pitted).
Additional ingredients: 10g brown sugar (adjustable to taste), 1000ml water. For a milder sweetness, rock sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
The recipe proportion is based on a single serving for one person; if multiple people are to consume it, the quantities may be increased proportionally. When selecting black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae), choose larger, jet-black specimens free of impurities. For red dates (Ziziphus jujuba), opt for varieties with thick flesh, small pits, and high sweetness.
Preparation method
Preparation
1. Place the dried black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae, commonly known as wood ear) in warm water to soak, ensuring the water completely covers the fungus. Soak for approximately 1 hour, until the fungus is fully expanded and has no hard core. After rehydration, remove the root ends, tear into small florets, rinse thoroughly several times, and drain well. Set aside.
2. Rinse the red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) under clean water to remove surface dust. Remove the pits and cut each date in half (keeping the pits is also acceptable, but removing them reduces their drying-heat nature).
Decoction process
Take a clay pot or stainless steel pot, pour in 1000 ml of clean water, and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. After the water boils, add the soaked black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae). Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes until the fungus begins to soften.
3. Add red dates (Fructus Jujubae), and continue cooking over medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the wood ear fungus (Auricularia) dissolves into a gelatinous consistency and the red dates become plump and soft, the soup color will gradually deepen to a rich red.
4. Add brown sugar, stir with a spoon until completely dissolved, then cook for another 2 minutes before turning off the heat. For a thicker soup, appropriately extend the cooking time.
5. Serve after allowing to cool slightly; it tastes best when warm.
Drinking Tips
1. It is recommended to drink once in the morning and once in the evening, one bowl (about 200 ml) each time. Initial effects can be seen after one week of continuous use. Drinking on an empty stomach yields better results, but those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency should drink half an hour after meals.
2. This decoction should not be consumed in excess; the total daily intake is recommended to be kept within 400 ml. Excessive consumption of red dates (Ziziphus jujuba) may cause abdominal distension, and eating too much black fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) may also lead to indigestion.
3. To enhance flavor or synergistic effects, you may add 5 grams (approximately 6 pieces) of Longan Aril (Dimocarpus longan) or 3 grams of Lycium Berry (Lycium barbarum) before cooking. This can strengthen the effects of nourishing blood and calming the spirit. However, if you have a common cold, fever, or sore throat, it is not advisable to add warming and tonifying ingredients.
4. The prepared Wood Ear and Red Date soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days, but should be reheated to a gentle boil before drinking again. It is recommended to prepare and consume it fresh to prevent nutrient loss.