Glehnia and Cordyceps Simmered Grass Turtle Soup: Benefits & Recipe

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Radix Glehniae (Beishashen, glehnia root) and Cordyceps Sinensis (Dongchongxiacao, Chinese caterpillar fungus) Stewed Grass Turtle (Chinemys reevesii) is a classic medicinal diet for nourishing Yin and moistening the Lung. Originating from the folk dietary wisdom of the Lingnan region, the recipe was later refined by experts in Traditional Chinese Medicine diet therapy, becoming a commonly used nourishing soup for regulating Yin deficiency constitution in modern times. This dish features Radix Glehniae (Beishashen), Cordyceps Sinensis (Dongchongxiacao), and Grass Turtle (Chinemys reevesii) as core ingredients. Their combination harmonizes warmth and coolness, preserving the rich savory flavor of turtle soup while incorporating the clear moistening quality of herbs. The soup is clear in color, with a mild and sweet taste, and long-term consumption yields gradual yet profound effects.

In traditional medicinal cuisine, grass turtle (Chinemys reevesii) has long been associated with “turtle longevity,” and both its meat and shell are used in food therapy. Sha shen (沙参) refers to the root of either Adenophora (Nan Sha shen, Adenophora tetraphylla) or Glehnia (Bei Sha shen, Glehnia littoralis), and this recipe primarily selects Bei Sha shen for its stronger ability to nourish yin and generate fluids. Chong cao (虫草) refers to Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), a highly valued tonic that, when combined with grass turtle, gently tonifies the Lung and Kidney. The entire medicinal dish follows the principle of “moistening without greasiness, tonifying without dryness,” making it especially suitable for consumption during the dry autumn and winter seasons or in cases of yin deficiency with internal dryness. It can be enjoyed as a daily nourishing soup or used as a supplementary restorative for those recovering from surgery or chronic illness.

Historical Origins and Key Points for Material Selection

This formula first appeared in a modified version of the Qing Dynasty *Shiliao Bencao* (Materia Medica for Dietary Therapy) and was later recorded in multiple local medical gazetteers. Modern medicated diet practice has found that using wild grass turtles (Chinemys reevesii) or farmed adult turtles yields better results; the older the turtle, the stronger its ability to nourish yin and subdue yang (zī yīn qián yáng). Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) from Nagqu in Tibet or Yushu in Qinghai is considered superior, with plump insect bodies and short, thick stromata being the highest grade. For Glehnia root (Glehnia littoralis), choose specimens that are thick, white, and firm in texture; if fresh root is used, its cooling and moistening nature is even more pronounced.

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

This medicinal food’s most prominent therapeutic effect lies in simultaneously **Nourishing Yin and Moistening the Lungs** and **Supplementing Qi and Nourishing Blood**. It provides significant relief for dry cough with scant sputum, dry throat, and hoarseness caused by **Lung Yin Deficiency**, as well as hunger without desire to eat, dry mouth and tongue, and dry stools due to **Stomach Yin Deficiency**. Turtle meat (Grass turtle / Chinese softshell turtle) is rich in collagen and various amino acids, which directly nourish the skin and mucous membranes. Combined with the mucilaginous substances in **Shashen (Adenophora root / Glehnia root)**, it deeply replenishes body fluids and corrects the body’s “dehydration” state.

Furthermore, the cordycepic acid from Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) works synergistically with trace elements such as zinc and selenium found in grass turtle (Chinemys reevesii), enabling bidirectional regulation of immune function—enhancing disease resistance without causing excessive immune stimulation. Therefore, this soup has a positive rehabilitative adjunctive effect for the remission stage of chronic bronchitis, the recovery stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung yin depletion due to prolonged late nights or smoking. With regular long-term consumption, it can also promote a rosy complexion and glossy hair, reflecting the TCM holistic beauty concept of “nourishing the interior to beautify the exterior.”

Modern Research Evidence

In recent years, experimental pharmacology has found that the water extract of a decoction of Radix Adenophorae (Adenophora root), Cordyceps sinensis (Chinese caterpillar fungus), and turtle (Plastrum Testudinis et Caro) can significantly improve hypoxia tolerance and macrophage phagocytosis rate in mice, suggesting its dual value of anti-fatigue and immunomodulation. Meanwhile, bone collagen peptides from the turtle shell (Plastrum Testudinis) can promote osteoblast activity, so this formula also has preventive significance for high-risk populations of osteoporosis.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

From the perspective of TCM medicinal properties, flavors, and meridian entry, Bei Shashen (Glehnia littoralis, Coastal Glehnia) is sweet and slightly bitter in flavor, slightly cold in nature, and enters the Lung and Stomach meridians. Its functions are to nourish yin, clear the lung, benefit the stomach, and generate fluids, making it an essential herb for nourishing the yin of the lung and stomach. Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps) is sweet in flavor and warm in nature, entering the Lung and Kidney meridians. It can tonify the kidney and strengthen yang, supplement the lung and calm panting, stop bleeding and transform phlegm. Its characteristic of “combining warming and balanced properties” ensures that the formula has moistening power without being cold-damaging to yang. Caoguirou (Testudinis Caro, Turtle Meat) is sweet and salty in flavor, neutral in nature, and enters the Liver, Kidney, and Heart meridians. It excels at nourishing yin and subduing yang, softening the liver and supplementing blood. Its shell (Guijia, Plastrum Testudinis, Turtle Shell) is especially a superior product for tonifying the kidney and strengthening bones.

When combined, Adenophorae Radix (Sha Shen) moistens the Lung from the Upper Jiao, Cordyceps sinensis (Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao) benefits the Kidney from the Middle Jiao, and Testudinis Plastrum (Turtle Shell, Cao Gui) replenishes the Essence from the Lower Jiao, forming a synchronized regulation of the Lung, Kidney, and Liver. According to TCM theory, “the Lung is the upper source of water, and the Kidney is the lower source of water.” This formula precisely achieves normal fluid distribution by moistening Lung Metal above and nourishing Kidney Water below. It is especially effective for the pattern of Upper Heat and Lower Cold (upper heat with lower cold) caused by deficient fire flaring upward—manifesting as a sore throat accompanied by soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees. The formula brings the floating fire back to its source, thus balancing Yin and Yang.

It is noteworthy that the formula does not employ strongly warming and tonifying substances, but instead focuses on clear tonification. Therefore, it does not cause common “ascending fire” reactions such as dry mouth or epistaxis often seen after taking Ren Shen (Ginseng, Panax ginseng) or Huang Qi (Astragalus, Astragalus membranaceus), making it suitable for long-term use as a medicinal diet.

Indications

Individuals with a Yin deficiency constitution typically present as thin in stature, with heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, afternoon malar flush, night sweats, and a red tongue with scant coating. This condition often arises from factors such as staying up late, excessive mental strain, or chronic consumptive diseases, leading to depletion of yin fluids. Consumption of this soup directly nourishes yin fluids and alleviates internal dryness.

Patients in the recovery phase of chronic respiratory diseases—such as chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and interstitial pneumonia—may present with residual dry cough, shortness of breath, and spirit fatigue (shen pi fa li) after the acute episode. This decoction helps repair damaged respiratory mucosa and improve ventilatory function. It is particularly beneficial for lung yin deficiency (fei yin xu) induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

For middle-aged and elderly individuals with osteoporosis and postmenopausal women: the shell and meat of the grass turtle (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum and meat) are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and collagen. Combined with the mucilaginous substances of Glehnia root (沙参, Radix Glehniae), they can enhance bone density and alleviate joint soreness and weakness. Additionally, Cordyceps (虫草, Cordyceps Sinensis) may also help improve sex hormone levels, thereby harmonizing palpitations, hot flashes, and insomnia associated with menopausal syndrome.

Contraindications

For individuals with abundant internal damp-heat or phlegm-dampness obstructing the lung—characterized by a yellow and greasy tongue coating, epigastric fullness and distention, profuse yellow and sticky phlegm, bitter taste and foul breath, and sticky, sluggish stools—this formula is not suitable. Its nourishing and Yin-moistening properties may promote dampness and obstruct the stomach, thereby aggravating internal retention of dampness-turbidity, which can instead lead to abdominal distension and poor appetite.

For cases presenting with cold-induced fever or unresolved externally contracted disorders: If the patient is in the early stage of a Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold pattern with exterior manifestations such as fever, aversion to cold, headache, nasal congestion, and runny nose, the medicinal food should be suspended. This is because nourishing medicinal food may “lock the pathogen inside,” allowing the external pathogen to penetrate deeper and prolong the disease course. It must only be used to restore strength after the exterior pattern has been resolved.

For individuals with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold pattern, presenting with poor appetite, loose stools, habitual cold intolerance, cold sensation in the abdomen, preference for pressure and warmth, loose stools or undigested food in the stool—this belongs to Spleen Yang insufficiency. Radix Adenophorae (Adenophora root) is slightly cold in nature, and Chinemys reevesii (Chinese pond turtle) is somewhat cloying and nourishing; these may further damage the already weakened Spleen and Stomach Yang Qi, potentially worsening diarrhea. If such individuals wish to consume these, they should first regulate the Spleen and Stomach, or add warming middle burner adjuvants such as Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Fresh Ginger) and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Tangerine Peel).

Formula composition and ratios

Below is one standard adult dosage (approximately sufficient for 2–3 people).

Main Ingredients: 1 fresh live grass turtle (Chinemys reevesii, approx. 500–600g whole, net weight 300–400g); 20g Bei Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae / Coastal Glehnia root); 3–5g Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps sinensis / Chinese cordyceps); if substituting with Yong Chong Cao (Cordyceps militaris), increase to 10g.

Auxiliary ingredients: Fresh ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis, Zingiber officinale) 15 g (sliced), red dates (Fructus Jujubae, Ziziphus jujuba) 6 pieces (pitted), goji berries (Fructus Lycii, Lycium barbarum) 10 g, cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) 10 ml, salt to taste (added at the end). Alternatively, 3–5 peeled water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) can be added to enhance the clear sweetness and prevent cloying richness.

Water volume: It is recommended to use 2000–2500 ml of purified water or mineral water, ensuring that after simmering, the remaining broth volume is approximately 1500–1800 ml.

Preparation Method

Step 1: After slaughtering the grass turtle (Chinemys reevesii), remove the head, claws, and internal organs. Scrape off the rough skin from the carapace, then cut into pieces approximately 4 cm square. Place both the turtle meat and carapace into boiling water and blanch for 3 minutes. Remove and rinse with warm water to remove blood foam and any fishy odor. Note that the turtle blood may be reserved separately; if the smell is too strong, it may be discarded.

Step 2: Soak Glehniae Radix (Beishashen) in clean water for 30 minutes until softened, then remove and drain thoroughly. Gently brush Cordyceps (Dongchongxiacao) with a soft brush to remove surface dust; do not soak for long to prevent loss of active constituents. Rinse Fructus Jujubae (Hongzao, red dates) and Fructus Lycii (Gouqizi, wolfberries) separately and set aside. Slice Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang, fresh ginger).

Step 3: Take an earthenware pot or ceramic stew pot. First, add the blanched turtle pieces and turtle shell (Plastrum Testudinis), then add Radix Glehniae (Coastal Glehnia), fresh ginger slices, and red dates (Ziziphus jujuba). Pour in all the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off any foam, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently for 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Add Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao) and Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) to the pot, and continue to simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Note that Cordyceps should not be cooked for too long; typically, it is added during the final 45–60 minutes of cooking. Before turning off the heat, season with cooking wine and salt, and adjust the flavor to taste. If a slightly sweet flavor is preferred, a small amount of rock sugar may be added.

Step 5: After serving, remove the ginger slices and jujube pits. The turtle shell (Carapax Testudinis / tortoise shell) can be reserved for decorative purposes or continue simmering in the soup. Optionally, sprinkle a small amount of chopped scallion or cilantro for fragrance. It is recommended to consume the soup together with the meat; the soft tissue attached to the turtle shell can be gently scraped off with chopsticks for eating.

Tips for Consumption

1. Frequency and Timing: It is recommended to consume 1–2 times per week, with a continuous 4-week period as one course of treatment. The optimal time for consumption is on an empty stomach in the morning or 1 hour before bedtime, as absorption is most effective at these times. For postoperative recovery, it may be taken warm as a between-meal supplement, 150–200 ml per serving.

2. Compatibility and Regulation: When taking this decoction, it is advisable to pair it with a light diet, avoiding spicy, fried, raw, and cold foods, as well as seafood and other wind-dampness-inducing foods. For those with a Cold constitution, add 5–10g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (fresh ginger) or 3g of Piperis Albi Fructus (white pepper) during the simmering process. If dry mouth or slight heat discomfort occurs, increase the dosage of Adenophorae seu Glehniae Radix (Adenophora or Glehnia root) to 30g, or add 15g of Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Fragrant Solomon’s seal) to enhance moisture-nourishing effects.

3. Storage and Reheating: Any leftover medicinal soup should have the dregs strained out, and the broth alone should be sealed and refrigerated, where it can be stored for 2–3 days. For reheating, use double-boiling (隔水炖) or gentle simmering over low heat; avoid microwave ovens or direct high-heat boiling, which can degrade the gelatin and Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis / Chinese caterpillar fungus) constituents. If white coagulated substances appear in the soup, this is naturally precipitated turtle gelatin (Colla Carapacis et Plastri Testudinis / tortoise shell glue) and not a sign of spoilage—it is safe to consume.