Nourishing Blood and Eyes: Angelica & Goji Berry Pork Liver Soup Recipe

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Angelica Sinensis and Goji Berry Pork Liver Soup is a classic medicinal diet passed down for millennia, originating from the TCM dietary principle of “like-treats-like” (organotherapy). This soup features pork liver as the main ingredient, combined with Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui) and Lycii Fructus (Goji Berry)—two herbs known for nourishing blood and brightening eyes—along with fresh ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) to harmonize, then gently simmered over low heat. The broth appears clear and bright, with a mild, harmonious aroma; it tastes fresh and smooth on the palate, free from the bitterness typical of Chinese medicinals while retaining the savory sweetness of meat. It is an excellent warming and nourishing remedy for daily home regulation.

In the *Compendium of Materia Medica* and numerous ancient dietary therapy texts, the combination of pig liver, *Angelica sinensis* (Dang Gui), and *Lycium barbarum* (Goji berry) is recorded as an excellent formula for “nourishing Liver blood and moistening the orifices of the eyes.” It is especially suitable for the Liver blood deficiency pattern commonly seen in modern people due to staying up late, excessive eye use, and work-related stress. This soup uses simple ingredients and is easy to prepare, yet it gently nourishes the internal organs over time, embodying the principle that “dietary therapy is better than medicinal therapy.”

Efficacy of Medicinal Diet

The primary functions of this soup are to nourish blood and liver, and to nourish yin and brighten the eyes. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is sweet, warm, and moist in nature; it is considered the holy herb for blood tonification, regulating menstruation and alleviating pain, as well as moistening the intestines and unblocking bowels. Gou Qi (Lycium barbarum, wolfberry) neutral-supplements the liver and kidney, boosts essence and brightens the eyes; it is often used for deficiency fatigue with essence depletion, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus. Pig liver is rich in iron, vitamin A, and various trace elements; it enters the Liver Meridian (LR), supplements the liver and nourishes blood, brightens the eyes, and removes cataracts. When combined, these three ingredients double the blood-nourishing effect while mutually regulating each other: the warm-moist nature of Dang Gui prevents the cloying quality of Gou Qi, and pig liver, as a flesh-and-blood substance, directly supplements liver blood deficiency.

From a modern nutritional perspective, the heme iron in pig liver is highly absorbable and suitable for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. The Lycium barbarum polysaccharides in goji berries help combat fatigue and protect vision. Ferulic acid in Angelica sinensis (Danggui) improves microcirculation. Therefore, long-term moderate consumption of this soup can relieve blood deficiency symptoms such as sallow complexion, dizziness and blurred vision, palpitations and insomnia, and dry and gritty eyes. It also has positive effects on improving liver function and enhancing immunity.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tonify both qi and blood, with liver blood as the priority.

Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that “the Liver stores blood, opens into the eyes, and manifests in the nails.” The Danggui Gouqi Zhugan Tang (Angelica sinensis, Lycium barbarum, and Pig Liver Decoction) directly enters the Liver meridian (LR), using pig liver as a guide. Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) tonifies blood and activates blood circulation, ensuring that blood moves without stasis; Lycium barbarum (Gou Qi) replenishes essence and marrow, serving as the source for transforming Liver blood. The combined action of these ingredients effectively alleviates issues caused by Liver blood deficiency, such as brittle and thin nails, blurry vision, and scanty, pale menstrual flow in women.

Harmonize Yin and Yang, warm but not drying.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is sweet and acrid in flavor with a warm nature, Gou Qi Zi (Lycium barbarum, Goji berry) is sweet with a neutral nature, and pork liver is warm in nature. Combined with Sheng Jiang (Zingiber officinale, Ginger), it further strengthens the ability to warm the middle and disperse cold. The entire soup formula leans toward warm supplementation, but the neutral nature of Goji berry provides a buffering effect, ensuring the formula is warming without being drying. It is especially suitable for individuals with deficiency-cold constitution who tend to feel cold and have cold hands and feet. For those with a heat-biased constitution, the dosage of Dang Gui can be reduced and a small amount of Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chrysanthemum) can be added to balance the warm nature.

Target Population

① For individuals with Blood Deficiency constitution: often manifested as pale or sallow complexion, pale lips and nails, dizziness and palpitations, insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep. This soup is a classic blood deficiency food therapy formula, especially suitable for women after menstruation or postpartum.

② For those with eye overuse: People who spend long hours in front of computers, phones, or study late into the night often experience dry eyes, a gritty sensation, and blurred vision. The combination of *Lycium barbarum* (Goji berry) and pig liver can supplement Vitamin A, while *Angelica sinensis* (Chinese Angelica) improves microcirculation around the eyes, directly relieving visual fatigue.

③ Patients with chronic liver disease (non-acute phase), such as chronic hepatitis or fatty liver accompanied by Liver Blood Deficiency, may consume [the substance] in moderation under a physician’s guidance to support the recovery of liver cell function.

④ Middle-aged and elderly population: With advancing age, Liver blood gradually declines, often accompanied by soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, and blurred vision. This soup can be taken as a daily health-preserving medicinal diet, 1–2 times per week.

Contraindications

① For patients with common cold and fever: During an exterior pattern due to external contraction, the body’s qi mechanism moves outward to resist pathogens; therefore, supplementation is not advisable. Nourishing substances such as Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and pig liver may “shut the door to keep the bandit inside,” resulting in a prolonged and unresolved common cold.

② For those with Damp-Heat Exuberance: individuals presenting with a heavy sensation in the body, yellow greasy tongue coating, sticky and unformed stools, and an oily face with acne must first clear and drain damp-heat before proceeding with tonification; otherwise, it will promote dampness and generate phlegm.

③ Patients with hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia: Pig liver has a relatively high cholesterol content (approximately 288 mg per 100 g). Middle-aged and elderly individuals with significantly elevated blood cholesterol should consume it sparingly or avoid it altogether. Pig liver may be replaced with pig blood or duck blood (though the medicinal properties will need to be rebalanced accordingly).

④ Acute Gout Attack: Pork liver is a high-purine food (approximately 169 mg of purine per 100 grams), which may easily trigger or worsen gout symptoms. Such individuals should strictly avoid this food.

Ingredient proportions of the formula

Pig Liver: 200 g (fresh, pale red, with good elasticity) Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui): 10 g (select Min Gui, cut into thin slices, preferably with strong aroma) Goji Berries (Gou Qi): 15 g (Ningxia variety, large and plump, bright red in color) Ginger: 3 slices (about 10 g, peeled, to remove fishy odor and disperse cold) Cooking Wine: 10 ml (to remove fishy odor; yellow wine can be used as substitute) Salt: to taste (about 2–3 g, added at the end for seasoning) Water: 800–1000 ml (or adjust according to the pot used) (All amounts can be increased or decreased proportionally; pig liver should not exceed 250 g, Dang Gui dosage between 5–15 g, and Goji Berries no more than 20 g.)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Pork Liver Place the pork liver in clean water and soak for 30 minutes, changing the water twice during this time to allow as much blood to leach out as possible. Remove and slice into thin pieces about 0.3 cm thick. Transfer to a bowl, add cooking wine and a few ginger slices, mix well, and marinate for 10 minutes to remove any fishy odor.

Step 2: Blanch and Remove Scum. Bring a sufficient amount of water to a boil in a pot. Add the sliced pork liver and quickly separate with chopsticks. As soon as the water returns to a boil, immediately remove the liver slices (about 30 seconds), then drain well. This step removes most of the foam and residual blood, ensuring a clear soup.

Step 3: Decoction Preparation Take another clean clay pot or earthenware pot, add the washed slices of Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger), then pour in 800 ml of purified water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and decoct for 15 minutes to fully extract the medicinal properties.

Step 4: Combine and Season. Place the blanched pork liver and Lycium barbarum fruit (goji berry) together into the herbal decoction. Turn to medium heat and cook for about 3–5 minutes. Note that the pork liver should not be overcooked, otherwise the texture becomes tough and nutrients are lost. Once the liver changes color and is fully cooked, season with salt, then turn off the heat. Serve immediately.

Usage Tips

1. When eating, drink the soup and consume the solid ingredients: The essence of this soup lies in eating the soup together with the pork liver. The Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) slices can be chewed and eaten (or wrapped in gauze beforehand), and the Lycium barbarum (Goji berries) should also be consumed together, so that the medicinal effects are fully absorbed. It is recommended to serve this as a dish rather than just drinking the soup.

2. Frequency and Contraindications: It is recommended to consume 1–2 times per week, and not daily. Those with a damp-heat constitution or who are taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin) should consult a TCM practitioner before consumption. Angelica sinensis (Chinese angelica) has some blood-activating effects and should be used with caution in pregnant women.

3. Combinations and Variations: If the patient has a Cold constitution, add a few pitted red dates (5-6 pieces) [Ziziphus jujuba]. If dry eyes are severe, increase goji berries [Lycium barbarum] to 20 g and add 10 g chrysanthemum [Chrysanthemum morifolium] (add in the last 5 minutes of decoction). If there is Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold with diarrhea, add 3 g dried ginger [Zingiber officinale] to warm the middle and stop diarrhea.

4. Storage method: It is recommended to consume immediately after preparation and not to keep it overnight. If it cannot be finished, allow it to cool completely, then seal and refrigerate. The next day, reheat it to a boil and consume as soon as possible, but the taste will be significantly compromised.