Lana Farson, M.S., L.Ac., Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

Nettle & Astragalus Soup (Huáng Qí) to tonify Qi & Blood

This is a great recipe to strengthen the resources of the body, specifically the blood and the energy.  When the body’s blood supply and blood quality are strong, there is more energy and vitality.  This is particularly a good soup to make as the weather becomes cooler and you are looking for an immune system boost.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Fresh Nettles (handle with gloves and tongs to avoid being stung)
    Huang Qi - sticks

    Astragalus Root

  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 leeks – cut into half moons
  • 2 cups broth, ideally home-made (vegetable or chicken)
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 1 avocado
  • 5 small potatoes
  • 9 grams dried Astralagus Sticks (Huáng Qí 黃耆) or 1 TBS dried Astragalus pieces
  • 1 tsp fresh dill
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (Ròu Dòu Kòu)
  • 3 cloves of freshly, minced garlic (Dà Suàn),
  • Salt/ pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

Wash and chop the nettles well. Sautee the nettles, shallots, and leeks in coconut oil until softened and reduced. Deglaze with wine.  Add loose Astragalus sticks, which will be removed later.  If using chopped Astragalus pieces, place them in a muslin cooking bag to easily remove this woody root later.

Add garlic, broth, potatoes, dill, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 30-45 minutes. Remove the Astragalus. Puree in a blender. Serve hot and enjoy.

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3 Comments

  1. Karen Villanueva says:

    Hi Lana,
    Where do you source fresh nettles?
    I would love to try this recipe.
    Thanks,
    Karen

  2. Liz Spurlock says:

    Sounds delicious, and I too would love to know a good source for nettles.

  3. Roxanna Hope says:

    I had the same question come straight to my mind. Please let us know where to buy fresh nettle? Thank you 🙂

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