Another Chicken Soup

This is another Chicken Soup recipe with a few more herbs. It is from a class, but the recipe originates from the An Hao Clinic in China. The following herbs are used:

Qi Tonics - improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, enhance immunity functions, and overcome lethargy:
Huang Qi Astragalus 20g
Dang Shen Codonopsis 20
Shan Yao Dioscorea 20
Blood Tonics - improve mental and sensory functions:
Long Yan Rou Longdan 15
Gou Qi Zi Lycium fruit 15
Yin and Qi Tonic - benefits the stomach function
Huang Jing Polygonatum 20
Nutrient rich tonics - Black fungus has been shown to reduce excessive clotting of blood, seaweeds regulate the thyroid function, and lotus seeds have a mild sedative action.
Ling Shi Black fungus 10
Lian Zi Lotus seed 15
Kun Bu Seaweed 10

In Chinese medicine terms this soup is a tonic for Qi, Yin, Xue, and post-natal Jing.

Recipe:
Place 1 to 2 pounds of chicken with skin removed in a medium sized pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and skim any residue which floats to the top. Add in the all of the herbs, two cloves of crushed or grated garlic, two thin slices of fresh ginger, and a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a slow boil, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.

Add sliced fresh vegetables, such as carrots and celery and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to soften them. Then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon red wine (optional). Remove from heat. All the herb materials are edible except astragalus which is too fibrous.

For individuals recovering from serious illness or other debilitating experience, the soup can be taken daily for about one week to restore strength. Others may wish to enjoy this dish about once a week for a great energy boost.