Perfect Ten Tonic Soup 十全大补汤
Key Benefits:
补中益气: Strengthens the body’s core energy and improves vitality.
增强体质: Improves overall physical health, resilience, immunity, and builds strength.
This tonic is commonly used to rejuvenate the body, especially for those with Qi (energy) and blood deficiencies. It’s ideal for individuals recovering from illness, childbirth, or extreme fatigue.
Ingredients and Their Functions
当归 (Chinese Angelica - Dang Gui):
Benefits: Nourishes and invigorates blood, relieves pain, and supports hormonal balance.
Associated Conditions: Blood deficiency, anaemia, menstrual irregularities, fatigue.
芍药 (White Peony Root - Shao Yao):
Benefits: Relieves muscle cramps, promotes blood flow, and provides mild pain relief.
Associated Conditions: Menstrual pain, muscle cramps, blood deficiency.
川芎 (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome - Chuan Xiong):
Benefits: Invigorates blood, alleviates pain, and promotes circulation.
Related Conditions: Headaches, blood stasis, poor circulation.
熟地 (Processed Rehmannia Root - Shu Di Huang):
Benefits: Nourishes Yin, replenishes blood, and enhances energy.
Associated Conditions: Blood deficiency, dizziness, fatigue, dry skin.
党参 (Tangshen):
Benefits: Tonifies Qi, enhances immunity and improves digestion.
Associated Conditions: Fatigue, weak immunity, poor appetite.
白术 (Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome - Bai Zhu):
Benefits: Strengthens the spleen, supports digestion, and reduces bloating.
Associated Conditions: Digestive weakness, fatigue, bloating.
茯苓 (Indian Bread - Fu Ling):
Benefits: Promotes digestion, improves energy, and aids in fluid balance.
Associated Conditions: Digestive weakness, water retention, fatigue.
黄芪 (Milkvetch Root - Huang Qi):
Benefits: Strengthens immunity, enhances Qi, and improves physical endurance.
Associated Conditions: Low immunity, fatigue, poor energy levels.
桂枝 (Cassia Twig - Gui Zhi):
Benefits: Warms the body, improves circulation, and alleviates cold-related pain.
Associated Conditions: Cold extremities, poor circulation, joint pain.
甘草 (Liquorice Root - Gan Cao):
Benefits: Harmonizes the formula, supports digestion, and boosts immunity.
Related Conditions: Digestive issues, fatigue, muscle spasms.
附子 (Prepared Common Monkshood Daughter Root - Fu Zi):
Benefits: Warms the body, boosts Yang energy, and combats coldness and weakness.
Associated Conditions: Yang deficiency, cold limbs, fatigue, low energy.
Application of the Tonic Soup
Purpose: This soup is primarily used as a restorative tonic. It is recommended for people with Qi and blood deficiencies, those recovering from illness or surgery, or anyone seeking to strengthen their overall health and immunity.
Dosage: Typically consumed once or twice a week. Due to its strong tonifying nature, long-term use should be under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.
Symptoms & Conditions Associated with the Herbs
Qi and Blood Deficiency: Symptoms may include fatigue, pale complexion, dizziness, poor immunity, and feeling cold.
Physical Weakness: Ideal for those with low energy, recent illness recovery, or postpartum recovery.
Low Immunity and Poor Vitality: Helps enhance illness resistance and boost physical resilience.
Precautions
Heat Symptoms: This tonic is unsuitable for individuals with excessive heat symptoms (e.g., red face, fever, or sore throat), as some herbs are warming.
Pregnancy: Caution should be exercised during pregnancy, mainly because potent herbs like Fu Zi are present.
Hypertension: Some ingredients may increase blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
Underlying Health Conditions: Consult a TCM practitioner for chronic conditions like heart disease or digestive disorders.
Potential Side Effects
Excessive Warming: If taken in excess, it may cause heat symptoms like sweating, dry mouth, or mild headaches.
Digestive Upset: Some people may experience mild bloating or nausea due to potent tonics.
Increased Heart Rate: Certain warming herbs may cause an increase in heart rate.
This powerful tonic is traditionally balanced to address deficiencies effectively. However, always consider consulting a qualified TCM practitioner to ensure it suits your constitution and health goals.
Net Wt. +/- 100g
Storage
PERISHABLE ITEM
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate if storage prolongs.
Soup Preparation
Recommended Meat to Go With: 1 duck or chicken, or 300gm of pork ribs, or 1 pig tail
Steps
Rinse herbs briefly to clean
Place herbs & meat in 1500 ml of boiling water & bring to a boil again
Simmer on low heat for 3 hours
Seasoning (optional): Add Salt as desired