30 Simple and Easy-to-Make Kidney-Nourishing Soup Recipes (Suitable for Daily Health Maintenance)

Principles of Home-Style Kidney Tonification

Tonifying the kidneys doesn't necessarily require expensive medicinal herbs and large-scale supplementation. For daily conditioning, ..."Normal supplementation" and "gradual supplementation" That's the key. By using common ingredients and simple cooking methods, and consistently consuming them, you can better stabilize your kidney energy and achieve a subtle and gradual health-preserving effect.

Characteristics of homemade kidney-tonifying soup:

• Ordinary ingredientsThey can be easily purchased in supermarkets and traditional markets.
• Simple to makeThey often use time-saving and labor-saving methods such as boiling soup or simmering.
• Home-style flavorThe flavor is mild and suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
• peaceful in natureChoose foods that are mildly nourishing, avoiding those that are too drying or too cooling, making them suitable for long-term consumption.

Important Reminder:

1. Identify body constitutionThe soups mentioned in this article are mild in nature, but it is still recommended to choose them after understanding your own constitution (whether you are deficient in Yang, deficient in Yin, or balanced).
2. Appropriate amount is advisableConsuming it 2-3 times a week is sufficient; there is no need to take large amounts of it daily.
3. Balanced dietSoup is a supplement; balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise are the cornerstones of health.

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, what is kidney tonification?

"Kidney tonification" is a very core and important concept, but its meaning is far broader and deeper than the modern medical concept of simply "strengthening the kidney organ".

Simply put,Kidney tonification refers to nourishing and strengthening the body's "kidney" system through various methods to maintain or restore its normal function, thereby achieving the goals of strengthening the body, delaying aging, and preventing and treating diseases.

Common signs of kidney deficiency:

• Soreness or pain in the lower back and knees (the lower back is the residence of the kidneys)
• Premature graying and hair loss
• Memory loss, poor concentration
• Loose teeth
• Hearing loss, tinnitus
• Decreased sexual function, infertility
• Feeling cold and having cold limbs (kidney yang deficiency) or hot palms and soles, night sweats (kidney yin deficiency)
• Frequent urination at night
• Feeling listless and easily fatigued

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I. Seeds and nuts: A top choice for nourishing the kidneys and replenishing essence, with a gentle approach.

These types of soups often use seeds or nuts. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that seeds contain the essence of life and are the foundation for nourishing the kidneys and replenishing essence.

1. Chestnut and Walnut Pork Rib Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • chestnutIt nourishes the stomach and spleen, and strengthens the kidneys and muscles. It is known as the "fruit of the kidneys".
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs, moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements, and has the effect of improving intelligence and brain function.
  • RibsIt provides high-quality protein and calcium to strengthen bones.
• practice:
  1. Chop the pork ribs into pieces and blanch them. Peel and skin the chestnuts, and wash the walnuts.
  2. Put all the ingredients (ribs, chestnuts, walnuts, ginger slices) into the pot.
  3. Add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 1.5 hours.
  4. Simply add salt to taste.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens the lower back, fortifies muscles and bones, and improves intelligence and calms the mind. Suitable for those who overwork their brains and suffer from weakness in the lower back and knees.

2. Black bean, peanut, and chicken feet soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Black beansIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes yin, strengthens the spleen and promotes diuresis. Black foods are associated with the kidneys, making it a common and excellent remedy for kidney tonification.
  • peanutIt strengthens the spleen and stomach, moistens the lungs and resolves phlegm.
  • Chicken feetIt is rich in collagen, which can strengthen muscles and bones and moisturize joints.
• practice:
  1. Soak black beans for 2 hours beforehand. Wash chicken feet, trim toenails, and blanch.
  2. Put black beans, peanuts, chicken feet, and ginger slices into a pot and add water.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken feet are tender.
  4. Season with salt.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and blood, strengthens muscles and bones. Suitable for those with weak muscles and bones and dry skin.

3. Goji leaf and pork liver soup (boil)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • wolfberry leavesIt nourishes deficiency and replenishes essence, clears heat and improves eyesight. Its cooling nature helps balance the properties of the soup.
  • pig liverIt nourishes the liver and blood, and improves eyesight. Following the principle of "like cures like," it is an excellent blood tonic.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and benefits the essence and improves eyesight.
• practice:
  1. Slice the pork liver, soak it in water and drain it, then marinate it with cornstarch, oil and salt.
  2. Boil water in a pot, and once boiling, add shredded ginger and goji berries.
  3. Once it boils again, add the sliced pork liver and cook until it changes color.
  4. Finally, add goji leaves, cook until soft, and then season with salt and sesame oil.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and blood, and improves eyesight. It's simple, quick, and suitable as a dinner soup.

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II. Roots and Legumes: Strengthen the spleen and kidneys, replenish qi and consolidate essence.

Root vegetables often strengthen the spleen and replenish qi. Only when the spleen and stomach function well can nutrients be transported to the kidneys more effectively.

4. Yam, Corn, and Pork Rib Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Chinese yamIt nourishes the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and strengthens the kidneys and replenishes essence. With its mild nature, it is a star ingredient for gently tonifying the spleen and kidneys.
  • cornIt strengthens the spleen and stomach, promotes diuresis and eliminates dampness. It also enhances the sweet and refreshing taste of soups.
  • RibsProvides basic nutrition.
• practice:
  1. Blanch the pork ribs. Peel and cut the yam into sections (wear gloves to prevent itching), and cut the corn into sections.
  2. Put all the ingredients (pork ribs, yam, corn, ginger slices) into the pot.
  3. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Simply add salt to taste.
• effectIt invigorates the spleen and replenishes qi, nourishes the kidneys and strengthens essence. It has a sweet and refreshing taste that the whole family loves.

5. Lotus root, red date, and peanut soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • lotus rootIt clears heat and generates fluids, invigorates the spleen and stimulates appetite, and nourishes the blood.
  • red datesIt replenishes the middle energizer and invigorates qi, nourishes blood and calms the mind.
  • peanutIt strengthens the spleen and stomach.
  • Shiitake mushroomsIt enhances flavor and nourishes the spleen and stomach.
• practice:
  1. Peel and cut the lotus root into chunks. Soak the shiitake mushrooms until soft. Wash the peanuts.
  2. Put all the ingredients (lotus root, shiitake mushrooms, peanuts, red dates, ginger slices) into the pot.
  3. Add water and simmer for 1.5 hours until the lotus root is soft and powdery.
  4. Season with salt.
• effectIt strengthens the spleen and nourishes the blood, as well as tonifies the kidneys and replenishes essence. It is suitable for nourishing the body in autumn and winter, providing moisture without causing dryness.

6. Tomato, potato, and pork rib soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • tomatoIt promotes saliva production, quenches thirst, strengthens the stomach, and aids digestion.
  • PotatoIt strengthens the spleen and stomach, and invigorates qi and regulates the middle jiao.
  • RibsProvides protein.
• practice:
  1. Blanch the pork ribs. Peel and dice the tomatoes and potatoes.
  2. Heat a pan with a little oil, and stir-fry the tomatoes until they are soft and juicy.
  3. Add enough water, pork ribs, and potato chunks, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Simply add salt and a little sugar to taste.
• effectIt invigorates the spleen and stomach, nourishes yin and moistens dryness. Its sweet and sour flavor is appetizing and can stimulate appetite.

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III. Poultry and Livestock Meat: Nourishes Qi and Blood, Warms and Tonifies Kidney Yang

Meat provides abundant protein and energy, which are essential for nourishing blood and warming the body.

7. Mushroom and Red Date Chicken Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • mushroomIt nourishes the spleen and stomach and replenishes qi.
  • red datesIt replenishes the middle energizer and invigorates qi, nourishes blood and calms the mind.
  • chickenIt warms the middle jiao and replenishes qi, nourishes deficiency and replenishes essence.
• practice:
  1. Chop the chicken into pieces and blanch it. Soak the shiitake mushrooms until soft, and remove the pits from the red dates.
  2. Put all the ingredients (chicken, shiitake mushrooms, red dates, ginger slices) into the pot.
  3. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Season with salt.
• effectIt warms the middle energizer, replenishes qi, nourishes blood, and calms the mind. It is a classic home-style nourishing soup.

8. Seaweed, tofu, and lean pork soup (boiling soup)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • seaweedIt can resolve phlegm, soften hardened masses, clear heat, and promote diuresis.
  • TofuIt benefits qi and harmonizes the middle jiao, generates fluids and moistens dryness.
  • lean meatIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness.
• practice:
  1. Slice the lean meat and marinate it with cornstarch, oil, and salt. Cut the tofu into cubes.
  2. Boil water in a pot, and once boiling, add shredded ginger, seaweed, and tofu.
  3. Once it boils again, add the sliced meat and cook until thoroughly cooked.
  4. Season with salt, sesame oil, and chopped green onions.
• effectIt nourishes Yin, clears heat, softens hardened masses, and dissipates nodules. It's simple, quick, and rich in iodine.

9. Radish and Beef Brisket Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • White radishIt can help with digestion, relieve phlegm, and moisten the lungs.
  • SirloinIt nourishes the spleen and stomach, replenishes qi and blood, and strengthens muscles and bones.
• practice:
  1. Cut the beef brisket into chunks, blanch it, and then rinse it.
  2. Place the beef brisket, ginger slices, and one star anise in a pot, add water, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  3. Peel and cut the white radish into chunks, put it in a pot and simmer for another 30 minutes until soft.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
• effectIt invigorates the spleen and stomach, strengthens muscles and bones. Suitable for those who are weak, fatigued, and have sore muscles and bones.

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IV. Seafood and Aquatic Products: Nourishes Yin and tonifies the kidneys, replenishes essence and marrow.

Aquatic products often have the effect of nourishing yin, while seafood is rich in trace elements such as zinc, which is beneficial for tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence.

10. Shrimp and tofu soup (boiling soup)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Fresh shrimpIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, promotes lactation and eliminates toxins. It is rich in zinc and protein.
  • TofuIt benefits qi and harmonizes the middle jiao.
  • mustardIt clears heat and detoxifies, enhances flavor and cuts through greasiness.
• practice:
  1. Wash the shrimp and remove the whiskers and legs. Cut the tofu into cubes and the mustard greens into sections.
  2. Boil water in a pot, and once boiling, add shredded ginger and tofu.
  3. After boiling, add fresh shrimp and mustard greens, and cook until the shrimp turn red and the greens soften.
  4. Season with salt and sesame oil.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens yang, while also moisturizing dryness. It has a delicious flavor and is quick to prepare.

11. Clam and Winter Melon Soup (Quickly Boiled)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • clamsIt nourishes Yin, promotes diuresis, resolves phlegm, and softens hard masses.
  • winter melonIt has the effects of clearing heat, promoting diuresis, reducing swelling, and detoxifying.
  • Ginger shredsTo balance the cooling properties of winter melon and clams.
• practice:
  1. Clean the clams, removing the sand. Peel and seed the winter melon, then slice it.
  2. Boil water in a pot, and once boiling, add shredded ginger and sliced winter melon.
  3. Cook until the winter melon is translucent, then add the clams and cook until the clams open.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and sesame oil, and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
• effectIt nourishes yin and promotes diuresis, clears heat and relieves summer heat. It is suitable for consumption in summer, providing both nourishment and gentleness.

12. Seaweed, dried shrimp, and egg drop soup (boiled)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • seaweed, dried shrimpIt nourishes the kidneys and enhances male virility, and also provides calcium.
  • eggIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness, and nourishes blood.
• practice:
  1. Boil water in a pot, and once boiling, add seaweed, dried shrimp, and shredded ginger.
  2. After it boils again, pour in the beaten egg mixture to form egg ribbons.
  3. Turn off the heat immediately, then add salt and sesame oil to taste.
• effectThis soup is good for kidney health, boosts virility, and replenishes calcium. It's one of the quickest and easiest ways to nourish the kidneys.

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V. Simple Medicinal Diets: Mildly Incorporating Medicinal Properties, Nourishing Through Food

Adding one or two medicinal herbs that are also used in food can gently enhance the kidney-tonifying effect of soup.

13. Goji Berry and Pork Kidney Soup (Quick Soup)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
  • Pork kidney: Use the principle of "like cures like" to replenish kidney qi.
• practice:
  1. Cut the pork kidneys horizontally, remove the white membrane inside, slice them, and marinate them with cooking wine and ginger slices to remove any unpleasant smell.
  2. Boil water in a pot, and once boiling, add shredded ginger and goji berries.
  3. Once it boils again, add the pork kidney slices and cook until done (do not overcook).
  4. Season with salt and sesame oil.
• effectThis soup is designed to nourish the kidneys and strengthen the lower back. It's a quick and easy soup specifically formulated for kidney deficiency and lower back pain.

14. Eucommia, Walnut, and Pig Tail Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • EucommiaIt nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs.
  • pig tailUse the shape to supplement the shape, and strengthen the waist and spine.
• practice:
  1. Wash the pig tail, cut it into sections, and blanch it. Wash the eucommia bark and walnut kernels.
  2. Put all the ingredients into a pot, add water and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  3. Season with salt.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, as well as muscles and bones. Suitable for those suffering from lower back pain and weakness due to overuse.

15. Angelica and Ginger Lamb Soup (Warm and Nourishing)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Angelica sinensisIt nourishes and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain.
  • GingerIt warms the middle and dispels cold.
  • muttonIt invigorates qi and replenishes deficiency, warms the middle and lower body.
• practice:
  1. Cut the mutton into chunks, blanch it, and then rinse it clean.
  2. Place the mutton, angelica root, and ginger slices into a clay pot, and add water.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1.5 hours until the lamb is tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
• effectIt warms the middle burner, nourishes the blood, dispels cold, and relieves pain. It is an excellent choice for warming and tonifying the spleen and kidneys in winter.

16. Astragalus and Red Date Sea Bass Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Huang QiIt replenishes Qi and invigorates Yang, and promotes diuresis and reduces swelling.
  • red datesIt replenishes the middle energizer and invigorates qi, nourishes blood and calms the mind.
  • sea bassIt benefits the spleen and stomach, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and promotes wound healing.
• practice:
  1. Clean the sea bass and pan-fry it until lightly browned on both sides.
  2. Add enough boiling water, astragalus root, red dates, and ginger slices to the pot.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the pan-fried sea bass and simmer for another 15 minutes.
  4. Season with salt and sprinkle with cilantro.
• effectIt invigorates qi and blood, and nourishes the liver and kidneys. Suitable for those who are weak after surgery or childbirth.

17. Four-Ingredient Decoction (Strengthens the Spleen and Kidneys)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Poria cocosChinese yam(Yam), lotus seeds, fox nutsIt strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi, and tonifies the kidneys and astringes qi.
• practice:
  1. Wash the four medicinal herbs (in equal amounts) and cook them together with pig small intestine, pig stomach, or pork ribs.
  2. Put all the ingredients into a pot, add water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Simply add salt and rice wine to taste.
• effectIt invigorates the spleen and replenishes qi, tonifies the kidneys and strengthens essence. Its medicinal properties are mild, making it a fundamental formula for regulating the spleen, stomach, and kidney qi.

18. Cistanche deserticola, yam, and mutton soup (nourishing and restorative)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Cistanche deserticolaIt tonifies kidney yang, nourishes essence and blood, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation. It is mild and not drying.
  • yamIt nourishes the spleen, lungs, and kidneys.
  • muttonWarm the middle and lower body.
• practice:
  1. Blanch the mutton. Peel and dice the yam.
  2. Place the mutton, cistanche, and ginger in a pot, add water, and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Add the yam and cook for another 30 minutes, then season to taste.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, invigorates the spleen and replenishes qi. It is suitable for those with kidney yang deficiency and constipation.

19. Mistletoe and Egg Tea (Sweet Soup)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • MulberryIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens muscles and bones, and dispels wind and dampness.
  • Eggs, red datesIt nourishes the blood and calms the mind.
• practice:
  1. Wash the mulberry mistletoe, wrap it in a gauze bag, and boil it with the red dates for 30 minutes.
  2. Boil the eggs, peel them, and put them into the soup to cook for another 15 minutes.
  3. Add an appropriate amount of brown sugar or rock sugar for flavor, then eat the egg and drink the soup.
• effectIt nourishes blood, dispels wind, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is suitable for rheumatic pain and weakness of muscles and bones.

20. Sea Coconut and Apricot Kernel Soup with Lean Pork (Nourishes the Lungs and Kidneys)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Sea coconutIt nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs, clears heat and eliminates dryness.
  • Southern apricot, northern apricotIt moistens the lungs and relieves cough.
  • lean meatIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness.
• practice:
  1. Cut the lean meat into chunks and blanch it. Wash the sea coconut and apricot kernels.
  2. Put all the ingredients into a pot, add water, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  3. Season with salt.
• effectIt nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs, tonifies the kidneys and replenishes Qi. It is suitable for those with dry skin and throat in autumn and winter.

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Homemade soups, if consumed consistently, will yield results.

Nourishing health is not something unattainable; it is hidden in our daily meals. These simple kidney-tonifying soups, without fancy ingredients or complicated processes, embody the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine's concept of "medicine and food sharing the same origin."

The key point is:

• Regular consumptionChoose 2-3 dishes each week to cook in rotation and incorporate them into the family menu.
• slow and steadyDon't expect miraculous effects after drinking it once or twice. Persist for several months, and your body will give you feedback.
• Listen to your bodyChoose the soup that best suits the current season and your own feelings.

Further reading:

• 30 Nourishing Yin and Kidney-Tonifying Recipes (Suitable for Those with Kidney Yin Deficiency)
• 30 Kidney-Nourishing and Essence-Boosting Recipes (Suitable for Those with Kidney Essence Deficiency)
• 30 Kidney-Nourishing and Aphrodisiac Recipes (Suitable for Those with Kidney Yang Deficiency)
• 50 recipes for kidney-tonifying and aphrodisiac soups from "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "Jisheng Fang"