We won’t go into the full history of Asian herbs, but it is important to know this – it belongs to an ancient healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine, and they are used to maintain balance in and restore the body. Every ingredient has a purpose: for instance, the most commonly known goji berries are supposed to improve eyesight, codonopsis root to help with stress and digestive problems, and red dates to protect your liver and central nervous system. It also adds to your dishes a rich and unique flavour. So, whether you’re a big fan of herbal remedies or a non-believer, you will enjoy this list!

1. Chicken and Yu Zhu Soup

Tonic soups made from a combination of herbs (familiar ones include ginseng, red dates and goji berries) is a big part of Chinese cuisine and it’s easy to see why: they are incredibly nutritious, healthy and, of course, absolutely delicious. The Chicken and Yu Zhu Soup, a balanced mix of both sweet and savoury, is no different! The sweetness comes from Yu Zhu, or Solomonseal Rhizome, which is also believed to treat dry lungs and strengthen the stomach. Enjoy it hot and with a heap of steamed rice!

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2. Chinese Spinach Soup

Looking for a quick, healthy fix? The humble yet tasty Chinese Spinach Soup is here to the rescue! A combination of the simplest of ingredients –the Chinese spinach, dried ikan bilis(dried anchovies), garlic and eggs, this soup takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. For added sweetness, throw in a handful of wolfberries! Serve hot with rice for a complete meal.

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3. Ginseng Chicken Soup

Jam-packed with nutritious goodness, the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) is said to be the perfect summer dish fight the heat. The chicken is lovingly stuffed with soaked glutinous rice and gently simmered with garlic, ginger, and the super-herb of Asian cuisine, ginseng, said to aid in boosting energy and the immune system. Serve piping hot with rice, chopped scallions, salt and pepper on the side!

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4. Green Bean Water

Green Bean Water is literally, the coolest thing on the block. Boiled under medium heat, it’s incredibly light, mood lifting, and used as an everyday tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Fans of the magical brew believe that the make-in-15mins green beans, or mung beans, help clear heat and toxins from the body, improving circulation in the process. Now isn’t that’s so much good for so little effort?

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5. Lotus Root Soup

A great introduction to Chinese herbal soups, the Lotus Root Soup is a delicious light broth that is usually eaten during Chinese New Year. This fat-infused chicken soup incorporates herbal garlic and ginger bits, and is naturally sweetened with lotus root and big soft peanuts for a nutty, silky finish.

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6. Old Cucumber and Pork Rib Soup

A sweet aromatic treat with the added benefit of reducing inflammation, thanks to the use of Osmanthus! This refreshing dessert soup is a classic for Chinese New Year, and here we have given it an interesting and tarty twist by adding dried cranberries.

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7. One-Pot Ginger Wine Chicken Mee Sua

Feeling a cold coming? Then this One-Pot Ginger Wine Chicken Mee Sua is the soup to have! Utilising ginger and goji berries, this delicious dish has “heat” qualities that will warm your whole being, leaving you feeling comforted and satisfied!

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8. Snow Fungus Dessert

Snow fungus contains dietary fibers that helps to lower cholesterol in the foods that we eat but also control the sugar absorption. It basically acts like a filter for your body. Some say this sweet and lifting Snow Fungus Dessert will give you a real glow, by replenishing the collagen that we need to make our skin nice and bouncy.

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9. Watercress & Pork Ribs Soup

Said to improve the health of lungs, upper respiratory tract and lower blood pressure, the Watercress and Pork Ribs Soup is a popular Chinese dish that requires minimal effort to prepare. The easiest way to cook this soup with some pork ribs, salt and watercress but here we recommend some additional items such as wolfberries and dates to give it a sweeter flavor. Best served warm with a bowl of rice and some dark soy sauce for dipping!

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10. One-Pot Apple, Osmanthus, and Cranberry Dessert Soup

A sweet aromatic treat with the added benefit of reducing inflammation, thanks to the use of Osmanthus! This refreshing dessert soup is a classic for Chinese New Year, and here we have given it an interesting and tarty twist by adding dried cranberries.

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