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FLEECE FLOWER ROOT SOUP WITH CODONOPSIS AND BLACK CHICKEN

It is said that fleece flower root can help to improve blood circulation, therefore helping hair growth.
Fleece flower root (called he shou wu in Chinese) is well known for its benefit in darkening hair color. It is used as a remedy for treating hair fall and baldness, for premature graying of hair and also for reducing other signs of aging. Besides that, it is also hailed as a natural herbal remedy for various health problems: improve blood circulation, improve the functioning of the kidney and liver, strengthening bones and muscles, good for detoxification, constipation and irregular menstruation. This soup is said to be suitable for those with aching back and knee, insufficient blood, premature greying of hair and suffering from dizziness or amnesia. 


Fleece flower root. Picture taken from the Internet.
However, I've read that some products that are marketed as natural herbal medicines based on fleece flower root may contain some toxic ingredients such as lead, so do take note.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tael (Approx 37.5g) fleece flower root
  • 10 red dates, pits removed
  • 5 maces (Approx 18.9g) codonopsis/dang shen 
  • 1 black bone chicken
  • 2500 ml water

  1. Scald black bone chicken in boiling water (I usually remove the skin in my cooking but you may leave its skin intact, if you like). Rinse and set aside. 
  2. Rinse remaining herbs. Drain and set aside. 
  3. Put all ingredients and water in an electric double boiler. Set timer to 3 hours. Serve. 

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