Black chicken soup, a hair tonic with he shou wu and ginseng root

This black chicken soup is steamed and is a common soup tonic for both men and women concerned about white hair or thinning hair.

He shou wu is a chinese herb blackish in color. It should be fairly easy to find in chinese medicinal halls. They are reputed to keep hair black. Many ladies like to prepare hair soup tonics for their husbands and themselves using he shou wu. The colour of the soup will be quite dark because of this herb.

Ginseng is an all-round tonic. It is popular because almost everyone from a child to an old folk can take it. Whole ginsengs are very expensive. Buy ginseng root as a cheaper alternative. They are just as good, just not as visually impressive. Another good alternative is to use ginseng tea bags. I think these are more readily available and cheaper too.

Short on chinese herbs? Stock up at 1stChineseHerbs.com

Ingredients

1 black chicken
5g ginseng root 人参 (ren sheng) (or 1 ginseng tea bag)
3g he shou wu 何首乌
10 red dates 红枣 (hong zao)
2 pieces of old ginger
2 tbsp garlic
2 tsp salt
5 tbsp rice wine
Dash of sesame seed oil

Directions

1. Wash and clean the chicken
2. Peel the ginger and garlic
3. Gently rinse the ginseng root/ginseng tea bag, he shou wu, red dates, ginger andgarlic
4. Place the black chicken in a big tureen or bowl and add the ginseng root, he shouwu, red dates, ginger and garlic
5. Add enough room temperature water to cover the ingredients
6. Seal the tureen or bowl with cling wrap
7. Place a steaming tripod into a big pot or wok
8. Add water to the big pot until 3/4 of the tripod is submerged
9. Bring the pot of water to a boil
10. Place the tureen onto the tripod. Be careful of the boiling water
11. Lower to medium heat and steam the soup for about 2 hours
12. Remove from heat and add the seasonings before serving

Recipe link: http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/black-chicken-soup-01.html

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This page has been edited and updated on 9 August 2013.

Thanks, Phoebe

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Chinese Soups / Black chickens / black chicken tonic Chinese Soups / Chinese herbal soups / Hair tonic