Postpartum Chicken Soup (Nourishing Ginger & Goji Broth)
Published on July 7, 2026
Written By: Yiyi Wu, L.Ac., Ph.D. — Co-founder of Y & Y Acupuncture and Chiropractic
This slow-simmered chicken soup is a traditional postpartum dietary staple in Chinese medicine, valued for its warming nature and gentle support of recovery. Prepared with ginger and finished with goji berries, it produces a nourishing broth that is easy to digest and commonly included in postpartum diets to support strength, hydration, and lactation.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into large chunks
- 6 thick slices fresh ginger
- 1–2 tablespoons goji berries
- Water (enough to fill the pot once)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities. - Build the Broth
Place the chicken and ginger slices into a large pot. Add enough water to fill the pot once, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged. (Avoid adding more water later, as this can dilute the flavor.) - Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat to high and bring the pot to a full boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth. - Simmer Gently
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the broth to become rich and flavorful. - Add Goji Berries
Add the goji berries during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking so they soften without losing their texture. - Season & Serve
Add salt to taste. Serve hot, with both broth and tender chicken pieces.
Postpartum Notes
This soup is traditionally enjoyed during postpartum recovery because it is:
- Gentle on the stomach
- Warming Yang and nourishing Yin
- Rich in protein and nutrients that support healing
- Commonly used to support postpartum recovery and lactation
Adjust ingredients based on individual dietary needs and preferences.
