ShangMealsLong before modern supplements, Chinese physicians turned to food as medicine. One of the most famous examples is Wuji Baifeng Wan (乌鸡白凤丸), a black chicken-based remedy that has been used for over four centuries to support women's health, restore vitality, and address general weakness.
Today, the same nourishing principles live on in black chicken soup—a comforting, deeply flavored dish that carries the legacy of this classical formula into modern kitchens.
Origins in the Ming Dynasty
The earliest record of Wuji Baifeng Wan appears in Shou Shi Bao Yuan (1602), written by the Ming Dynasty physician Gong Tingxian. The original formula was called "Wu Ji Wan" or Black Chicken Pill, and it was used to treat gynecological disorders and general weakness.
The remedy was based on black silkie chicken, a breed valued in TCM for its blood-nourishing and kidney-supporting properties. Combined with medicinal herbs, the pill became a trusted tonic for restoring balance.
Refinement in the Qing Palace
During the Qing Dynasty, imperial physicians expanded the formula, adding Chinese medicinal herbs to enhance its effects. The improved remedy was named "White Phoenix Pill," eventually becoming known as Wuji Baifeng Wan—Black Chicken White Phoenix Pills.
By the late Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi had taken an interest in the formula as an anti-aging and rejuvenating tonic. Through the imperial pharmacy Tongrentang, the remedy gained prestige in the palace and was regarded as a daily maintenance tonic for beauty and health.
From imperial pill to home soup
While the pill form remains popular in TCM pharmacies, home cooks have long adapted the concept into black chicken soup. By simmering black silkie chicken with herbs such as angelica, goji berry, red dates, and astragalus, families create a gentle, food-based version of the classic tonic.
This soup is especially valued during postpartum recovery, after illness, or during times of physical depletion. It provides warmth, nourishment, and a sense of restoration.
Modern understanding
Modern pharmacological studies suggest that Wuji Baifeng Wan and black chicken-based preparations may support hematopoiesis, provide estrogen-like effects, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and enhance immune function. While research continues, the long history of use speaks to its cultural significance.
It is important to note that this traditional remedy is not a substitute for medical care. Those with specific health conditions should consult a qualified practitioner before using it.
How to enjoy black chicken soup today
- Simmer black silkie chicken with goji berries, red dates, and ginger
- Add angelica or astragalus for a stronger tonic effect
- Enjoy in small bowls during cold weather or recovery periods
- Pair with warm rice and lightly cooked vegetables
Whether as a historical pill or a modern soup, the black chicken remedy reminds us that food and medicine have always been deeply connected in Chinese tradition.