何首烏雞湯是結合中藥材與雞肉的養生湯品，主要材料是何首烏和雞肉，通常選用烏雞。源自中國傳統中醫理論，因為何首烏具有補肝腎、益精血的功效，而烏雞則以其高營養價值和補虛功效聞名。這道湯品不僅被認為能夠補血、增強免疫力，還對頭髮的保養有幫助，因此經常被推薦給身體虛弱、精力不足或需要養髮的人群食用。

何首烏是一種常見的中藥材，分為生何首烏和製何首烏。製何首烏通常經過蒸煮以去除其潛在的毒性，並增強其藥效。在製作何首烏雞湯時，通常會使用製何首烏，因為它具有更好的補益作用。

製作時，首先需要準備一隻處理好的烏雞。烏雞被認為營養豐富且具有滋補效果，特別適合與何首烏這類中藥材一起熬煮。烏雞的肉質較為細膩，煮出來的湯也更加清甜。雞的內臟通常會被去除，並且需要充分清洗乾淨。將整隻雞或切塊後的雞放入砂鍋或燉鍋中，加入足夠的清水覆蓋雞肉。何首烏通常與其他補益的藥材一起使用，常見的搭配包括紅棗、枸杞和黨參。紅棗能夠補血、養顏，枸杞則有助於強健視力、補腎養肝，黨參則是經常用來補中益氣的中藥材。這些藥材和何首烏一起，為湯增添豐富的藥效和風味。

將何首烏和其他藥材洗淨後與烏雞一起放入鍋中，開大火煮沸。煮沸後，轉小火慢燉2到3小時，這樣可以讓雞肉變得非常嫩滑，湯汁也能充分吸收何首烏和其他中藥的精華。在燉煮的過程中，何首烏會釋放出其特有的草本香氣，而紅棗的甜味也會逐漸融入湯中，口感層次更加豐富。在燉煮過程的最後，可以根據個人口味加入適量的鹽進行調味。由於何首烏具有一定的苦澀味，紅棗的甜味以及枸杞的甘甜能夠很好地中和湯中的苦味，讓湯味更加平衡。

該湯品適合在秋冬季節或身體感覺疲倦、需要進補時食用。不僅能夠補充人體所需的營養，還能調節身體機能。對於經常感到疲倦或氣血不足的人來說，是一道溫和且滋補的食療選擇。湯中濃郁的藥材香氣和烏雞的鮮美相結合，使得口感和功效上都極具吸引力。

He Shou Wu Chicken Soup is a nourishing soup that combines traditional Chinese medicinal herbs with chicken, typically using black-bone chicken (Silkie). The main ingredients are He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) and chicken. This dish originates from traditional Chinese medicine principles, as He Shou Wu is believed to have benefits for nourishing the liver and kidneys, and enriching the essence and blood, while black-bone chicken is known for its high nutritional value and ability to strengthen the body. The soup is not only considered beneficial for blood replenishment and boosting the immune system, but it is also thought to help with hair care. As such, it is often recommended for those who are weak, fatigued, or looking to improve hair health.

He Shou Wu is a common medicinal herb and comes in two forms: raw He Shou Wu and processed He Shou Wu. The processed version is typically steamed and cooked to remove potential toxicity and enhance its medicinal properties. When making He Shou Wu Chicken Soup, processed He Shou Wu is usually preferred for its enhanced health benefits.

To prepare the soup, a well-cleaned black-bone chicken is required. Black-bone chicken is considered rich in nutrients and highly suitable for simmering with medicinal herbs like He Shou Wu. The meat of black-bone chicken is tender, and the resulting broth is sweeter and clearer. The chicken’s internal organs are typically removed, and the chicken is thoroughly washed. The whole chicken, or cut into pieces, is then placed into a clay pot or a slow cooker, with enough water to fully cover the meat.

He Shou Wu is often paired with other nourishing herbs, such as red dates, goji berries, and Codonopsis (Dang Shen). Red dates are known for their blood-enriching and beautifying properties, goji berries help to strengthen vision and support liver and kidney function, and Codonopsis is frequently used to boost energy and vitality. These herbs, combined with He Shou Wu, enhance both the medicinal benefits and the flavor of the soup.

After washing the He Shou Wu and other herbs, they are added to the pot with the chicken. The soup is brought to a boil over high heat and then simmered on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the chicken to become extremely tender, and the broth to absorb the essence of He Shou Wu and the other herbs. During the simmering process, the herbal aroma of He Shou Wu is released, and the sweetness of the red dates gradually infuses into the broth, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Toward the end of the cooking process, salt can be added to taste. Since He Shou Wu has a naturally bitter flavor, the sweetness from the red dates and goji berries helps to balance the soup, making the overall taste smoother and more enjoyable.

This soup is ideal for consumption in the autumn and winter months or when the body feels tired and in need of nourishment. It not only replenishes essential nutrients but also helps to regulate bodily functions. For those who frequently feel fatigued or suffer from blood deficiency, it is a gentle and nutritious dietary option. The rich herbal fragrance combined with the tender black-bone chicken creates a soup that is both flavorful and beneficial for overall health.