Yu Ling Gao: A Gentle Remedy for Energy, Sleep, and Wellness
- Health Lab
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
Yu Ling Gao, a cherished recipe from the Qing Dynasty, comes from the Sui Xi Ju Food Recipe by renowned doctor Wang Mengying. Known as "Daishen Paste" in ancient times, this paste was a budget-friendly alternative to ginseng for those who couldn’t afford pricier remedies. Made with just longan fruit and American ginseng, it’s a powerful blend that boosts energy, supports digestion, and promotes restful sleep.
Wang Mengying praised it as "more effective than ginseng and astragalus" for restoring vitality, and its gentle, nourishing effects are still valued today. This guide breaks down how it’s made, its benefits, and who it’s best for in a clear, approachable way.

How to Make Yu Ling Gao
Ingredients
Longan fruit (500g, dried)
American ginseng (500g)
Instructions
Grind the American ginseng into a fine powder.
Rinse the longan fruit and place it in a stew pot.
Add the ginseng powder and mix well.
Cover the pot with a cotton cloth, then steam it (add a small spoonful of rice to the steaming water for tradition) for about 40 hours. You can spread this over a few days.
Once done, store the paste in a clean, airtight container.
How to Use
Scoop one spoonful of Yu Ling Gao into a cup, mix with hot water, and drink daily. It’s that simple!
Why the Long Steaming?
Steaming for 40 hours might sound intense, but it’s key to unlocking the paste’s full potential:
Blends the Goodness: The long process lets the longan and ginseng meld together, boosting their nourishing effects.
Easier to Absorb: Extended steaming breaks down the ingredients, making their nutrients more bioavailable for your body.
Gentler on the System: It reduces any harshness in the herbs, preventing side effects like feeling overheated.
Maximizes Benefits: Traditional Chinese medicine values this method for creating a stable, long-lasting paste that works deeply.

Who Can Benefit?
Yu Ling Gao is ideal for anyone feeling drained, weak, or out of balance, especially:
Pregnant or Postpartum Women: Childbirth and pregnancy can deplete energy and blood, leaving moms tired or pale. This paste gently restores vitality and supports recovery.
Older Adults: As we age, low energy, poor sleep, or memory issues can creep in. Yu Ling Gao helps boost strength and calmness.
People with Chronic Conditions: Those with ongoing health issues often struggle with fatigue or weak digestion. This paste provides a mild, nourishing boost.
Anyone with Low Energy: If you’re pale, dizzy, have heart palpitations, or feel faint when standing up quickly, you might have low qi (energy) or blood. Yu Ling Gao helps rebuild both.
Modern lifestyles—think late nights, cold drinks, or constant stress—can weaken digestion and sap energy, leading to symptoms like tiredness or irregular periods. Yu Ling Gao steps in to support your body, improve resilience, and lift your daily mood and vitality.
What Does It Do?
Yu Ling Gao is like a warm hug for your body, working to:
Boost Energy and Blood: Restores vitality, easing tiredness, paleness, or dizziness.
Calm the Mind: Promotes restful sleep, reduces nightmares, and soothes palpitations.
Support Digestion: Strengthens the stomach and spleen, improving appetite and nutrient absorption.
Balance Women’s Health: Eases irregular periods or menstrual pain, helping women feel vibrant.
Enhance Overall Wellness: Builds a stronger, healthier body over time.
How It Works
Longan Fruit: Sweet and warming, longan nourishes the heart and spleen, calms the mind, and supports healthy blood flow. It’s great for memory, sleep, and a glowing complexion.
American Ginseng: Cooling and slightly bitter, this herb boosts energy without overheating the body, hydrates, and clears mental fog. It’s perfect for those who find regular ginseng too intense.
Together, they create a balanced paste that lifts energy, soothes nerves, and strengthens digestion, making it especially helpful for fatigue, insomnia, or a sallow complexion.
Who Should Avoid It?
While Yu Ling Gao is gentle, it’s not for everyone. Skip it if you:
Have signs of “heat” or phlegm, like a bitter taste in your mouth, thick yellow phlegm, bloating, loose stools, or dark yellow urine.
Are pregnant or a young child (consult a doctor first).
Have a cold or flu (pause use until you’re better).
Final Thoughts
Yu Ling Gao is a simple yet powerful remedy rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom. With just longan fruit and American ginseng, it replenishes energy, calms the mind, and supports digestion, making it a go-to for anyone feeling tired, stressed, or out of balance.
Whether you’re a new mom, an older adult, or just navigating a hectic life, this paste can help you feel stronger and more vibrant. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have health concerns. Embrace this gentle paste and rediscover your natural glow!
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