In Chinese culture, there are several special food items which are also used as medicines within the herbal tradition. Many of these could be considered gourmet or specialty items.

Here's a list of several herbs commonly used as foods (especially in soups). Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like to order any of them. I'm glad to tell you the current pricing and availability.

Lian Zi-Lotus Seeds

Gou Qi Zi-Lycium Berries/Wolfberries

Bai Mu Er-White Wood Ear Fungus

Hei Mu Er-Black Wood Ear Fungus

Dang Gui-Angelica/Tang Kuei-used in soup stocks

Hei Zao-Black Dates

Long Yan Rou-Longan "Dragon Eyes" Fruit

Tian Men Dong-Asparagus Root

Ren Shen-Ginseng (as in Ginseng/Honey Slices)