Danshen, Poria, Lily Bulb & Longan Soup

Why people make this soup

Modern life — with its long work hours, crowded cities, and constant uncertainty — creates conditions where the mind struggles to switch off. Traditional Chinese food therapy has long recognised a class of herbs that support what practitioners call “calming the heart spirit” (an shen). This soup brings together four such ingredients: danshen (red sage root), a herb that classical texts say has the combined effect of four blood-nourishing herbs in one; fu shen (spirit poria), the form of poria that grows around pine roots and is considered particularly effective for the mind; lily bulb, which is gently cooling and moistening for an overheated, restless nervous system; and longan flesh with red dates to add sweetness and gentle nourishment. Together they form a broth that is easy to make and pleasant to drink before bedtime or during a stressful period.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients.
2. Pit the red dates.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.8 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1 hour, reducing to about 600–900 ml.
5. Drink the soup. Consume on its own or with a light meal.

Nourilo’s Tips

The poria shown in the original photo is “fu shen with core” (you xin fu shen) — the wild-harvested variety that grows on pine roots, considered more effective for calming the mind than standard poria. This soup may help with any form of emotional imbalance or difficulty falling asleep, not just anxiety specifically. However, pregnant women should not use it. For children with anxiety or nervous tension, Nourilo recommends a gentler formula instead: wheat grain (xiao mai mi) 38 g, spirit poria 19 g, lily bulb 38 g, red dates 6 pieces, and a little rock sugar — cook with 2.1–2.4 L of water for 1 hour. The whole family can drink it; give children 3 portions per week.