Capillary Wormwood, Mung Bean and Smilax Soup

Why people make this soup

Roughly 8% of people in Hong Kong are hepatitis B carriers, so good hygiene — separate chopsticks when sharing meals, not sharing razors or toothbrushes — matters. This “capillary wormwood damp-clearing soup” is traditionally associated with clearing damp-heat and supporting the liver. Combined with mung bean and smilax, it is also traditionally used by people with damp-heat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ringworm.

Method

1. Soak and rinse all the ingredients separately.
2. Simmer in 2.4 L of water for 1 hour, reducing to about 1.2 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Smilax (tu fu ling) is traditionally associated with draining damp, easing the joints, and protecting the liver. The fresh form is considered more effective than dried — if using fresh, use about 75 g.