Plantain Herb, Coix Seed and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

During summer months, sweating heavily depletes the body’s fluids — and active children who run around without drinking enough water can end up with dark, scanty urine and general discomfort, which Chinese medicine describes as “bladder damp-heat.” Nourilo has long recommended this fresh plantain herb soup as a gentle seasonal staple: when paired with coix seed and a couple of honey dates, the result is a clear, pleasant soup the whole family can enjoy. Think of it as a hydrating summer tune-up rather than medicine.

Method

1. Rinse the fresh plantain herb thoroughly including roots; cut into segments.
2. Soak and rinse the coix seed.
3. Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for a few minutes, then rinse and slice.
4. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
6. Serve the broth with the cooked ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup tastes naturally sweet and mild. It is most helpful for those with dark, difficult urination. It also supports clear vision and relieves a feeling of heat and irritability in the chest. However, pregnant women and those with kidney yang deficiency should not consume this soup. If you cannot find fresh plantain herb, a simple substitute is raw coix seed simmered with winter melon (skin on) for one hour — this combination also gently supports urination.