Soups
Plantain Herb, Coix Seed and Lean Pork Soup
traditionally used to support urinary comfort and clear summer dampness-heat
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.” Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well-suited to: anyone experiencing dark or scanty urine, mild urinary discomfort, or general heat accumulation in summer; children old enough to drink soup; adults wanting a cooling and diuretic summer brew
- Cautions: pregnant women should avoid this soup — plantain herb has a downward-draining action; those with kidney yang deficiency (feeling cold, frequent night urination, weak lower back) should also avoid it. If a child — especially a girl — is crying and refusing to urinate, see a doctor promptly to rule out urinary tract infection.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Plantain herb (che qian cao): In traditional practice, fresh plantain herb is considered to clear heat, promote urination, and help expel dampness. It is also associated with supporting clear vision and soothing lung-related phlegm. Modern nutritional research notes it contains compounds that may support uric acid excretion.
- Raw coix seed (sheng yi mi): A gentle, food-grade grain used throughout Asia to resolve dampness and support spleen function. Less draining than some herbs, making it suitable for regular consumption.
- Honey dates (mi zao): Added primarily to balance the cooling nature of the other ingredients and to sweeten the broth naturally.
- Lean pork: Provides protein and a savoury base; its neutral nature pairs well with the herb without adding excessive heat.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh plantain herb with roots | 150 g | Rinse well; available at Chinese or Asian grocers in summer |
| Raw coix seed (job’s tears) | 40 g | Soak briefly before use |
| Honey dates | 2 pieces | Rinse |
| Lean pork | 300 g | Blanch in boiling water first |
| Water | 8 bowls (approx. 1.6 L) |
Method
- Rinse the fresh plantain herb thoroughly including roots; cut into segments.
- Soak and rinse the coix seed.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for a few minutes, then rinse and slice.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
- Serve the broth with the cooked ingredients.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Mandy): My two-year-old seems to have damp-heat — she’s restless and straining to urinate but nothing comes out. I can’t find plantain herb here. Can gai white fungus work as a substitute? Bro Niu: You can use 40 g raw coix seed with a large piece of winter melon (skin on), simmered in water for one hour — serve for 3 consecutive days. This combination gently supports urination and has mild antiviral properties. Note: if a young girl is crying and unable to urinate, please see a doctor to check for urinary tract infection, which can progress quickly in small children.
-
Q (reader, Ms Faith): Which signs indicate kidney yang deficiency, and how does kidney yin deficiency differ? Bro Niu: Kidney yang deficiency tends to show as feeling cold easily, cool hands and feet, soft muscle tone, frequent night urination, and aching lower back and knees. Kidney yin deficiency tends to show as dry mouth and throat, warm palms and soles, a lean build, preference for cold drinks, and constipation.
-
Q (reader, G6PD parent): My six-year-old has G6PD. Can he drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, children with G6PD can have this soup. You might also try simmering 40 g coix seed with a little rock sugar, and just before serving add two slices of fresh lemon and steep briefly — tasty and helps clear heat and support immunity.
Published June 17, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
