Lotus Seed, Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Soup

Why people make this soup

When anxiety or worry takes hold — that restless feeling that is hard to shake no matter how hard you try — traditional Chinese food therapy has a gentle answer in the form of this quietly powerful soup. The combination of lotus seeds, long gu (fossilised bone), and mu li (oyster shell) has been used for generations to help settle the mind and ease tension. It is not a dramatic remedy; think of it more as a daily act of self-care for people whose nervous systems could use a little steadying. Nourilo recommends 2 to 3 servings a week, with patience — this kind of support builds gradually.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients well and soak for 10 minutes to remove any dust.
2. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.8–2.1 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 1.5 hours, until the liquid reduces to about 600 ml.
4. Serve and drink the broth; the lotus seeds and lily bulb can also be eaten.

Nourilo’s Tips

Dragon bone is the fossilised bone of ancient animals, and oyster shell is exactly that — the shell of the oyster. Both are considered potent calming agents in Chinese medicine. This soup is said to help with emotional restlessness, heart palpitations, poor sleep, and moods that swing between agitation and low energy. The key is consistency: aim for 2 to 3 servings a week, and give it at least a month before judging whether it is helping.