Chinese Yam, Euryale Seed, Dried Chestnut and Fresh Small Fish Soup

Why people make this soup

Traditional Chinese medicine has a saying: “Without dampness, there is no diarrhoea.” In summer and early autumn, hot, humid weather can overwhelm a digestive system that is already on the weaker side, leading to what is called “damp-heat diarrhoea.” But there is another, more chronic pattern Nourilo often sees: people with a constitutionally weak digestive system who have loose, poorly formed stools much of the time — food passes through without being fully absorbed, energy stays low, and the person gradually becomes more depleted. This soup is a gentle, reliable tonic for that second pattern. Chestnuts, Chinese yam, and euryale seeds are three of the most trusted ingredients in Cantonese kitchens for building digestive strength without being heavy or hard to digest. Small sea fish make the broth naturally sweet and add good protein.