Soups
Coriander, Basil, Turmeric and Fish Head Soup
Traditionally used to promote circulation, reduce inflammation and ease headaches
Why people make this soup
The combination of coriander with sweet basil and fresh turmeric produces a wonderfully aromatic broth that stimulates appetite and, according to traditional food therapy, promotes blood circulation, fights inflammation and helps prevent cognitive decline.
Each ingredient brings a specific quality: coriander is rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants that help repair cells and slow ageing; sweet basil is associated with anti-inflammatory effects and headache relief; turmeric (huang jiang) contains curcumin, widely studied for its anti-inflammatory properties, and is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to move qi and ease stiffness in the shoulders and neck; bighead carp head warms the stomach, tonifies qi, clears dizziness and nourishes the brain.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Particularly suitable for people prone to headaches, shoulder and neck tension, or those who work intensively with their minds
- People taking blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medications should avoid eating this soup in large amounts, as basil is high in vitamin K, which can interfere with anticoagulation
- Pregnant women should not consume this soup — turmeric strongly moves qi and blood
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Coriander (yuan sui): Rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants; traditionally used to promote qi circulation, warm the stomach and clear external wind; also associated with cell repair and anti-ageing
- Sweet basil (luo le ye): Anti-inflammatory; traditionally associated with relieving headaches, clearing dampness and supporting digestion; sweet basil (leaves are rounder) is milder than Vietnamese basil or holy basil
- Fresh turmeric (huang jiang): Contains curcumin, associated with anti-inflammatory effects; traditionally moves qi and blood, relieves shoulder and neck pain; also supports digestive health
- Bighead carp head (da yu tou): Warms the stomach, tonifies qi, traditionally used to clear head dizziness and nourish the brain; pan-frying before simmering gives a milky, rich broth
Ingredients (2–3 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh coriander | 3 sprigs | Remove roots; rinse; cut into sections |
| Sweet basil leaves | 3 sprigs | Remove stems; rinse |
| Fresh turmeric | 18 g | Rinse; slice |
| Large carp head | 1 whole | Clean and rinse; pan-fry first |
| Cooking oil | a little | For pan-frying the fish head |
Method
- Remove the roots from the coriander, rinse and cut into sections.
- Strip the basil leaves from the stems; rinse.
- Rinse and slice the fresh turmeric.
- Clean and rinse the carp head. Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the fish head until lightly golden on both sides.
- Transfer to a pot with 5 bowls (approximately 1.2 litres) of boiling water; add the turmeric slices.
- Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Add the coriander and basil; simmer for a further 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with the soup ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
The sweet basil used here is the rounder-leafed variety; pointed-leaved varieties such as Vietnamese basil or holy basil (jiu ceng ta / jin bu huan) have a slightly bitter edge. This soup has a rich, fragrant taste that stimulates appetite. Two important cautions: because basil is rich in vitamin K, people on blood-thinning medication should not eat large amounts; and because turmeric strongly moves qi and blood, pregnant women should avoid this soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Kelly): My family member had one CT scan and needs another in two weeks. I am worried about the radiation exposure. Is there any food that can help clear radiation from the body? Bro Niu: Black wood ear mushroom, snow fungus, seaweed, kelp, asparagus, broccoli, tomato and blueberries all have anti-radiation properties and are worth eating more of.
Published June 2, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
