Poria, White Atractylodes and Hyacinth Bean Coat Drink

Why people make this drink

If you tend to eat a lot of salads, raw fish, or cold fruits in the name of healthy eating — or if you have noticed that you often feel heavy-limbed, bloated, mentally foggy, or tired no matter how much you sleep — traditional Chinese food therapy would say your spleen and stomach may be struggling with excess internal dampness. Nourilo has seen this pattern many times: cold or raw foods eaten regularly can weaken the digestive system over time, allowing dampness to accumulate in the body. Once the damp and rainy season arrives, those symptoms tend to get noticeably worse. This simple three-herb drink is one of Nourilo’s go-to remedies — warming without being spicy, and gentle enough for the whole family.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly in clean water.
2. Combine all ingredients with 1.2–1.5 L of water in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer and cook for 30 minutes until reduced to approximately 600 ml.
4. Drink warm. The 2 bowls may be consumed in one day, split between morning and afternoon.

Nourilo’s Tips

This drink is warming, not cooling, so it is suitable for people of all ages including young children and the elderly. You can add a small piece of rock sugar when cooking for children to improve the taste. The drink is appropriate to take throughout all four seasons; in autumn Nourilo suggests adding 4 dried figs to the pot. Aim for 3 servings per week and stop once symptoms improve — there is no need to drink it indefinitely. If you find the effect wearing off or want stronger calming support, try replacing poria with poria heartwood (fu shen) and adding 38 g of dried lily bulb.