Soups
Fresh Dendrobium, Yam, Lily Bulb & Ophiopogon Pork Shin Soup
Traditionally used to support qi and yin and ease dryness after late nights
Why people make this soup
Staying up late takes a toll — dryness in the mouth and throat, poor focus, weaker memory, rougher skin, and over time a more easily run-down immune system. Bro Niu reminds us that sleep is when the body repairs itself, so try not to make late nights a habit. For those who do burn the midnight oil for work or study, this soup is traditionally used to support qi and yin, ease internal dryness and settle the stomach.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People who often stay up late and feel dry, run-down, or low on appetite; also gentle for those recovering from illness with a dry mouth.
- People with elevated liver enzymes are advised not to drink it, as it is fairly nourishing and may add to the liver’s workload. If unsure, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh dendrobium (shi hu): Traditionally used to nourish yin, support the stomach and brighten the eyes.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally used to support the spleen and stomach.
- Lily bulb (bai he): Traditionally associated with moistening and calming.
- Ophiopogon (mai dong): Traditionally used to nourish yin and ease dryness and thirst.
- Red jujube (hong zao): Rounds out the soup and is traditionally used to support the blood.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh dendrobium | ~38 g | Rinse, cut into sections |
| Fresh Chinese yam | 1 root | Peel, cut into chunks |
| Fresh lily bulb | 1 bulb | Soak and rinse |
| Ophiopogon | ~19 g | Soak and rinse |
| Red jujubes | 5 pieces | Pitted |
| Pork shin | 1 piece | Cut into chunks, blanched |
Method
- Rinse the fresh dendrobium and cut into sections. Peel the yam and cut into chunks. Soak and rinse the lily bulb and ophiopogon. Pit the jujubes.
- Cut the pork shin into chunks and blanch.
- Add everything to 8–9 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 1.5 hours until reduced to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, moistening and tasty — suitable for young and old. It is traditionally considered helpful for a dry mouth and poor appetite after a COVID infection. If you can only get dried dendrobium instead of fresh, use about 3 qian (around 11 g).
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Janice): If I can’t find fresh dendrobium, can I use dried? How much? Bro Niu: Dried dendrobium, 3 qian (about 11 g), is fine.
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Q (May): Is this soup considered nourishing? Can I drink it if my liver enzymes are slightly high? Bro Niu: This soup is nourishing — those with high liver enzymes should not drink it. It’s best for them to use soups made mainly from fresh vegetables and fruit instead.
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Q (Susanna): I dream a lot every night and my sleep quality is so-so. Could it be menopause or worry? Is there a food remedy? Bro Niu: Try 5 qian ye jiao teng, 5 qian fu shen, 5 qian longan flesh and 1 tael lily bulb in a lean-pork soup; simmer 1 hour to 4 bowls, drink over 2 days — it nourishes the blood and calms the mind. Menopause often brings insomnia too; have it 3 times a week until things improve.
Published February 25, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
