Nourilo

Soups

Mirabilis Root (Di Lao Shu), Fresh Smilax, Turtle Plastron and Pork Bone Soup

traditionally associated with clearing heat, relieving dampness, and supporting skin health

In short: Mirabilis Root (Di Lao Shu), Fresh Smilax, Turtle Plastron and Pork Bone Soup is a soup that traditionally associated with clearing heat, relieving dampness, and supporting skin health. It is most often made for cleansing & regularity, cooling & summer heat, skin & natural beauty. Total time about 2 hr 20 min. Key ingredients: adzuki beans, coix seed / job's tears, honey dates, pork bones.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
20 min
Cook
2 hr
Total
2 hr 20 min
Makes
1.2–1.5 L
Cleansing & RegularityCooling & Summer HeatSkin & Natural BeautyBone & Joint WellnessEveryday Balance
Mirabilis Root (Di Lao Shu), Fresh Smilax, Turtle Plastron and Pork Bone Soup

Why people make this soup

The mirabilis plant (紫茉莉, four-o’clock flower) is a familiar sight in traditional gardens, and its fat, dark root — which does look a bit like a small black mouse, hence the name — has a mildly sweet, neutral flavour and has been used in traditional Cantonese cooking to help clear accumulated heat and dampness from the body. Paired with fresh smilax rhizome — another well-known herb for damp-heat conditions — this soup has a long history as a household remedy for skin irritation, joint soreness, and that heavy, foggy feeling that can set in during hot, humid weather. Adzuki beans and coix seed support the diuretic, damp-clearing action, while turtle plastron adds a cooling, nourishing quality according to TCM theory.

Method

  1. Blanch the pork bones and turtle plastron separately in boiling water for 2 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and set aside.
  2. Slice the mirabilis root and smilax rhizome and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
  3. Soak the adzuki beans and coix seed in cold water for 20–30 minutes; drain and rinse.
  4. Combine all ingredients in a large pot with 3 L of water.
  5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook for 2 hours until the soup reduces to about 1.2–1.5 L.
  7. Serve and drink warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

When sourcing the mirabilis root, choose medium or smaller pieces — oversized roots can have a coarser, less pleasant texture. Most Chinese herbal suppliers will slice it for you on request, or you can slice it yourself at home. Mirabilis root is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online. If handling turtle plastron feels daunting, you can leave it out; the soup is still effective. This soup can also be made vegetarian by omitting the pork bones — it is naturally sweet and flavourful without meat. If you have already been diagnosed with a skin condition, this soup can be a helpful dietary addition while also seeing a doctor for treatment.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Adzuki beans · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Adzuki bean meals had a low glycemic index (21–51 range reported with lotus seed), whereas other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Adzuki bean hydrolysis index was lower than other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal responses, so effects in people with diabetes or with regular intake are unknown.PubMed 30875961 · 1 more adzuki beans study
  • Job's tears (coix) · Randomized controlled trial · 2024
    Myeloperoxidase activity rose significantly in the placebo group after 8 weeks but showed no significant change in the adlay tea group. Vascular endothelial function improved in the adlay group, especially in those over 40.Limitation: Participants were healthy adults and the outcomes were surrogate markers, so the results say little about clinical disease outcomes. Tea is a polyphenol-rich extract, not whole grain.PubMed 38945894 · 2 more job's tears (coix) studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

Spot an error? Report a correction

Frequently asked questions

Who is this soup traditionally suited to?

This soup is traditionally suited to those dealing with skin eczema, joint aches, or a generally heavy, sluggish feeling in warm, humid weather. It is commonly associated with clearing heat and dampness in Cantonese food therapy.

What does the mirabilis root traditionally contribute to this soup?

Mirabilis root has a mildly sweet, neutral flavour and has been used in traditional Cantonese cooking to help clear accumulated heat and dampness from the body. It is paired with fresh smilax rhizome, another well-known herb traditionally used for damp-heat conditions.

Can I make this soup without turtle plastron or pork bones?

Yes. According to the recipe, turtle plastron can be left out and the soup is described as still effective. The soup can also be made vegetarian by omitting the pork bones, as it is naturally sweet and flavourful without meat.

How long does this soup take to make, and how much does it yield?

The soup takes about 20 minutes of preparation and 2 hours of cooking, for a total time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. It yields roughly 1.2 to 1.5 litres.

If I have an existing skin condition, can I rely on this soup as my main treatment?

The recipe notes that if you have already been diagnosed with a skin condition, this soup can be a helpful dietary addition as part of a balanced approach while also seeing a doctor for treatment. It is not presented as a standalone cure or remedy.

You might also like

Related recipes

More soups →

Comments

Loading comments…