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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.