Soups
Jiaogulan (Gynostemma) and Corn Kernel Soup
Traditionally used to support the spleen and healthy blood lipids
Why people make this soup
Roughly half of people with diabetes also develop a fatty liver, as the body’s struggle to use glucose throws off how fats are handled. As an everyday, food-based way to look after the liver, Bro Niu likes this simple jiaogulan-and-corn tea-soup. It’s light and slightly sweet, traditionally used to support the spleen and “resolve phlegm and lower lipids” — a gentle helper for those wanting to keep their liver healthy.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People minding their blood lipids or a fatty liver, and those managing diabetes or heart concerns; it’s considered suitable as a near-daily tea.
- Food therapy alone isn’t enough for a fatty liver — it works best alongside a lighter diet, more vegetables and less fatty, fried food. As with any liver condition, please see a doctor for diagnosis and monitoring.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Jiaogulan (jiao gu lan): traditionally regarded as protective of the liver cells and used to support the spleen.
- Corn kernels (su mi li): associated with supporting healthy blood lipids and blood sugar, and add a natural sweetness.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jiaogulan | ~19 g (5 qian) | Sold at flower-tea shops; also called jin sang zi |
| Fresh corn kernels | ~75 g (2 taels) | — |
Method
- Simmer the corn kernels in 4 bowls of water down to 2 bowls.
- Add the jiaogulan and simmer about 5 minutes more.
- Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
You can also make jiaogulan on its own as an everyday tea — about 1 tablespoon per pot, re-steeped until pale — which is especially suited to people who are overweight or minding diabetes or a fatty liver.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Julian): I’m a slightly overweight middle-aged man with diabetes and a fatty liver. Can I drink this as my daily tea, or just once or twice a week? How much? Bro Niu: Jiaogulan tea can be a daily drink, especially for those who are overweight or have diabetes and fatty liver — about 1 tablespoon per pot, re-steeped until pale.
- Q (Stella Leung): If I already have a fatty liver, can this recipe help reduce it? Bro Niu: Drinking this soup can help ease the condition if you already have a fatty liver — but you must also change your eating habits: more vegetables, less meat, and less fatty, fried food.
- Q (ada): Where can I buy jiaogulan? Bro Niu: Jiaogulan is sold at flower-tea shops and at Yue Hwa stores. It’s also called jin sang zi.
Published October 20, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
