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Lotus Seed, Euryale Seed, Chestnut and White Pigeon Soup

traditionally supports reproductive vitality, nourishes spleen and kidney, and may benefit fertility

In short: Lotus Seed, Euryale Seed, Chestnut and White Pigeon Soup is a soup that traditionally supports reproductive vitality, nourishes spleen and kidney, and may benefit fertility. It is most often made for digestive wellness, women's wellness, children's wellness. Total time about 2 hr 20 min. Key ingredients: lotus seeds, chestnuts, ginger.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
20 min
Cook
2 hr
Total
2 hr 20 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Digestive WellnessWomen's WellnessChildren's WellnessKidney & Urinary WellnessEnergy & VitalityEveryday Balance
Lotus Seed, Euryale Seed, Chestnut and White Pigeon Soup

Why people make this soup

While researching ingredients for a book on fertility, Nourilo discovered that white pigeon (squab) is a traditionally favoured ingredient for reproductive support in Chinese food therapy. The reasoning is grounded in classical observation: pigeons reproduce with remarkable frequency, driven by unusually active sex hormone secretion — and traditional food therapy drew a connection between this and the pigeon’s supportive role for human reproductive vitality. Whether or not one accepts this logic literally, pigeon is genuinely a nutrient-dense protein source with a long culinary history in Chinese medicine for supporting liver and kidney function. Paired with lotus seeds, euryale seeds, and chestnuts — all classically spleen- and kidney-strengthening ingredients — the result is a mild, nourishing soup that the whole family can enjoy.

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.

  • Lotus seeds · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Lotus seed meals had a low glycemic index (GI 21–51 across the lotus seed and adzuki bean meals), while several other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Lotus seed's in vitro hydrolysis index was also lower than that of other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal tests, so findings may not apply to people with diabetes or to long-term intake.PubMed 30875961
  • Ginger · Meta-analysis, 23 studies · 2022
    Overall, acute and delayed nausea and vomiting did not differ significantly between ginger and control groups. A subgroup taking 1 g/day or less for over four days had less acute vomiting (OR 0.30).Limitation: Clinical heterogeneity between trials required subgroup analyses, and the authors state that sufficiently large, high-quality RCTs are still needed.PubMed 36501010 · 3 more ginger 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

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