Soups
Yin Chen, Dandelion and Corn Silk Soup
Traditionally clears damp-heat and supports the gallbladder
Why people make this soup
Yin chen has long been the go-to herb for jaundice — bitter and cooling, it is traditionally said to clear damp-heat and support bile flow. Bro Niu pairs it with dandelion and fresh corn silk for the painful, feverish phase of a gallstone flare. This is the “attack phase” companion; for the calm, stable phase he points people to lighter foods and fresh juices instead.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- For the acute, painful, feverish phase of gallstones; traditionally also used for liver heat and red, swollen eyes.
- These herbs are bitter and very cooling. Frail children should skip the dandelion (use a couple of candied dates instead). Pregnant readers should be cautious. A blocked bile duct is an emergency — see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Yin chen (capillary wormwood): Bitter and cooling; traditionally clears damp-heat and supports the gallbladder and bile flow.
- Dandelion (pu gong ying): Traditionally clears heat and resolves toxins.
- Corn silk (yu mi xu): Traditionally promotes urination and gentle drainage; fresh is considered more effective than dried.
Ingredients (3 servings for 1 day)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yin chen | ~1 tael (38 g) | Rinse |
| Dandelion | ~1 tael (38 g) | Rinse |
| Fresh corn silk | ~2 tael (75 g) | Rinse; dried may be substituted |
| White sugar | to taste |
Method
- Rinse all the herbs.
- Add 5 bowls of water and simmer about half an hour down to 3 bowls.
- Sweeten with a little white sugar (or use a little licorice / gan cao instead).
- Divide into 3 servings across the day. Traditionally taken for about 2 weeks.
Bro Niu’s tips
Yin chen is also traditionally used for its eye-brightening, detoxifying side, so this soup is associated with helping liver heat and red, swollen eyes. For frail children, leave out the cold dandelion and use two candied dates instead of sugar. Remember: this is for the flare, not for daily long-term use — the herbs are very cooling.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Mei): My gallbladder has already been removed — can I still drink corn silk with yin chen and dandelion? Bro Niu: For a few months after removal, avoid high-fat foods to prevent diarrhea; corn silk tea in moderation is fine, and that combination is the right pairing.
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Q (scy): If I can’t find fresh corn silk, can I buy dried corn silk at the herb shop? Bro Niu: Yes, dried corn silk can be used. Fresh-pressed apple or pumpkin juice may also help with gallstones, drunk within 5 minutes of pressing, one cup a day.
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Q (Florah): Is yin chen the same as mian yin chen? Bro Niu: Yes, yin chen is mian yin chen.
Published November 30, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
