Yin Chen, Dandelion and Corn Silk Soup

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. Nourilo 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.

Method

1. Rinse all the herbs.
2. Add 1.5 L of water and simmer about half an hour down to 900 ml.
3. Sweeten with a little white sugar (or use a little licorice / gan cao instead).
4. Divide into 3 servings across the day. Traditionally taken for about 2 weeks.

Nourilo’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.