Nourilo

Soups

Lily Bulb and Job's Tears Soup

Traditionally used to ease joint discomfort and support uric acid management

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
10 min
Cook
1 hr
Total
1 hr 10 min
Makes
600 ml
Bone & Joint Wellness
Lily Bulb and Job's Tears Soup

Why people make this soup

Gout flares up suddenly — red, hot, swollen joints, most often in the toes or ankles — and can be genuinely debilitating. It happens when uric acid crystals build up in the joint spaces, often triggered by foods high in purines: shellfish, organ meats, most legumes, mushrooms, and alcohol. Beyond diet changes and staying well hydrated, Cantonese food-therapy traditions have long turned to lily bulb (bai he) and job’s tears (sheng yi mi) as a gentle, daily-use brew to support the body’s fluid metabolism and ease joint discomfort. Lily bulb contains colchicine and related compounds, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. Job’s tears are one of the most commonly used ingredients in Chinese wellness cooking for clearing dampness and supporting the urinary system.

Members only

Unlock the full method & Nourilo's tips

One payment, lifetime access to every one of our 2,303 recipes — step-by-step methods, preparation tips and serving notes.

  • Full step-by-step method for this and all 2,303 recipes
  • Nourilo's Tips — sourcing, substitutions and serving notes
  • One-time payment via PayPal · no subscription, no renewals

Checking your access…

Frequently asked questions

What do lily bulb and job's tears traditionally do in this soup?

Both ingredients are traditionally valued for supporting fluid metabolism and are commonly associated with easing the joint discomfort linked with gout, as part of a balanced diet. Lily bulb is traditionally used in Chinese wellness cooking, while job's tears are one of the most commonly used ingredients for clearing dampness and supporting the urinary system.

How long does this soup take to make, and how much does it yield?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes, plus a 20–30 minute soak for the ingredients before cooking. The soup then simmers for 1 hour, reducing from 1.8 L of water down to approximately 600 ml.

How is this soup traditionally served?

It is traditionally served warm, eating the lily bulb and job's tears along with the broth. A small addition of rock sugar makes it feel more like a dessert drink, which helps with regular use as a daily wellness brew.

Are there any dietary considerations for gout sufferers who make this soup?

The recipe notes that gout patients should be mindful of their overall diet. Whole grains such as brown rice and black rice are generally considered fine, but most legumes — apart from red adzuki beans — should be kept to a minimum.

Why is the soaking water discarded before cooking?

The instructions call for rinsing the lily bulb and job's tears, soaking them separately in cold water for 20–30 minutes, and then draining and discarding the soaking water before placing both ingredients in fresh water for cooking.

You might also like

Related recipes

More soups →

Comments

Loading comments…