Hand Orchid Tuber (Handra), Lily Bulb and Red Date Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Hand orchid tuber (fo shou shen) is an unusual find — a small, hand-shaped root with finger-like lobes splayed out, quite unlike anything commonly stocked at a typical herb shop. This orchid family tuber, harvested from the highlands of Ningxia and Qinghai provinces, has been used in Chinese herbal tradition to nourish the body, support lung function, and calm frayed nerves. Paired with lily bulb — one of the most classic lung-soothing ingredients in Cantonese soup — and sweet red dates, the result is a gentle, pleasant-tasting brew that anyone with a chronic cough or tired constitution might appreciate.

Method

1. Rinse all the ingredients. Soak the lily bulb briefly in cold water to soften it slightly.
2. Combine all ingredients except the rock sugar in a pot with 1.5 L of cold water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to roughly 600 ml.
5. Add rock sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
6. Serve warm and drink the full 2 bowls across the day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup has a mild, naturally sweet flavour with almost no medicinal bitterness — most people find it surprisingly pleasant. It works well as an ongoing wellness soup for those who are constitutionally weak or recovering from respiratory illness. Lean pork can be added for a more savoury version; simply omit the rock sugar if adding pork. Hand orchid tuber (fo shou shen) is available at Chinese or Asian grocers and herbal medicine shops, or online. If unavailable, Prince’s ginseng (tai zi shen) is a widely available and suitable substitute.