Pagoda Tree Flower, Dried Mussel, Black Bean and Fig Soup

Why people make this soup

A friend developed bleeding hemorrhoids from postpartum constipation and called Nourilo for a simple remedy — pagoda tree flower tea is traditionally enjoyed to help settle bowel and hemorrhoid bleeding. Pagoda tree flower is a classic blood-cooling ingredient. Nourilo turns it into this clear, savory soup with dried mussel, black bean and fig, traditionally enjoyed to help guard against hemorrhoid flare-ups and bleeding. The everyday habits matter too: regular bowel movements, less sitting or standing too long, less spicy “heating” food, more movement, more water and more fiber.

Method

1. Put the pagoda tree flower into a tea bag.
2. Soak and rinse the black beans.
3. Soak and rinse the dried mussel, then blanch.
4. Halve the dried figs.
5. Put everything in a pot with 2.1 L of water and simmer 1 hour down to 0.9–1.2 L; serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is clear and gentle, suiting young and old. Dried mussel (also called “wang cai”) is rich in protein and minerals and traditionally associated with supporting the blood. Even healthy people can enjoy this soup for its blood-supporting, calming and liver-heat-clearing qualities.