American Ginseng, Ophiopogon & Lotus Seed Pork Soup

American ginseng should always go in last and cook only briefly — prolonged boiling destroys some of its beneficial compounds. The recipe calls for slicing it thinly and simmering for just 5 minutes before turning off the heat.

Fresh lotus seeds with the core intact are the preferred choice for this recipe. If fresh lotus seeds are unavailable, dried lotus seeds with the core still attached (you wu xin lian zi) can be substituted at around 40 g.

Preparation takes about 15 minutes and cooking takes 55 minutes, for a total time of approximately 70 minutes. The finished soup yields roughly 0.9 to 1.2 litres.

This soup is traditionally used to nourish heart yin and calm the mind during hyperthyroidism recovery. In traditional Chinese food therapy, the ingredients are long associated with easing inner restlessness, and the soup is described as a gentle companion for those managing hyperthyroidism alongside conventional medical care.

Yes — the recipe notes that 40 g of dried lily bulb (bai he) can be added to the pot, as it deepens the calming, heart-nourishing effect of the soup.