Ophiopogon, Lily Bulb and Longan Sweet Soup

Why people make this sweet soup

Hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid — is most commonly seen in young people, particularly young women. The thyroid becomes overstimulated, leading to a classic cluster of symptoms: a racing heart, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, anxiety and irritability, difficulty sleeping, weight loss despite a good appetite, and sometimes emotional instability. In Chinese medicine, this pattern — heat, hyperactivity, and restlessness — is associated with yin deficiency and heart fire. This gentle sweet soup (tang shui) addresses those qualities directly. Ophiopogon root (mai dong) is one of the classic yin-nourishing herbs, widely used in Chinese medicine to moisten the lungs and heart, generate fluids, and reduce heat. Lily bulb (bai he) is famously used to calm the spirit and ease heat-related restlessness — it is a key ingredient in the classical formula Bai He Di Huang Tang, which targets exactly this kind of emotional-physical heat pattern. Longan flesh adds warmth and gentleness, and is said to nourish the heart and blood.

Method

1. Rinse and briefly soak ophiopogon root and lily bulb.
2. Rinse longan flesh.
3. Add all ingredients (except rock sugar) to a pot with 1.2 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer.
5. Cook for 30 minutes until you have approximately 2 bowls.
6. Add rock sugar, stir to dissolve, and serve. Eat the lily bulb and longan along with the soup.

Nourilo’s Tips

This sweet soup is mild and easy to drink, suitable for the whole family in double or triple quantities. For those actively managing hyperthyroidism with medication, a daily flower-herb tea of American ginseng (hua qi shen / xi yang shen), ophiopogon root, and goji berries (each about 1 tablespoon) steeped together is also very helpful — it can help ease sweating, heat sensations, and shortness of breath, and can be prepared easily in a tea bag to take to work. For pregnant women who want a similar calming effect, simply swap the longan for 6 red dates and the formula remains safe and soothing.