Soups

Green Papaya & Si Shen (Four-Herb) Soup

Traditionally supports digestion and a comfortable stomach

In short: Green Papaya & Si Shen (Four-Herb) Soup is a soup that Traditionally supports digestion and a comfortable stomach. It is most often made for digestive wellness, women's wellness. Total time about 1 hr 45 min. Key ingredients: green papaya, chinese yam, poria, lotus seeds.

Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr 30 min
Total
1 hr 45 min
Makes
1.2–1.5 L
Green Papaya & Si Shen (Four-Herb) Soup

Why people make this soup

The firm green, unripe papaya is the one Nourilo reaches for when making soup, rather than the sweet ripe yellow variety. It carries about twice the fiber of ripe papaya, and its natural enzymes are traditionally said to help break down beans and meats. When your meals sit heavy and your stomach bloats easily, a pot of this is a comforting choice.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Lotus seeds · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Lotus seed meals had a low glycemic index (GI 21–51 across the lotus seed and adzuki bean meals), while several other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Lotus seed's in vitro hydrolysis index was also lower than that of other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal tests, so findings may not apply to people with diabetes or to long-term intake.PubMed 30875961

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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