Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb, Red Date and Wheat Berry Soup

Why people make this soup

In Chinese food-therapy tradition, the best beauty and wellness products are not found in a pharmacy — they are found in whole grains, seeds, and plant foods that nourish from the inside out. Bro Niu loves wheat berries (whole wheat kernels) as a base for this kind of soup because, unlike refined grains, they retain all their vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Combined with the calming properties of lotus seeds and lily bulb, and the gentle sweetness of red dates, the result is a soothing, mildly sweet soup that many people in Chinese-speaking households use to wind down before bed or on days when stress feels high.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suits people who feel mentally restless, have difficulty falling asleep, experience heart palpitations, or feel generally run-down. Particularly well-suited to breastfeeding mothers after delivery, and people going through life transitions that bring anxiety or mood fluctuations.
• Also traditionally considered helpful for children or adults who grind their teeth at night, and for those in or approaching menopause with emotional ups and downs.
• Those who want to add meat can do so — just omit the rock sugar.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Lotus seeds (lian zi): Known in Chinese dietary practice as the “fruit of the spleen,” lotus seeds are associated with calming the mind, easing palpitations, and supporting digestive function. Removing the plumule (the green bitter core) gives a milder, slightly sweet flavour.
• Lily bulb (bai he): A delicate root vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet taste; in traditional use it is associated with calming restlessness, supporting the lungs, and easing a troubled mind.
• Red dates (hong zao): A beloved Chinese pantry staple; traditionally used to nourish the blood, strengthen the stomach, and add natural sweetness to soups without refined sugar.
• Wheat berries (mai mi): Whole unprocessed wheat kernels — rich in B vitamins and minerals that support energy metabolism and nervous system comfort.

Ingredients (4–5 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh lotus seeds (lian zi)	80 g	Or 40 g dried; remove the bitter green plumule
Fresh lily bulb (bai he)	80 g	Or 40 g dried; separate the petals
Red dates (hong zao)	8 pieces	Pitted
Wheat berries (mai mi)	80 g	Whole wheat kernels; soak 2 hours before cooking
Rock sugar (bing tang)	To taste	Add near the end

Method

1. Soak wheat berries in cold water for 2 hours; drain before cooking.
2. Rinse lotus seeds and fresh lily bulb; pit the red dates.
3. Place wheat berries, red dates, and lotus seeds in a pot with 8 bowls (about 2 litres) of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5. Add lily bulb petals and rock sugar; cook a further few minutes until sugar dissolves.
6. Serve warm, eating both the soup and the ingredients.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup is especially comforting for people in or approaching menopause who experience mood swings or emotional sensitivity. Children and adults who grind their teeth at night — often a sign of pent-up tension — may also benefit from having it a few times a week. If you prefer a savoury version, add a piece of lean pork or chicken and skip the rock sugar. Pregnant women (including those in the third trimester who have trouble sleeping) can enjoy this soup as well.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Joyce, 15 weeks pregnant): I can only sleep about 3 hours a night — half-awake the rest of the time. Is this soup safe for me? I can’t find wheat berries in Taiwan. Bro Niu: This soup is suitable for you. Wheat berries are sometimes called “xiao mai” or small wheat — the kind used in sweetened wheat porridge. If you truly cannot find them, substitute 80 g of black glutinous rice. No need to worry.

• Q (Flora, child age 4 starting to grind teeth at night): How long should we drink this? Every day? Bro Niu: Children often grind their teeth because of unspoken anxiety — perhaps about a new school environment or changes at home. Make the wheat and lotus sweet soup about 3 times a week. Most importantly, spend more time talking with your child, listen from his perspective, offer praise and reassurance, and avoid teasing him about it. Once he feels more relaxed, the grinding usually settles on its own.

• Q (Poc): Can meat be added to this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add meat — just leave out the rock sugar. It works well either way.

---

Published July 27, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.