Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb & Ophiopogon Brew

Why people make this brew

After a cold or fever passes in children, the body does not always fully recover its balance right away. The heat may linger internally, showing up as a dry mouth, restlessness, tearfulness, and disrupted sleep. In Chinese food therapy, this state is described as residual heat interfering with the heart and lungs. Nourilo often recommends this gentle three-ingredient brew as a simple, safe way to help children settle back into comfortable rest after illness — and notes that it works just as well for adults dealing with palpitations, mild insomnia, or a restless, unsettled feeling.

Method

1. Rinse all ingredients briefly.
2. Place lotus seeds, lily bulb, and ophiopogon in a pot with 1.2–1.5 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for about 1 hour until lotus seeds are tender.
4. Add rock sugar to taste and stir to dissolve.
5. Serve the broth and eat the soup ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

For very young children who cannot chew, cook the same ingredients into a congee (porridge) — the lotus seeds will soften completely and become easy to eat. If the child’s tongue tip appears red, which in Chinese medicine signals heart heat, look for lotus seeds that still have the thin green central shoot (lian xin) — this bitter shoot is traditionally considered the most effective part for clearing that internal heat. You can also add 6 bundles of rush pith (deng xin cao) to the brew for even better calming results. Adults with palpitations or insomnia will also benefit from this brew.