Lotus Seed, Poria and Schisandra Berry Soup (Lian Zi Fu Shen Wu Wei Zi Tang)

Why people make this soup

Schisandra (wu wei zi) has received growing research attention in recent years for its potential to support liver health — specifically, studies have suggested that schisandra may be associated with reductions in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme that is often elevated in liver conditions including fatty liver disease. Effectiveness rates of over 85% in some studies have made it a topic of real scientific interest, not just traditional lore. At the same time, in traditional Chinese food therapy, schisandra is used to tonify qi and calm the spirit — and fatty liver patients often also struggle with fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and general malaise. This soup addresses both the traditional pattern and the modern concern in one mild, well-balanced dish.

Method

1. Rinse lotus seeds, poria, and schisandra berries; soak briefly.
2. If using lean pork, blanch briefly in boiling water and set aside.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 1.5 L of cold water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to approximately 600 ml.
5. Drink the soup and eat the lotus seeds. Season lightly if desired.

Dessert variation: Omit the meat, add rock sugar (bing tang) to taste, and serve as a sweet soup. Can also be made as a porridge with rice.

Nourilo’s Tips

Schisandra is naturally quite sour, and some people find it creates a sensation of warmth or mild discomfort in the stomach. Taking it after a meal, or adding a few red dates and goji berries to soften its impact, usually resolves this. Lightly toasting the berries first in a dry pan enhances their effect and reduces stomach upset for sensitive individuals. For a family-sized pot (4 servings), scale up: lotus seeds 75 g, poria 38 g, schisandra 19 g, red dates 8 pieces, lean pork 250 g, water 8 bowls cooked down to 4. This soup is gentle enough for long-term use. For liver support, aim for twice a week for 1–2 months, then assess.