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Lotus Root, Black Bean and Dried Octopus Pork Rib Soup

traditionally associated with nourishing the liver and blood, supporting hair health after childbirth

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
90 min
Total
110 min
Makes
1.2 L
Women's WellnessChildren's WellnessSkin & Natural BeautyLiver WellnessBlood NourishmentEveryday Balance
Lotus Root, Black Bean and Dried Octopus Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

It is very common for new mothers to notice more hair than usual on the pillow or in the shower drain in the weeks after giving birth. According to Cantonese food therapy, childbirth draws heavily on the body’s reserves of blood and essence (jing), and disrupted sleep from night feeds makes the situation worse — the body simply does not have enough nourishment left over to sustain a full head of hair. This soup pairs lotus root (cooling and blood-building) with green-kernel black beans (traditionally kidney-tonifying and hair-darkening) and dried octopus (rich in protein and associated with nourishing liver blood) to create a pot that is both delicious and genuinely sustaining. The combination is valued not only by postpartum mothers but by younger and middle-aged people who notice premature greying.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is this soup traditionally made for?

This soup is traditionally prepared for new mothers experiencing hair thinning after delivery. It is also enjoyed by younger and middle-aged people who notice premature greying or hair loss commonly associated with blood deficiency.

What role do green-kernel black beans play in this recipe?

In Cantonese food therapy, green-kernel black beans are traditionally associated with tonifying the kidneys and supporting hair darkening, making them a key ingredient in this soup alongside lotus root and dried octopus.

How long does this soup take to make, and how much does it yield?

The soup requires about 20 minutes of preparation and 90 minutes of simmering, for a total time of roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes. It yields approximately 1.2 litres.

Can breastfeeding mothers also benefit from this soup?

According to the recipe's tips, this soup has a traditional reputation for supporting milk production in breastfeeding mothers. The notes suggest adding 4 to 5 dried figs to further enhance this effect.

Is there a substitution for those with eczema concerns?

The recipe notes that if eczema is a concern, the dried octopus can be replaced with 2 to 3 dried scallops.

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