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Lotus Root, Black Bean and Dried Octopus Soup

traditionally used to nourish liver blood and support healthy hair

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
2 hr
Total
2 hr 20 min
Makes
1.2–1.5 L
Skin & Natural BeautyLiver WellnessBlood NourishmentEveryday Balance
Lotus Root, Black Bean and Dried Octopus Soup

Why people make this soup

Finding grey hairs in your twenties or thirties can feel unsettling, especially when it seems to be happening faster than it should. In traditional Chinese food therapy, premature greying and hair thinning that are not entirely explained by genetics are often linked to insufficient liver blood — the idea being that the blood that nourishes the hair follicles becomes depleted by overwork, poor sleep, chronic worry or emotional exhaustion. This soup brings together three ingredients with a long history of use in that context: lotus root for cooling and nourishing the blood, black soybeans for their association with kidney and liver support (dark-coloured foods have long been connected with hair health in Chinese tradition), and dried octopus for its rich, nourishing quality and mild sweet flavour that makes it a natural base ingredient in blood-building soups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is this soup traditionally used for?

This soup is traditionally used to nourish liver blood and support hair vitality. In traditional Chinese food therapy, premature greying and hair thinning linked to blood deficiency — often associated with overwork, poor sleep, chronic worry, or emotional exhaustion — are the contexts in which this soup has a long history of use.

Why do the black soybeans need to be toasted before adding them to the soup?

Toasting the black soybeans in a dry wok prevents them from being too cold in nature, which can cause stomach discomfort in some people. It also brings out a richer, nuttier flavour.

Can I cook this soup in an iron pot?

No. The astringent quality of lotus root reacts with iron and causes the soup to turn an unpleasant grey colour. A clay pot or large non-iron soup pot is recommended instead.

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

The recipe yields approximately 1.2 to 1.5 litres of soup. It takes about 20 minutes of preparation and 2 hours of cooking, for a total time of around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

How often is this soup traditionally taken to support hair health?

According to the recipe's tips, consistency matters more than frequency. Drinking this soup 2 to 3 times a week over several weeks, as part of a regular routine, is considered more beneficial than occasional large quantities.

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