Lotus Root, Mung Bean, Dried Octopus and Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo found big, fragrant sun-dried octopus at the dried-seafood shop and could not resist — dried octopus makes an exceptionally savory, sweet broth. In food-therapy tradition, octopus is associated with nourishing the blood and supporting milk supply, and with protecting the liver and heart-and-vessel health. This particular pot is a classic for new mothers whose milk is low and whose qi and blood feel depleted.