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Lotus Seed, Cicada Shell and Rush Pith Soup

traditionally associated with calming an overexcited mind, easing night crying and restlessness in young children

In short: Lotus Seed, Cicada Shell and Rush Pith Soup is a soup that traditionally associated with calming an overexcited mind, easing night crying and restlessness in young children. It is most often made for children's wellness, sleep & calm. Total time about 55 min. Key ingredients: rush pith.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
10 min
Cook
45 min
Total
55 min
Makes
450 ml
Children's WellnessSleep & Calm
Lotus Seed, Cicada Shell and Rush Pith Soup

Why people make this soup

When a young child cries through the night, the first job is to rule out the obvious: is the nappy wet, is the room too warm or too cold, is the clothing too tight? Once those are ruled out, traditional Cantonese food therapy points to internal heat along the heart channel — the child is overstimulated, perhaps from a loud outing or too many visitors during the day, and their little nervous system cannot wind down. This simple three-ingredient preparation has been trusted by Cantonese families for generations. It is mild, naturally low in strong flavours, and Nourilo often recommends it as a starter tea for infants under one year old.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Lotus seeds · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Lotus seed meals had a low glycemic index (GI 21–51 across the lotus seed and adzuki bean meals), while several other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Lotus seed's in vitro hydrolysis index was also lower than that of other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal tests, so findings may not apply to people with diabetes or to long-term intake.PubMed 30875961

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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