Nourilo

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Lotus Seed, Sour Jujube and Longan Soup

Traditionally used to nourish heart-blood and support restful sleep

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
10 min
Cook
60 min
Total
70 min
Makes
900 ml
Heart & CirculationSleep & CalmBlood NourishmentEveryday Balance
Lotus Seed, Sour Jujube and Longan Soup

Why people make this soup

There is a particular kind of tiredness that comes not from lack of sleep, but from too much dreaming — the kind where you wake up feeling like your brain never had a real rest. In Chinese food-therapy thinking, this pattern is associated with what practitioners call “scanty heart-blood and weak heart-qi”: the body is sleeping, but the mind keeps running. Nourilo sees this as increasingly common in modern life, and he offers this soup as a gentle, nourishing way to support the transition into deeper, quieter sleep. The ingredients have a mildly sweet, slightly complex flavour — not at all medicinal-tasting — and the whole family can share it. Drink it about two hours before bedtime.

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Frequently asked questions

What does this soup traditionally do in Chinese food-therapy thinking?

This soup is traditionally prepared to nourish the heart and spleen and support calm, restful sleep. In Chinese food-therapy thinking, the ingredients are associated with supporting the transition into deeper, quieter sleep, particularly for those who sleep but wake feeling unrestored from excessive dreaming.

When should this soup be taken?

It is traditionally taken about two hours before bedtime. You can also eat the soft lotus seeds, euryale, and lily bulb along with the soup.

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

The soup takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to simmer, for a total time of about 70 minutes. It yields roughly 900 ml, described as a family serving.

Is this soup suitable for people with constipation?

Lotus seeds and euryale are noted to be mildly astringent (binding), so those with constipation tendencies should take note. The recipe suggests considering a separate soup made with black wood ear fungus, dried figs, lily bulb, and longan as an alternative.

Is fresh or dried lily bulb better for this recipe?

Dried lily bulb is preferred; the recipe specifically notes that dried lily bulb has a stronger therapeutic effect than fresh lily bulb.

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