Soups
Mantis Egg-Case (Sang Piao Xiao) Bladder-Steadying Soup
Traditionally taken to support the kidney and steady the bladder
Why people make this soup
Sang piao xiao is one of those curious old herbs — it is the dried egg case of a mantis, often gathered from mulberry trees, and Chinese medicine has long valued it for steadying the bladder. It is traditionally used for postpartum frequent urination and leakage, childhood bed-wetting from low kidney energy, and similar concerns. Bro Niu pairs it here with three more kidney-firming foods — Cherokee rose hip, raspberry and fox nut — plus southern jujube to nourish, making a soup aimed at frequent and night-time urination linked to a depleted kidney.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with frequent urination, lots of night-time urination, or postpartum urinary leakage tied to low kidney energy; also children’s bed-wetting.
- CAUTION: NOT suitable during pregnancy, as it may cause the uterus to contract.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Mantis egg case (sang piao xiao): Traditionally used to firm the kidney and steady the bladder for frequent urination and leakage.
- Cherokee rose hip (jin ying zi): Long used to firm the kidney and reduce excessive urination.
- Raspberry (fu pen zi): Traditionally associated with firming the kidney and supporting against frequent night-time urination.
- Fox nut (qian shi): Strengthens the spleen and supports the kidney, helping to hold and consolidate.
- Southern jujube (nan zao): Nourishes the kidney and liver and calms the mind.
Ingredients (2 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mantis egg case (sang piao xiao) | ~2 qian (about 7.5 g) | Rinsed |
| Cherokee rose hip (jin ying zi) | ~3 qian (about 11 g) | Rinsed |
| Raspberry (fu pen zi) | ~3 qian (about 11 g) | Rinsed |
| Fox nut (qian shi) | ~5 qian (about 19 g) | Rinsed |
| Southern jujube (nan zao) | 3 to 4 | Rinsed |
Method
- Soak and rinse all the ingredients clean.
- Add to a pot with 5 cups of water and simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to about 2 bowls.
- Take in portions over the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
The jin ying zi pictured is the fruit of the Cherokee rose, with a good firming, anti-leakage effect; fu pen zi is the wild raspberry, and those with frequent night urination might also keep dried raspberry preserves as a snack. But remember this soup may make the uterus contract, so it is not for pregnant women.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (A): My 43-year-old brother is having surgery today for vascular growth in his leg (injections plus electric ablation) under general anaesthetic, and the doctor says he’ll be hoarse for a few days afterwards. What soup or tea can help him recover? Bro Niu: After surgery, once he can drink, use 1 white radish and 2 pieces of aged tangerine peel (chen pi) in 5 cups of water, simmered 20 minutes down to 2 bowls, taken in portions over the day. Small sips help clear the anaesthetic faster; bigger gulps help move the bowels. He can take it for 2 doses.
Published May 11, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
