Soups
Monkey Head Mushroom, Chinese Yam, Gorgon Seed and Lily Bulb Soup
Traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen to reduce phlegm, supporting digestion, and building resilience in children
Why people make this soup
When young children start attending school or nursery, they are suddenly exposed to a much larger pool of airborne viruses and bacteria. It is not unusual for a child to seem to be perpetually recovering — a runny nose fading into a chesty rattle that never quite goes away. In Chinese medicine, this phlegm-prone tendency in children is often linked to a weakened spleen function, because the spleen (in the traditional sense) governs digestion and the processing of dampness in the body. When the digestive system is not working at full strength, the body tends to produce more phlegm. The remedy, then, is not just to chase the phlegm but to strengthen the foundation — and that is exactly what this gentle, savoury soup aims to do. It is suitable for the whole family, not just children.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited for children with a tendency toward excess phlegm, frequent illness, poor appetite, loose stools, or night sweating
- Also suitable for adults recovering from illness, those with a weak digestive system, or cancer patients in recovery
- Do not use during an active fever or ongoing acute illness — address the acute condition first, then use this soup for recovery and strengthening
- Infants under 1 year old: this soup is gentle, but Bro Niu recommends waiting until at least 12 months before giving herb-based soups regularly
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu / Hericium erinaceus): A now widely researched culinary mushroom; traditionally valued in Chinese food therapy for strengthening the stomach and digestive system; also associated with building overall vitality
- Chinese yam (huai shan / Dioscorea opposita): One of the most classic spleen-tonifying foods in Cantonese cooking; gently nourishing, starchy, and very well tolerated by children and elderly alike
- Gorgon fruit / euryale seed (qian shi): Works alongside Chinese yam to strengthen the spleen and kidneys; traditionally used to reduce loose stools and excessive phlegm production
- Dried lily bulb (bai he): Cools and calms the lungs; reduces cough and soothes restlessness or poor sleep
- Red dates (hong zao): Gently tonifying; adds sweetness and supports the blood and digestive system
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu, dried) | 2–3 pieces | Soak until soft, squeeze out excess water |
| Chinese yam (huai shan, dried) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinse and soak briefly; or use fresh (~75–100 g) |
| Gorgon fruit / euryale seed (qian shi) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Dried lily bulb (bai he) | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 pieces | Can remove pits |
| Water | 6 bowls | Reduces to about 3 bowls |
Method
- Soak the monkey head mushrooms in cold water for about 20–30 minutes until soft. Squeeze out excess water gently before using.
- Rinse the remaining dried ingredients.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 6 bowls of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for about 2 hours until the liquid reduces to roughly 3 bowls.
- Serve the soup and encourage children to eat the mushroom, yam, and euryale seeds alongside the broth.
Bro Niu’s tips
This recipe is flexible: rice can be added to make a congee version, or lean pork added for a more substantial savoury soup. All versions are equally suitable for the whole family. The ingredients are gentle enough for regular use. Other mushrooms — such as shiitake, himematsutake (ji song rong), or maitake — can be added alongside without any conflict. Chayote (he zhang gua) and carrot are also pleasant additions. If the child also has a lot of phlegm, Bro Niu suggests addressing the phlegm directly first with a separate remedy before starting this strengthening soup, as tonifying soups are generally not used during an active acute condition.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (reader): Can this soup be made with chicken or quail instead of just water? Bro Niu: Yes, poultry can be used to cook this soup. It is best to remove the fat and skin before cooking.
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Q (reader): Can other mushrooms be added — for example, himematsutake or tea tree mushrooms? Can carrot also be added? Bro Niu: Other mushrooms and carrot can absolutely be added. None of these conflict with the main ingredients.
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Q (Man Man): Can flower gelatin (fa giao) be added to this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, flower gelatin (fa jiao / fish maw) can be added to this soup.
Published June 15, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
