Polygonatum, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Red Date Drink

Why people make this drink

Common symptoms around menopause include hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, insomnia, osteoporosis, declining memory and mood changes. Nourilo suggests paying attention to physical and emotional wellbeing as menopause approaches, with a balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep as part of maintaining overall health. This polygonatum, lotus seed, lily bulb and red date drink is traditionally used to nourish the spleen, stomach and other organs and support qi and blood. Polygonatum is also traditionally associated with nourishing lung and stomach yin, supporting the skin and promoting calm.

Method

1. Soak and rinse all the ingredients. Pit the red dates.
2. Put everything in a pot with 5–6 bowls of water.
3. Cook for 40 minutes, reducing to 2–3 bowls.
4. Serve the liquid together with the cooked ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This drink is fragrant and pleasant-tasting, and Nourilo says it can be enjoyed by young and old. In traditional food therapy, it is often turned to for lung and stomach dryness and heat, especially when accompanied by a dry throat, thirst or restless sleep.