Poria, Black Sesame, Walnut & Black Rice Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) in traditional Chinese food therapy is often linked to either emotional stress restricting the flow of blood, or a cold, damp pattern in the uterine channel — particularly in women who habitually eat cold foods, drink iced beverages, or swim during their period. Over time, this “cold stagnation” pattern causes menstrual blood to flow sluggishly and painfully. This soup takes a gentle warming and nourishing approach: the black ingredients (black sesame, walnut, black rice) are traditionally associated with deeply nourishing the kidneys and liver, while poria calms and strengthens the spleen-stomach network, and adzuki beans support blood building. The result is a naturally sweet, sesame-fragrant soup that families can enjoy together — not just women with period concerns.

Method

1. Soak all ingredients separately for 20–30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
2. Remove pits from the dates.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until liquid reduces to about 1.2 L.
5. Serve as a sweet soup. No extra sugar is needed — the dates and rice provide natural sweetness — but a small piece of rock sugar or brown sugar can be added if desired.

Nourilo’s Tips

This is one of Nourilo’s favourite all-family soups — sweet, fragrant with sesame, and genuinely delicious. It suits the whole household, not just women. Black sesame seeds can be lightly toasted in a dry pan before adding to the pot to bring out their nutty aroma. For a heartier version, add a few pieces of lean pork or chicken. Women can drink this during their period without worry — the formula is nourishing rather than strongly moving. It is also excellent for menopausal women who feel weak, prone to water retention, or whose hair has started to grey early.