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Soap Pod Seed, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb & Longan Soup

traditionally used for postpartum nourishment, supporting milk production, and body recovery

In short: Soap Pod Seed, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb & Longan Soup is a soup that traditionally used for postpartum nourishment, supporting milk production, and body recovery. It is most often made for women's wellness, energy & vitality, everyday balance. Total time about 70 min. Key ingredients: lotus seeds, lily bulb, longan flesh, red dates.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
10 min
Cook
60 min
Total
70 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Women's WellnessEnergy & VitalityEveryday Balance
Soap Pod Seed, Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb & Longan Soup

Why people make this soup

Soap pod seeds — known in Cantonese food shops as “snow lotus seeds” (xue lian zi) — are the seeds of the soap tree pod (Gleditsia sinensis), and they behave quite differently from most seeds: soaked in warm water, they swell and become semi-translucent, with a smooth, slightly gelatinous texture that is remarkably pleasant to eat. Their plant-based gelatin content makes them particularly popular for digestive comfort, weight management, and blood sugar balance. For new mothers in particular, Nourilo highlights two benefits: soap pod seeds are said to support milk production and aid postpartum body recovery. Paired with heart-calming lotus seeds, moistening lily bulb, and sweet longan, this is a soup that is as soothing to drink as it is easy to make.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Lotus seeds · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Lotus seed meals had a low glycemic index (GI 21–51 across the lotus seed and adzuki bean meals), while several other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Lotus seed's in vitro hydrolysis index was also lower than that of other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal tests, so findings may not apply to people with diabetes or to long-term intake.PubMed 30875961
  • Red dates · Meta-analysis, 483 participants · 2025
    Jujube was associated with significantly lower BMI and triglycerides, and lower fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. LDL and total cholesterol fell only in some subgroups. HDL, AST and ALT did not change significantly.Limitation: The authors state the overall quality of the evidence is limited, and results varied significantly by dose, treatment duration and disease type.PubMed 40399274 · 3 more red dates studies

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

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