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Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Snow Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

Traditionally associated with nourishing the skin, calming the mind and supporting restful sleep

In short: Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Snow Lotus Seed Sweet Soup is a soup that Traditionally associated with nourishing the skin, calming the mind and supporting restful sleep. It is most often made for skin & natural beauty, sleep & calm, everyday balance. Total time about 75 min. Key ingredients: lotus seeds, lily bulb, red dates, rock sugar.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
15 min
Cook
60 min
Total
75 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Skin & Natural BeautySleep & CalmEveryday Balance
Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Snow Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

Why people make this sweet soup

Snow lotus seed goes by a glamorous name, but it is actually called soap pod seed (zao jiao mi) in Chinese herbalism — a small, pearlescent seed with a silky-smooth, slightly chewy texture when cooked overnight. It has long been used in southern Chinese kitchens as a skin-supporting ingredient, traditionally associated with clearing liver heat, supporting the eyes and nourishing the complexion. Nourilo pairs it here with lotus seeds (which calm and strengthen the spleen-heart connection), dried lily bulb (which settles the mind and supports sleep), longan flesh (which warms and nourishes the blood) and red dates (which add natural sweetness and support digestion). The result is a soothing sweet soup that is as enjoyable for its flavor and texture as it is for its traditional benefits — a pot of quiet self-care on a restless evening.

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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