Soups
Smilax, Corn, Carrot, Adzuki and Hyacinth Bean Soup
Traditionally used to clear damp-heat and soothe itchy skin
Why people make this soup
When immunity is low, very dry or very humid weather can set the skin itching. Scratching gives brief relief but often makes it worse — an itch-scratch cycle. Bro Niu reminds you that very hot showers feel soothing at first but strip the skin’s oils and dry it out, making things worse, so keep the water cool when itching flares; easing stress helps too, since anxiety can trigger itch. Today’s bowl is a comforting, heat-and-damp-clearing family soup traditionally turned to for damp-heat skin troubles and eczema.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People bothered by damp-heat-type itchy skin or mild eczema flares; gentle enough for all ages.
- Itchy skin has many causes — if it persists for several weeks, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Smilax root (tu fu ling): traditionally used to clear damp-heat and toxins, often for skin complaints.
- Adzuki bean (chi xiao dou): traditionally used to drain damp and reduce puffiness.
- Hyacinth bean (bian dou): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and ease damp, and softens the soup’s cooling nature.
- Corn and carrot: lend natural sweetness and gentle nourishment.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh smilax root, sliced (tu fu ling) | 1 liang (~37 g) | |
| Corn (su mi) | 2 cobs | husked, cut |
| Carrot (gan sun) | 1 | peeled, cut |
| Adzuki bean (chi xiao dou) | 1 liang (~37 g) | |
| Hyacinth bean (bian dou) | 1 liang (~37 g) | |
| Pork shin (zhu zhan) | 1 piece | blanched |
Method
- Soak and rinse the smilax, adzuki and hyacinth beans separately. Husk and cut the corn. Peel and cut the carrot.
- Cut the pork shin and blanch.
- Combine everything with 8–9 bowls of water and simmer about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Clean and lightly sweet with little herb flavour, suitable for all ages. Because itchy skin can have many causes, if it does not clear after several weeks, please see a doctor.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Cherry): If I’m worried it’s too cooling, can I add tangerine peel or ginger? Bro Niu: Yes, add tangerine peel or ginger. There’s no need for Job’s tears here — the adzuki and hyacinth bean already greatly reduce the cooling nature.
- Q (Joey): How does fresh smilax compare with dried? Bro Niu: Fresh smilax works better. The dried kind is treated with chemicals to keep it from oxidising and discolouring, so it isn’t as pure as fresh.
- Q (Catherine Lin): Can I add bai zhu (atractylodes) to this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, adding bai zhu makes the food-therapy benefit better, though its taste is so-so.
Published April 14, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
