Toasted Sour Jujube Seed, Biota Seed and Red Date Soup

Why people make this soup

Life in the city runs fast, and a lot of people lie awake with a busy, tense mind. Leaning on sleeping pills can become a habit, so Nourilo likes to start with food therapy, which tends to come with fewer downsides. Sour jujube seed and biota seed are both classic calming foods, and they taste good cooked into a soup or congee — a comforting way to help wind the night down.

Method

1. Dry-toast the sour jujube seed and biota seed in a pan (no oil) until fragrant — about 5 minutes. Pit the red dates.
2. Put everything in a pot with 1.5 L of water and simmer 1 hour, down to about 600 ml.
3. Stir in honey to taste. Take once in the morning and once in the evening; 3 days makes one course.

Nourilo’s Tips

Dry-toasting the seeds first is said to deepen the effect. This soup is also traditionally suited to people with palpitations and forgetfulness from blood deficiency, or with dry, sluggish bowels. For long-term poor sleep, you can take it about 3–4 times a week.