Tofu Skin, Ginkgo, Barley, and Water Chestnut Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

A little vaginal discharge in the middle of the menstrual cycle is completely normal physiology. But when the discharge becomes continuous, unusually heavy, or accompanied by an unpleasant odour, it can be a sign that the body is struggling with what traditional Chinese medicine describes as an excess of “dampness” in the lower body. This light, refreshing sweet soup has been used for generations in Cantonese food therapy for exactly that purpose. Barley drains dampness from the digestive system; ginkgo nuts traditionally help reduce and consolidate excessive discharge; fresh tofu skin nourishes and moistens without being heavy; and water chestnuts cool and clear heat. Together they make a surprisingly delicious dessert soup that is genuinely pleasant to drink rather than feeling like medicine.