Soups
Chinese Yam, Hyacinth Bean and Beef Soup
traditionally associated with strengthening the spleen, easing chronic loose stools and supporting digestion
Why people make this soup
Chronic digestive weakness — the kind that shows up as repeated loose stools, poor appetite, a gradually worsening complexion and low energy — is a pattern that Chinese food therapy has long addressed through the spleen and stomach framework. Rather than aggressive interventions, the goal is gentle, consistent nourishment of the body’s digestive function over time.
This soup caught Bro Niu’s attention at a Chinese dried goods store, where he spotted some unusually fine flat-shaped figs from Turkey — sweet, mellow and quite different from the rounder variety usually seen. He paired them with three classic spleen-strengthening ingredients: dried Chinese yam, white hyacinth beans and fox nuts. Together with beef, which is considered warm and nourishing to the spleen in traditional Chinese dietary thinking, the combination produces a mild, naturally sweet soup that is very easy on sensitive stomachs.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to people with a tendency toward loose stools, poor appetite, fatigue and pale complexion associated with digestive weakness
- Traditionally recommended for chronic gastroenteritis or chronic colitis where the pattern is one of spleen deficiency
- Considered appropriate for people managing blood sugar levels, as the ingredients are broadly low-glycaemic and supportive of digestive steadiness
- If beef does not suit you, lean pork can be substituted (as confirmed in the Q&A below)
- This is a mild, warming soup — it is not appropriate if there is a current fever or active infection
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): One of the most commonly prescribed food-therapy herbs for digestive weakness. Traditionally associated with tonifying the spleen and stomach, replenishing qi and arresting diarrhoea. Suitable for long-term regular use.
- White hyacinth beans (bai bian dou): Associated with strengthening the spleen and clearing digestive dampness. Dry-toasting the beans in a clean wok before adding them to the soup is said to further enhance their ability to firm loose stools.
- Fox nuts / Gordon Euryale seeds (qian shi): Traditionally linked to spleen and kidney support, and specifically to arresting diarrhoea. They also have a gently astringent quality.
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Supportive of gastric function, traditionally associated with easing diarrhoea, clearing phlegm and regulating qi. A naturally sweet ingredient that adds depth without requiring added sugar.
- Beef: Warm in nature, considered nourishing to the spleen and stomach. A good pairing with these herbs for building up digestive strength over time.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~37 g (1 liang) | Dried |
| White hyacinth beans (bai bian dou) | ~75 g (2 liang) | Can dry-toast first for stronger effect |
| Fox nuts (qian shi) | ~37 g (1 liang) | |
| Dried figs (wu hua guo) | 3–4 pieces | |
| Beef | ~225 g (6 liang) | Rinse and slice; or use lean pork |
Method
- Rinse the Chinese yam, hyacinth beans, fox nuts and dried figs.
- Optional but recommended: dry-toast the hyacinth beans in a clean, dry wok over low heat until lightly golden and fragrant. This step is said to improve their astringent, stool-firming quality.
- Slice the beef and rinse well.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 7–8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours until the soup reduces to approximately 4 bowls.
- Season lightly with salt if desired. Serve warm, drinking the broth and eating the softened beans, yam and meat.
Bro Niu’s tips
Dry-toasting the hyacinth beans in a clean wok before adding them to the pot is a simple step that noticeably strengthens the soup’s ability to firm loose stools. This soup can be enjoyed as a regular household dish — not just when symptoms are present. It is also well suited to people managing diabetes, as the ingredients are nourishing without being overly sweet or heavy.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Leehoma): Can beef be replaced with pork? Bro Niu: Yes, lean pork can be used instead.
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Q (anonymous reader): My daughter, age 30, recently had vomiting and diarrhoea. After medication she is better, but still has loose stools in the mornings. Her tongue shows teeth marks on the edges. What soup should she drink? Bro Niu: Teeth marks on the tongue may indicate spleen deficiency with dampness. Try making a soup with Chinese yam, fox nuts and dry-toasted hyacinth beans (each 5 qian) with 5 red dates and lean pork. For vomiting, boil a little perilla leaf with ginger and brown sugar for 10 minutes. For the tongue, also try a decoction of poria, white atractylodes and hyacinth bean coat with honey dates for 3–4 days.
Published June 22, 2014 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
