Four Herbs Soup with Fox Nut, Lotus Seeds & Daikon

Four Herbs Soup with Fox Nut, Lotus Seeds & Daikon (6 Servings)

Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 25 g dried fox nut barley (芡实, qiànshí)30 g dried lotus seeds (莲子, liánzǐ; ensure bitter cores are removed)
• 35 g dried Chinese yam slices (山药, shānyào)
• 30 g poria cocos (茯苓, fú líng)
• 1.8 pounds pork neck bones (or ~120 g dried soybeans for a vegetarian version)
• 4–5 slices fresh ginger (about ⅛-inch / 3 mm thick)
• 1 medium carrot (~7 oz), cut into chunks
• 1 small daikon radish (~10 oz), cut into chunks
• 9–10 cups water
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the herbs:
   Place the fox nut barley, lotus seeds, Chinese yam, and poria cocos in a bowl. Cover fully with water and soak for about 2 hours until softened.
2. Prepare the pork bones:
   Soak the pork bones in cold water for 45–60 minutes to draw out impurities. Rinse well afterward.Transfer to a pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, drain and rinse the bones thoroughly. Clean the pot before continuing—this helps keep the broth clear.
3. Build the soup:
   Return the cleaned pork bones to the pot. Drain the soaked herbs and add them in, along with ginger, carrot, daikon, and about 9–10 cups of water.
4. Simmer gently:
   Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes, keeping the broth lightly bubbling—not rapidly boiling.
5. Season and serve:
   Add salt to taste just before serving. The pork can be enjoyed separately with a light soy sauce dip if desired.

Effects/Benefits

Fox nut barley (芡实, qiànshí): Helps strengthen digestion, reduce excess moisture, and support kidney function.

Lotus seeds (莲子, liánzǐ): Nourish the spleen and heart, support digestion, and promote calmness and better sleep.

Chinese yam (山药, shānyào): Boosts digestion, supports lung and kidney health, and helps increase overall energy.

Poria cocos (茯苓, fú líng): Aids fluid balance, supports the spleen, and helps calm the mind.

Pork neck bones: Provide protein, collagen, and minerals that support strength, joints, and overall nourishment.

Ginger: Warms the body, aids digestion, and helps reduce bloating and nausea.

Carrot: Supports eye health, boosts immunity, and aids digestion with natural sweetness.

Daikon radish: Helps digestion, clears internal heat, and reduces phlegm and bloating.

Water: Keeps the body hydrated and helps extract and deliver nutrients from the ingredients.

Salt: Enhances flavor and helps maintain electrolyte balance when used in moderation.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy is a complementary approach and should not replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Individual responses to herbs and foods may vary.