Adenophora, Solomon's Seal, Lotus Seed and Corn Soup

Why people make this soup

Managing high blood pressure, high blood fats or coronary heart disease is a long-term endeavour, and alongside medical treatment, daily nourishment matters. People with these conditions commonly experience palpitations, restless sleep, poor appetite, excessive phlegm, or mild water retention. This soup takes a gentle, balanced approach: adenophora root and Solomon’s seal, both classic herbs for nourishing yin and clearing heat, are paired with calming lotus seeds, sweet corn for digestive and diuretic support, and lean pork as a mild protein base. The result is a pleasant, mildly sweet soup that supports the heart and stomach without being heavy or heating.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults, young and old; good as a regular household soup
• Particularly suitable for those with high blood pressure, high blood fats, coronary heart disease, or symptoms of palpitations, insomnia, and poor appetite
• Not suitable during an active cold or infection

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Adenophora root (sha shen): Traditionally used to nourish lung and stomach yin, clear heat and generate body fluids; a gentle, cooling herb
• Coastal Solomon’s seal (hai yu zhu): More potent than regular Solomon’s seal; associated with regulating qi and blood circulation, and traditionally connected to mild blood pressure and blood sugar support; regular Solomon’s seal can substitute
• Lotus seeds (lian zi): Traditionally calm the heart-spirit, ease restlessness, and support digestive regularity; pitting removes the bitter green germ
• Corn on the cob (su mi): Supports the stomach and spleen; has mild diuretic properties that can help ease mild water retention; retains corn silk for maximum benefit
• Red dates (hong zao): Nourish blood, support the spleen-stomach, and provide natural sweetness; pitting reduces any heating effect
• Lean pork (shou rou): Mild protein base; blanched to remove impurities

Ingredients (4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Adenophora root	12 g	Soak and rinse
Coastal Solomon’s seal	12 g	Soak and rinse; substitute regular Solomon’s seal if unavailable
Lotus seeds	38 g	Soak and rinse; remove the bitter green core
Corn on the cob	2 ears	Remove husks; cut into sections
Red dates	6	Pitted
Lean pork	300 g	Cut into thick slices; blanch briefly
Water	8 bowls (~1.6 L)

Method

1. Cut the lean pork into thick slices and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes; drain.
2. Remove the husks from the corn and cut each cob into sections.
3. Pit the red dates.
4. Soak and rinse the adenophora, Solomon’s seal and lotus seeds.
5. Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
7. Serve the soup and eat the solid ingredients alongside.

Bro Niu’s tips

If coastal Solomon’s seal (hai yu zhu) is not available, regular Solomon’s seal (yu zhu) can be used in the same quantity. The two are closely related; coastal Solomon’s seal is simply considered slightly more potent. This soup is gentle, stomach-friendly and pleasant enough for the whole family. Skip it, however, if anyone has an active cold — wait until fully recovered before resuming.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (reader): Where can I buy coastal Solomon’s seal? Bro Niu: Coastal Solomon’s seal is available at Chinese herbal medicine shops, as well as Asian grocers or online. It is slightly more expensive than regular Solomon’s seal but quite affordable for a household.

• Q (Kayla, reader): My elderly father has serious coronary heart disease and has been coughing continuously. He is on blood thinners and antibiotics. What can he drink? Bro Niu: Your father’s situation is best managed by a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor. For the cough, try stewing 3 qian (9 g) of fritillaria bulb with a piece of dried tangerine peel and an apple — take 3 to 4 servings. Wait until the antibiotics are finished before drinking any tonic soups.

• Q (多多, reader): My baby has just recovered from a cold but still has some phlegm and a runny nose. What can I give? Bro Niu: Try using daikon (white radish) half a piece, a pear (cored), and 3–4 stalks of spring onion white, in 4 bowls of water simmered to 1.5 bowls. Add the spring onion at the end. Give the baby one portion per day for 2 days.

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Published June 6, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.