Soups
Dried Persimmon and Rush Pith Soup
Traditionally used as a gentle companion for heat-type urinary discomfort
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu wants to be honest here: blood in the urine is something to take seriously and have a doctor look at, because the colour and amount vary and the causes range widely. Food therapy can only play a supporting role. This simple two-ingredient soup of dried persimmon and rush pith is traditionally used for the pattern of frequent, urgent, painful urination with bright-red blood that Chinese tradition links to “lower-burner heat”.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Traditionally taken by those with heat-type urinary discomfort, or feelings of restlessness, heat and thirst, as a gentle daily companion.
- Anyone with blood in the urine must see a doctor first — this soup does not replace medical evaluation or treatment.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dried persimmon (shi bing): traditionally regarded as benefiting the upright energy and gently soothing heat-type bleeding; high in natural sugar, so two a day is plenty.
- Rush pith (deng xin cao): classically used to clear heat and gently support normal urination.
Ingredients (2 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried persimmon cakes | 2 | Cut into pieces |
| Rush pith | ~7.5 g (2 qian) | Rinse |
Method
- Cut the dried persimmon cakes into pieces.
- Rinse the rush pith.
- Put both in a pot with 5 bowls of water and simmer about 1 hour down to 2 bowls. Take in 2 portions over the day.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is also traditionally considered helpful for those with blood in the stool, or who feel restless, hot and thirsty. Dried persimmon is high in sugar, so limit it to about two a day.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Jess): Is there any food therapy to support someone with a bladder tumour while waiting for treatment? Bro Niu: You can use more heat-clearing foods such as kelp, laver, monk fruit and water chestnut, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, drink lots of water, and avoid fried, spicy food, smoking and alcohol. A soup of agaricus mushroom, lingzhi, snow fungus, goji and figs with lean pork is traditionally used to support overall strength. Of course, keep following your medical team.
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Q (momo): I had blood in my urine and feel weak after antibiotics. Can I snack on dried persimmon since my mouth feels bland from drinking so much water? Is the rooster-heart-shaped Korean kind different? Bro Niu: Blood in the urine must be managed carefully with a doctor. Dried persimmon is traditionally seen as benefiting the upright energy and is fine to eat; the Korean kind is just as good and sweet, but because it is high in sugar, limit it to two a day.
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Q (reader): Any food therapy that supports stopping bleeding, since blood in the urine caused anaemia? Bro Niu: Blood in the urine must be treated by a doctor. As a gentle companion, you can juice a large segment of fresh lotus root, steam it warm and drink it; it is traditionally used to support this, for about 3 servings.
Published August 1, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
