American Ginseng, Ophiopogon & Lotus Seed Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

In traditional Chinese food therapy, the early stage of hyperthyroidism is thought to involve excess liver fire, and over time this heat is said to deplete yin — the body’s cooling, moistening energy. When heart yin is drained, the classic signs appear: a racing or irregular heart, a sense of fluttering in the chest, restlessness, and poor sleep. This soup brings together a few ingredients that generations of Cantonese households have turned to for exactly that kind of inner restlessness — something warming in spirit but cooling in effect, gentle enough to share with the whole family.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suited to those managing hyperthyroidism who experience palpitations, a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest tightness, anxiety, or poor sleep
• Also suitable for anyone feeling heart-heat from overwork, late nights, or stress
• Those on prescription thyroid medications should consult their doctor before making significant dietary changes
• During menstruation, soups without strong blood-moving herbs (such as this one) can generally still be enjoyed; confirm with your physician if in doubt

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• American ginseng (hua qi shen): Compared to Asian ginseng, American ginseng is cooler in nature and traditionally associated with supporting heart function, promoting fluid production, and reducing excess fire — without the warming intensity that could aggravate a heat-type condition
• Ophiopogon root (mai dong): A classic “cool and moist” herb traditionally used to nourish heart yin and clear heart heat — one of the cornerstone ingredients for easing dryness and internal restlessness
• Fresh lotus seeds with core (xian lian zi lian xin): The lotus core (lian xin) is the key here. It is traditionally said to clear heart fire, calm the spirit, and — interestingly — has been studied for properties related to supporting normal heart rhythm. The whole fresh lotus seed is gentler than the dried form
• Red dates (hong zao): Nourish qi and blood, and help moderate the other ingredients
• Ginger (sheng jiang): A small amount balances the cooler ingredients and supports digestion

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
American ginseng	7.5 g	Add in the last 5 minutes only — do not boil for the full time
Fresh lotus seeds with core	75 g	Rinse; keep the green core in
Ophiopogon root	18 g	Rinse and soak briefly
Fresh ginger	2 slices
Red dates, pitted	6 pieces
Lean pork	300 g	Blanch in boiling water first, then discard that water

Method

1. Rinse the fresh lotus seeds and set aside; briefly soak and rinse the ophiopogon root; pit the red dates; blanch the lean pork in boiling water for a minute or two, drain.
2. Bring 7 bowls of water to a boil in a pot. Add the lotus seeds, ophiopogon, ginger, red dates, and pork.
3. Simmer over medium-low heat for 50 minutes.
4. Slice the American ginseng thinly and add it to the pot. Simmer for a further 5 minutes only, then turn off the heat. Serve.

Bro Niu’s tips

Fresh lotus seeds with the core intact give the best results. If you cannot find fresh lotus seeds, substitute dried lotus seeds with the core still attached (you wu xin lian zi) — use about 40 g (1 liang). You can also add 40 g of dried lily bulb (bai he) to the pot; it deepens the calming, heart-nourishing effect.

American ginseng should always go in last and cook only briefly — prolonged boiling destroys some of its beneficial compounds.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Yu Mama): I have hyperthyroidism and am using food therapy to support my recovery. Can I drink hyperthyroid-support soups during my period? Bro Niu: As long as the soup does not contain strongly blood-activating herbs like tian qi (notoginseng) or dan shen (salvia), you can drink it freely during menstruation.

• Q (Can): Can this soup be given to a 3-year-old child after dinner? And will it cause them to stay up at night? Bro Niu: This soup is fine for young children after dinner. Lotus seeds with the core are known for their calming properties, so if anything, it should help with sleep rather than hinder it.

• Q (Anonymous visitor): Is it okay to add ingredients like huai shan (Chinese yam) to a soup made with American ginseng? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add huai shan and similar mild ingredients — just remember to always add the American ginseng near the end of cooking.

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Published August 20, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.