Soups
Papaya, Luffa, Peanut & Fig Soup
Traditionally used to support breast-milk supply and ease postpartum constipation
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu has a soft spot for thoughtful vegetarian cooking — done well, with balanced protein from nuts, seeds and whole grains, it can be every bit as nourishing as a meat diet. New mothers worried about getting enough are exactly who he had in mind here. This light, gently sweet pot pairs papaya and luffa, two old favourites for supporting milk flow, with peanuts and figs. It’s traditionally sipped to encourage breast-milk supply, help with calcium absorption, and ease the constipation that often troubles new mothers.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits breastfeeding mothers wanting a gentle, plant-based milk-supporting soup.
- Also helpful for postpartum constipation.
- Pregnant women must NOT use papaya, as it may stimulate uterine contractions — this soup is strictly for after childbirth.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Papaya (mu gua): Traditionally used to support breast-milk supply.
- Luffa / sponge gourd (si gua): Traditionally used to open and support the milk ducts.
- Peanuts (hua sheng): Nourishing and protein-rich, supporting a postpartum diet.
- Figs (wu hua guo): Sweet and fibre-rich; traditionally enjoyed to support smooth digestion.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Papaya (mu gua) | 1 | Peel, deseed, cut into chunks |
| Luffa (si gua) | 1 | Peel, cut into chunks |
| Peanuts (hua sheng) | ~75 g | Soak and rinse |
| Figs (wu hua guo) | 4 | Halve |
Method
- Peel and deseed the papaya, cut into chunks; peel the luffa and cut into chunks.
- Soak and rinse the peanuts; halve the figs.
- Put everything in a pot with 7–8 bowls of water and simmer for 1 hour, reducing to 4 bowls. Eat the soup with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Papaya supports milk supply and luffa supports the milk ducts. This soup is clear, sweet and tasty, suitable for young and old. But pregnant women should not use papaya, as it may cause the uterus to contract.
Published June 10, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
