Soups
Fuzzy Melon, Lily Bud, Black Wood Ear and Tofu Pork Soup
traditionally used to nourish blood, calm the spirit, and support breast milk flow in new mothers
Why people make this soup
The first week or two after giving birth is a delicate time. The digestive system is still finding its rhythm, lochia (post-birth discharge) may not yet have fully cleared, and many rich, tonifying foods that are popular postpartum traditions can actually slow recovery if taken too soon. Bro Niu recommends this soup as a gentle, approachable option that does not burden the new mother’s system. The ingredients are mild, affordable, and easy to find — yet according to Cantonese food-therapy tradition, they work quietly together to replenish blood, settle an anxious mind, and encourage breast milk to flow. This soup was originally shared after Bro Niu recorded a radio programme on postpartum soups; the recipe here is the one he discussed on air.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- New mothers recovering from both natural delivery and caesarean section
- Nursing mothers looking to support milk supply
- Anyone in the family can enjoy this soup — it is mild, nutritious, and suitable for all ages and constitutions
- Also well suited for people with hepatitis or those managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Dried lily buds (jin zhen): In Chinese food-therapy, lily buds are considered one of the classic lactation-supporting foods. They are also associated with nourishing blood and calming the spirit — particularly helpful for the emotional swings common in the early postpartum period. When buying, look for ones that are golden-yellow, plump, and have no sour smell.
- Black wood ear mushrooms (hei mu er): Associated with activating blood circulation and clearing stasis, wood ear mushrooms are used in postpartum food-therapy to help the body clear residual blood from childbirth. They are also a good source of iron.
- Firm tofu (dou fu): A plant-based protein that is easy to digest, gentle on a recovering digestive system, and associated in Chinese tradition with clearing heat and benefiting the stomach.
- Fuzzy melon (jie gua): A mild, cooling gourd that is easy on the stomach. Considered gentler and less cold in nature than winter melon, making it more appropriate for early postpartum use.
- Lean pork (shou rou): Provides protein and depth of flavour without the heaviness of fatty cuts, keeping the soup nourishing but not greasy.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried lily buds (jin zhen) | 3 qian (~11 g) | Soak until soft; remove tough stem ends |
| Dried black wood ear mushrooms | 2–3 pieces | Soak until fully opened; remove stem ends |
| Firm tofu | 2 blocks | Cut into pieces |
| Fuzzy melon (hairy gourd) | 1 medium | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Lean pork | ~300 g | Slice and blanch in boiling water; discard water |
Method
- Soak the dried lily buds and wood ear mushrooms in cold water until soft (about 30 minutes). Remove and discard the tough stems from both.
- Scrub and peel the fuzzy melon; cut into large chunks. Cut the tofu into pieces.
- Slice the lean pork and blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities; discard the blanching water.
- Combine all ingredients in a pot with 7 bowls of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve the soup and eat the vegetables, tofu and meat together.
Bro Niu’s tips
Lily buds are best bought golden-yellow in colour and without any sourish smell — this indicates freshness and better quality. The soup is suitable for the whole family, not just new mothers. It is particularly appropriate in the first week or two after birth when the digestive system is still recovering, as it is gentle yet nourishing rather than rich or cloying.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Cherie): My baby is one week old and has breast-milk jaundice. The doctor says I can continue breastfeeding. What soups can I drink, and are there foods I should avoid? Bro Niu: For now, reduce yellow-coloured foods like pumpkin, carrot, papaya and tomato. Potato is fine. You can also boil 5 qian of yin chen (wormwood herb), 2 honeyed dates and 4 bowls of water for 30 minutes; drink after finishing breastfeeding so it does not affect the baby’s liver. Repeat for 4–5 doses.
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Q (Betty): After a caesarean section, can I eat white-backed black wood ear mushrooms to help clear lochia while breastfeeding? Will they affect my milk? Bro Niu: You can eat white-backed black wood ear — just limit it to one piece per session and it will not reduce your milk. Alternatively, boil 5 qian yi mu cao (motherwort), 3 qian hawthorn and some brown sugar in 4 bowls of water until reduced to 2 bowls; this also helps clear lochia.
Published March 21, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
