Soups
Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed, Chestnut, Black Bean and Mulberry Lean Pork Soup
traditionally used to nourish the spleen and kidneys, strengthen bones and sinews, and support joint health
Why people make this soup
Rheumatoid arthritis is understood in Chinese medicine as a condition where the body’s self-regulation has gone awry — which is why, unlike simple fatigue or cold deficiency, it calls for a particular kind of food therapy: one that nourishes without over-stimulating. Many popular tonics (ginseng and deer antler, eight-treasure soup, and similar rich formulas) are considered counterproductive here because they may further agitate an already reactive immune system. The same caution applies to foods high in hormones, such as intensively farmed poultry, bird’s nest, and snow jelly.
Instead, Bro Niu reaches for ingredients that are gentle and sustaining: Chinese yam and lotus seeds to support the spleen; chestnuts and black beans to strengthen the kidney and bones; mulberries to nourish the blood and liver. This combination produces a clear, naturally sweet broth that is genuinely pleasant to drink and suitable for people of almost any age.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for adults with rheumatoid arthritis, the elderly, and children (this soup is mild and suitable for growing children)
- Beneficial for bone density support and prevention of osteoporosis
- Those with gout should substitute green-kernel black beans with red adzuki beans (chi xiao dou), which are the one bean considered safe and helpful for gout
- People with diagnosed gout and elevated potassium: if potassium is high, replace black beans and red adzuki beans with coix seeds (yi yi ren / job’s tears), which are lower in potassium
- If southern dates (nan zao) are unavailable, substitute with 3–4 dried figs
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Nourishes the spleen, stomach, and kidney; gentle and broadly well tolerated
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): Support the spleen and kidney; calm the spirit; add gentle sweetness
- Green-kernel black beans (qing ren hei dou): Strengthen kidney qi; traditionally associated with sinew and bone nourishment; rich in antioxidants
- Chestnuts (li zi): In Chinese food therapy, considered excellent for nourishing the kidney and strengthening the bones and sinews
- Dried mulberries (sang shen zi): Nourish the liver and kidney; support blood; add a pleasant sweet-tart note
- Southern dates (nan zao): Warm, sweet; nourish blood; harmonise the formula
- Lean pork: Neutral, mild base protein
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~40 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Lotus seeds (lian zi) | ~40 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Green-kernel black beans | ~40 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Chestnuts (shelled) | ~120 g | Fresh or pre-shelled |
| Dried mulberries (sang shen zi) | ~20 g | Rinse gently |
| Southern dates (nan zao) | 6 pieces | Rinse (real nan zao have visible skin texture and are firm; pressed flat ones are likely horse-tooth dates) |
| Lean pork | ~450 g | Blanched, cut into slices |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.6 L) |
Method
- Rinse and briefly soak the Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and black beans.
- Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2–3 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and cut into thick slices.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 hours.
- Serve warm. Drink the broth and eat the solids — chestnuts, lotus seeds, and Chinese yam are all edible and nourishing.
Bro Niu’s tips
This is a sweet, pleasant soup that the whole family can enjoy. It also benefits growing children (bone and height development) and older adults concerned about bone density. For gout patients, substitute the black beans with red adzuki beans. If southern dates are hard to find outside Hong Kong or mainland China, Bro Niu suggests using 3–4 dried figs as a substitute. A note on identifying real southern dates: genuine nan zao have visible skin markings and resist pressing flat; fake horse-tooth dates (ma ya zao) have smoother skin and squish when pressed.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Annie): I have gout — can I use black beans in this soup? Bro Niu: People with gout should generally avoid most beans. The exception is red adzuki beans (chi xiao dou), which are safe and actually helpful for gout because they help suppress uric acid. I would leave out the black beans and use red adzuki beans instead.
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Q (Ling): I may have rheumatoid arthritis and have joint pain. Is there a simple external remedy that can help? Bro Niu: When the joint pain flares up, try applying fresh ginger juice to the affected area and then blowing it dry with a hair dryer on a low heat setting. Keep the dryer at a distance to avoid burning the skin. This can bring noticeable relief. Of course, please also see a doctor for the underlying condition.
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Q (Amy): I can’t find southern dates outside Hong Kong. What can I substitute? Bro Niu: Use 3–4 dried figs as a substitute — they work well and are easy to find.
Published December 24, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
