Soups
White Peony and Ophiopogon Pork Soup
traditionally associated with calming liver heat, clearing heart fire, and easing irritability in both children and adults
Why people make this soup
Modern life is busy at every age. Adults push through late nights and deadlines; children face cramming schedules that leave little time for proper sleep. In traditional Chinese food therapy, this kind of chronic overwork and poor sleep is understood to stir up “liver heat” and “heart fire,” which can show up as easy irritation, short temper, restlessness, and difficulty calming down — in both grown-ups and young children. Bro Niu recommends this White Peony and Ophiopogon soup as a gentle everyday remedy, equally suited to a grumpy child and a stressed parent. The flavour is mildly sweet and easy to drink, so even picky children tend to accept it.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Adults and children with irritability, short temper, or restlessness linked to late nights, stress, or heat buildup.
- Pregnant women may drink this soup.
- Children as young as 6 months can drink a small amount (about half a small bowl); toddlers from around 20 months can have about half a regular bowl.
- For children with mouth ulcers (heart fire): add 30 g lotus seeds with cores (you xin lian zi) to strengthen the cooling effect.
- G6PD-deficient children may drink this soup.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- White peony root (bai shao): One of the classic herbs for softening liver tension — traditionally used to nourish blood, ease cramping, and calm an overactive liver yang. In food therapy it works gently rather than forcefully.
- Ophiopogon root (mai dong): A sweet, cooling root associated with clearing heart fire and moistening the lungs and stomach. It helps relieve thirst, restlessness, and dry-heat symptoms.
- Honey dates (mi zao): Naturally sweet dried jujubes, often added to soups for children to improve palatability and gently support the spleen.
- Lean pork: Adds protein, depth of flavour, and a mild nourishing quality without excessive richness.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried white peony root (bai shao) | 11 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Ophiopogon root (mai dong) | 19 g | Rinse and soak briefly |
| Honey dates (mi zao) | 3 pieces | |
| Lean pork | 300 g | Slice; blanch in boiling water and rinse |
| Water | 6 bowls (~1.1 L) |
Method
- Rinse the white peony root and ophiopogon root; soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Slice the lean pork and blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes to remove impurities; rinse and set aside.
- Place all ingredients — herbs, honey dates, and pork — into a pot with 6 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1 hour until the broth reduces to about 3 bowls.
- Strain (or leave the dates and pork in for eating) and serve warm.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is gentle enough for the whole family, from children to the elderly. If heart fire feels particularly strong — mouth ulcers, vivid dreams, or difficulty falling asleep — add 30 g of lotus seeds with their green cores still in (you xin lian zi) and cook together. The core is slightly bitter but carries the best heat-clearing effect. You can also add one carrot for colour and extra sweetness without changing the therapeutic direction. For a basic formula for calming children’s nighttime restlessness, Bro Niu suggests adding lotus seeds, lily bulb (bai he), and lamp-wick herb (deng xin cao) to plain water.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Maronmy, parent of a 21-month-old): My toddler wakes several times a night and gets very irritable — can she drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, she can have about half a bowl. You can also try simmering ordinary lotus seeds with lily bulb and lamp-wick herb (deng xin cao) in water — that is very gentle for clearing heart fire and calming young children.
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Q (reader): Does this soup help with mouth ulcers? Bro Niu: Yes — add lotus seeds with cores (you xin lian zi), about 30 g, and cook together. Alternatively, try a congee made with salted lean pork and preserved egg, which also has a yin-nourishing, fire-reducing effect.
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Q (方太): I am 12 weeks pregnant — can I drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, pregnant women may drink this soup.
Published October 3, 2015 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
