As a passionate advocate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and holistic wellness, I’ve always turned to nature’s pharmacy to address the emotional and physical tolls of modern life. One recipe that has become my sanctuary during stressful times is Yu Zhu Lian Zi Qing Xin Tang (玉竹莲子清心汤)—a calming, slightly sweet herbal soup designed to clear heart fire, pacify liver Qi stagnation, and dissolve restless nights. If you’re battling insomnia, irritability, or the endless loop of overthinking, this ancient formula might be your key to reclaiming peace. Let’s dive into its healing wisdom!
The Ingredients: Nature’s Answer to Inner Fire
This soup harmonizes five key TCM ingredients, each chosen to cool excess heat and nourish the Shen (spirit):
- Lotus Seeds (莲子, 20g): The ultimate heart tonic, they calm the mind, reduce night awakenings, and strengthen digestion.
- Fragrant Solomon’s Seal (玉竹, 15g): Known as Yu Zhu, this root moistens dryness, soothes throat irritation, and cools inflammatory heat.
- Coix Seed (薏米, 20g): Roasted to enhance its dampness-dispelling power, it alleviates puffiness and supports spleen health.
- Longan Fruit (桂圆, 5–6 pieces): A blood-nourishing gem, it combats fatigue, anxiety, and palpitations linked to overwork.
- Dried Chinese Yam (山藥干, 20g): Strengthens the spleen and kidneys, stabilizes blood sugar, and grounds scattered energy.
Together, these ingredients embody the TCM principle of Qing Xin An Shen (清心安神)—“clearing heart fire and tranquilizing the spirit”—a cornerstone for emotional equilibrium.
Two Ways to Prepare: Simple Tea or Nourishing Broth
Version 1: Daily Calming Tea
Perfect for busy days!
Ingredients:
- 20g lotus seeds
- 15g Yu Zhu
- 20g roasted coix seed
- 5–6 dried longans
- 20g dried Chinese yam
- 1.5L filtered water
Instructions:
- Rinse herbs: Quickly rinse all ingredients to remove dust.
- Simmer: Add everything to a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Strain and sip: Enjoy warm or chilled throughout the day.
Version 2: Heart-Nourishing Bone Broth
Ideal for deeper nourishment!
Ingredients (additions):
- 300g pork ribs, chicken, or lean meat (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prep coix seed: Dry-roast coix seeds in a pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant (enhances dampness removal).
- Blanch meat: Briefly boil ribs to remove impurities, then rinse.
- Slow-cook: Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2L water. Simmer on low heat for 2 hours.
- Season: Add a pinch of salt before serving.
Pro tip: For extra cooling, add a handful of chrysanthemum flowers during the last 10 minutes of cooking!
Benefits: Why This Soup is a Modern-Day Lifeline
In TCM, heart fire (心火旺) and liver Qi stagnation (肝气不舒) are root causes of insomnia, anxiety, and emotional turbulence. Here’s how this soup helps:
- Extinguishes heart fire: Lotus seeds and Yu Zhu clear heat causing night sweats, vivid dreams, and a red tongue tip.
- Soothes liver Qi: Longan and Chinese yam nourish blood to ease irritability, menstrual mood swings, and 3 a.m. wake-ups.
- Strengthens digestion: Coix seed and yam prevent bloating and fatigue from poor nutrient absorption.
Research shows that lotus seed compounds can increase GABA levels by 20%, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep cycles.
Who Should Drink This Soup?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Heart fire types: Symptoms include insomnia, restlessness, bitter taste in the mouth, and red tongue tip.
- Liver Qi stagnation sufferers: Frequent anger, PMS mood swings, or waking between 1–3 a.m.
- Overthinkers and workaholics: Those mentally exhausted from decision fatigue or chronic stress.
- Postpartum or peri-menopausal women: Replenishes blood and calms hormonal fluctuations.
Contraindications: Avoid if diagnosed with spleen deficiency with loose stools or excessive cold in the body. Pregnant women should omit coix seed.
Optimal Usage for Lasting Calm
To restore balance:
- Frequency: Consume 3–4 times weekly for 4–6 weeks. Take a 7-day break before resuming.
- Timing: Drink the tea in the afternoon to prevent energy slumps or enjoy the broth at dinner to prepare for restful sleep.
- Seasonal pairing: Best in spring (liver season) or summer (heart season) when internal heat peaks.
Final Thoughts: A Bowl of Tranquility
In a world that glorifies “burning the candle at both ends,” Yu Zhu Lian Zi Qing Xin Tang invites us to pause, nourish, and realign. Whether you’re simmering a pot for your family or sipping tea at your desk, this recipe is a gentle reminder that true wellness begins with listening to your body’s whispers. Let its subtle sweetness cradle your spirit, and watch as calm becomes your new default.
Here’s to peaceful nights and radiant mornings! 🌙✨