by Florence Lim, L.Ac., DAOM
Mung Bean and Lotus Seed Soup is the perfect soup to balance summer heat and treat excess damp heat conditions such as diarrhea (particularly summer diarrhea), acne, and water retention. Job's Tears are added to the mix to further aid in eliminating phlegm or excess mucous - particularly from the lungs and digestive tract. Besides being abundant in nutrients, minerals, and anti-aging enzymes, lotus seeds are also great at alleviating diarrhea and insomnia due to its astringent and naturally sedative properties. In Chinese culture, we traditionally eat this soup as a refreshing and thirst-quenching treat during the summer months when it gets very hot and humid.
Healthy Spleen, Healthy Lungs
In Chinese medicine, the digestive Spleen system and respiratory Lung system share an intimate relationship with one another. Healthy Spleen Qi and digestive function lead to an elimination of damp and phlegm stagnation in the body and in turn strengthen Lung function. We should aim to optimize our Spleen function and get rid of excess phlegm or damp heat issues such as diarrhea in the summer so that we can have optimal Lung function going into the autumn and winter months. Regularly eating Mung Bean and Lotus Seed Soup in the summer, when combined with healthy diet and lifestyle choices, can therefore encourage healthy Spleen and Lung function and prevent chronic respiratory illness in the colder seasons.
We have bags of Mung Bean and Lotus Seed Soup for sale now at the front desk during checkout. You can also check out the recipe below to purchase the ingredients yourself.
Ingredients:
Green mung beans 5 oz
White lotus seeds 2 oz.
Job's tears 2 oz.
8 to 10 cups of water
2 oz or to taste of sugar or sweetener of your choice
Preparation:
Rinse mung beans, lotus seeds, and job's tears.
Soak all ingredients overnight (except sugar/sweetener) in 8 to 10 cups of cold water
Drain, and add another 8 to 10 cups of water into a pot
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let simmer partially covered for 1 hours or to preferred consistency
Add sugar to taste during the final 10 minutes of cooking
Serve hot or cold
Enjoy!