Water chestnut, lotus root and Solomon's seal drink
Solomon's seal, lotus root and water chestnuts simmered into a lightly sweet drink that nourishes yin on dry, windy winter days — drunk warm, it is kind to the stomach.
- 1 hr 25 min
- Serves 4
- Simmer
- Easy
Why it suits you: Yin-deficient types meet dry northerly winds at Minor Cold and easily get a dry mouth, dry skin and an itchy throat. Solomon's seal nourishes yin and moistens dryness, water chestnuts clear heat and generate fluids, and lotus root turns gentler once cooked — moistening and sweet without being too cold.
Method
Prep 15 min · Cook 70 min- 1Peel and halve the water chestnuts, peel and thickly slice the lotus root, and rinse the Solomon's seal and soak it for 10 minutes.
- 2Bring the water to the boil, add everything, boil for 10 minutes, then simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
- 3Strain and drink warm; the water chestnuts and lotus root can be eaten too.
Cautions
- Water chestnuts and Solomon's seal are cooling — drink less with a cold, weak stomach or loose stools, and drink it warm, not chilled.
Chef's tips
- Choose short, plump sections of lotus root for a sweeter, more floury drink.
The TCM view
Solomon's seal is sweet and slightly cold, nourishing yin, moistening dryness and generating fluids; water chestnuts are sweet and cold, clearing heat, generating fluids and resolving phlegm; cooked lotus root is sweet and neutral, nourishing the spleen and blood; candied dates moisten the lungs. Together they nourish yin for dry winter days.
